French Crypto Firms to Have Made Major Compliance Decisions by Mid-Year: AMF Reports 30% Still Silent on License Plans

On January 14, the French Financial Markets Authority (AMF) unveiled concerning compliance metrics for the nation’s crypto sector. According to Reuters reports, French regulators to have been closely monitoring nearly 90 unlicensed cryptocurrency firms operating within the country’s borders as they navigate a critical regulatory deadline. With only months remaining before the June 30 cutoff, a significant portion of these companies remain uncommitted to their regulatory future.

The Compliance Deadline French Regulators Have Set in Motion

The compliance landscape in France faces a pivotal turning point. ESMA, the European Securities and Markets Authority, mandates that all unauthorized firms establish or implement structured exit procedures—what regulators formally term an “orderly wind-down”—before the June 30 deadline approaches. This regulatory transition represents a watershed moment for crypto companies operating in the French market, forcing each entity to confront a binary choice: pursue formal authorization or prepare for an organized market exit.

Three Distinct Paths Crypto Firms Have Chosen in France

The data paints a fragmented picture of industry response. Among the approximately 90 companies subject to these regulations, the distribution reveals:

• 30% have filed for authorization: These firms have proactively submitted applications, signaling their commitment to operate within the new regulatory framework.
• 40% have explicitly declined: This group has clearly communicated their intention to cease crypto operations in France rather than pursue compliance.
• 30% remain non-committal: Perhaps most concerning for French authorities, nearly one-third have provided no indication of their plans or intentions.

What France’s Regulatory Framework Means Going Forward

The French market to have already demonstrated its capacity to support compliant operators. Major platforms including Coinbase, Circle, and Revolut have successfully obtained their MiCA (Markets in Crypto-assets Regulation) licenses, establishing a clear pathway for firms willing to meet stringent regulatory requirements. These early adopters showcase that French compliance, while demanding, remains achievable for serious market participants.

The silent 30% now faces mounting pressure. As the July implementation period draws closer, French regulators will likely intensify efforts to compel these undecided firms toward compliance or closure. This regulatory environment underscores France’s commitment to establishing one of Europe’s most robust frameworks for crypto oversight.