France's financial watchdog has reminded cryptocurrency companies that only 30% of unlicensed firms have applied for the required Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) license. Regulators note that 40% show no interest in seeking approval, while another 30% remain undecided. Unlicensed operators face cessation of activities in France by July.
The Autorité des Marchés Financiers (AMF), France's market regulator, issued a reminder to crypto companies operating without licenses under the European Union's MiCA framework. According to a report from Reuters on January 13, 2026, just 30% of the unlicensed entities in France have submitted applications for the necessary authorization. Stephane Pontoizeau, executive director of the AMF's market intermediaries and infrastructures supervision directorate, shared these figures during a briefing with journalists in Paris.
Pontoizeau highlighted that 40% of these companies have explicitly stated they are not pursuing a MiCA license, and 30% have yet to inform the regulator of their intentions. The MiCA regulation mandates that crypto firms obtain licenses from national authorities to conduct business across the EU's 27 member states. Failure to secure approval means these companies must halt operations in France come July 2026, though deadlines differ in other EU nations.
MiCA, formally approved in 2023 and rolled out in phases through 2024 and 2025, seeks to standardize cryptocurrency oversight amid a previously fragmented landscape. It imposes rigorous standards on crypto exchanges, stablecoin issuers, and wallet providers, including capital requirements and consumer protections. Several major players have already complied: Coinbase, Circle, and Revolut hold MiCA licenses.
The regulation's impact is evident in recent developments, such as Gemini's acquisition of a MiCA license from the Malta Financial Services Authority in August 2025. Mark Jennings, Gemini's head of Europe, described it as a 'critical milestone' in a blog post. 'Today’s announcement cements Gemini’s long-standing dedication to upholding the highest standards of regulatory compliance,' Jennings said. He added that 'clear regulation of the industry is the foundation of global crypto adoption, and MiCA’s implementation has proven that Europe is one of the most innovative and forward-looking regions regarding this.'
As compliance deadlines approach, the AMF's update underscores the urgency for the sector to align with these harmonized rules, potentially reshaping operations for global crypto firms in Europe.