France’s MiCA deadline puts unlicensed crypto firms on notice

France’s Financial Markets Authority has warned crypto firms to secure MiCA licenses before the June 30 deadline or leave the market.

The warning comes as Europe moves toward full enforcement of the Markets in Crypto-Assets framework.

AMF sets final MiCA deadline for crypto firms

AMF President Marie-Anne Barbat-Layani said crypto firms must complete their license applications before the deadline. Reuters quoted her as saying, “It’s becoming very, very urgent to finalise the licences applications.”

The warning applies to crypto companies still operating without full MiCA approval. These firms must either obtain authorization or stop serving customers in France.

France’s transition period ends on July 1, 2026. After that date, only authorized Crypto-Asset Service Providers can continue offering crypto services in the country.

Unlicensed firms face wind-down plans

The AMF said firms without approval must prepare “orderly wind-down plans.” These plans should allow customers to recover or transfer their crypto assets.

The regulator can add unauthorized firms to blacklists. It can also warn the public and seek action against websites that keep targeting French users without permission.

Under French rules, unauthorized providers may face fines and possible legal action. The AMF said firms should not wait until the final date to act.

MiCA passporting raises EU tensions

MiCA lets a crypto firm get licensed in one EU country and then offer services across all 27 member states. This system is known as passporting.

However, France has raised concerns about uneven approval standards across the bloc. Some regulators worry that faster licensing in smaller markets may create weak points.

Barbat-Layani said France could block passporting from another country if it disagrees with that regulator’s decision. She also said such a step would reflect a wider regulatory failure.

Related MiCA moves show market split

As previously reported by crypto.news, Coinhouse recently became one of France’s first fully MiCA-licensed crypto providers. The approval allows it to offer services across EU member states.

Banca Sella also gained approval in Italy under MiCA. The bank plans to offer custody and transfer services to selected clients by the end of 2026.

The wider EU rulebook is still under review. Brussels has opened a consultation on MiCA, including stablecoin rules, DeFi gaps, and cross-border supervision.

The French warning shows that MiCA is moving from planning to enforcement. For crypto firms, the deadline now creates a clear choice. They must get licensed, leave the market, or risk action from regulators.