France Issues Final MiCA Warning to Crypto Firms Ahead of July 2026 Deadline

France’s AMF warns crypto firms to secure MiCA license by July 2026 or exit, citing penalties, delays, and strict enforcement.

France’s financial regulator has issued a final warning to crypto firms operating in the country. The Autorité des marche financiers reminded providers that the MiCA transitional period is ending on July 1, 2026. Therefore, companies have to comply or cease providing crypto services in France.

AMF Sets Firm Timeline for MiCA License

The AMF made it clear that Crypto Asset Service Providers should only be allowed to operate if they were authorised by MiCA after July 2026. Digital Asset Service Providers will need to be CASP authorised by their date. Otherwise, they must completely stop operating in the French market.

In addition, firms that do not plan on compliance have an earlier deadline. The AMF had called upon such providers to start an orderly wind-down by March 30, 2026. This step is based on protecting the consumer and minimizing market disruption.

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Unauthorised crypto services could be strenuously enforced. These include financial penalties, being blacklisted in public, and blocking access to the websites. Therefore, ongoing non-compliance has serious operational and reputational risks.

From July 2026 onwards, there will be a severe limitation on crypto services. Only MiCA-compliant CASPs are legally able to operate. This is applied in all crypto-related activities offered in framework of France.

To qualify, firms must take one of two regulatory paths. First, they can get CASP authorisation directly from the AMF. Second, financial entities that are eligible for the Regulation may notify authorities under Article 60 of MiCA.

CASPs authorised under MiCA must comply with common standards. They must also meet service-specific regulatory requirements. These rules have the aim of harmonizing the crypto oversight in the European Union.

Authorised CASPs may enjoy the right to passporting. This has the effect that firms can supply services to other member states of the EU. The AMF has a publicly available whitelist of authorised providers on its website.

ESMA Warns of Delays and Incomplete Applications

European regulators have also emphasized early preparation. In December 2025, ESMA advised firms to expect the end of the transitional period. Review timelines can range up to 4 months following the submission of files.

However, regulators raised an important concern. Initial applications tend to be incomplete. As a result, demands for clarifications or major revisions are often made on firms.

These revisions may result in further delays for approval. Therefore, late work will be at risk of not making the July 2026 deadline. Firms may be compelled to suspend their operations for a period of time or indefinitely.

The AMF noted that experience shows many applications require much improvement. Poor documentation quality delays the approval process to a great extent. As a result, early preparation and comprehensive preparation are essential.

Regulators emphasized the importance of completeness of files. Accurate financial information, financial governance, and a compliance framework should be presented clearly. Weak submissions could fail with resubmission attempts.

The AMF, therefore, called on DASPs to act immediately. Firms that wish to remain in business should submit MiCA authorisation files as soon as possible. Waiting is a risk for increased regulation and business risk.

For crypto companies, the message is clear. Compliance is no longer an option. Firms are forced either to comply with MiCA standards or to be forced out of regulated European markets.

As the deadline nears, there will be a greater level of regulatory attention. Therefore, firms delay taking risks, with severe consequences. Early compliance is the only way forward now to have a stable path ahead under MiCA.

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