- France’s ACPR intensifies AML checks on major crypto exchanges Binance, Coinhouse.
- MiCA licensing deadline pushes French regulators to tighten crypto compliance oversight.
- Dozens of crypto firms face scrutiny as EU prepares unified framework.
France’s banking regulator, the Autorité de contrôle prudentiel et de résolution (ACPR), has launched extensive anti-money laundering (AML) inspections on dozens of registered crypto firms. The review includes major exchanges such as Binance and Coinhouse, forming part of a crucial process linked to the European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) framework.
The inspections, which began in late 2024, have become the central test that firms must pass to secure a full EU-wide license before the June 2026 MiCA compliance deadline. Companies that fail to meet these standards risk losing the opportunity to operate across the entire European market.
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France’s Regulatory Sweep Expands
According to Bloomberg, the ACPR’s regulatory drive targets all registered Digital Asset Service Providers (DASPs) in France. The authority is assessing whether these firms comply with strict anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing (AML/CFT) obligations.
This increased scrutiny aligns with a broader effort by France, Italy, and Austria to strengthen EU-level oversight of the crypto industry. The three nations are urging the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA), based in Paris, to take on a more direct supervisory role over major crypto players. The aim is to prevent regulatory “shopping,” where firms seek authorization in countries with weaker enforcement and later expand their operations across the EU.
Binance and Coinhouse Under Review
Binance, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange, is a primary focus of the ACPR’s current inspections. The regulator reportedly instructed Binance last year to improve its internal risk management and compliance controls. A company representative described the checks as standard periodic reviews that apply to all regulated entities in France.
Coinhouse, a prominent French-based exchange, is also part of the ongoing review. The inspection process follows a two-step system. The ACPR oversees the AML and CFT evaluations, while its findings are shared with the Autorité des marchés financiers (AMF), which grants the MiCA authorization once compliance is confirmed.
MiCA Licensing Becomes the Key Hurdle
The ACPR’s findings will play a decisive role in determining which crypto firms can continue operating under MiCA rules after 2026. At present, companies with basic registration in France must upgrade to obtain the full MiCA license. This approval will allow them to offer services across all 27 EU member states.
So far, only a few firms, including Deblock, GOin, Bitstack, and CACEIS, have received full authorization. The small number of approvals underscores the complexity and stringency of the French licensing process.
The Path Toward 2026
Failure to meet the ACPR’s AML standards could lead to sanctions from French authorities. More importantly, it could prevent firms from obtaining MiCA licenses, effectively blocking them from operating in the European Union.
As the 2026 deadline draws nearer, France’s regulatory actions are expected to shape the landscape of crypto compliance across the bloc, setting the tone for how digital asset companies will operate under the EU’s unified framework.
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