Bitcoin-Only App Relai Secures MiCA License In France

Swiss Bitcoin app Relai has turn out to be one of many first Bitcoin-only firms to obtain regulatory approval within the European Markets in Crypto-Belongings (MiCA) framework.

The Zurich-based firm immediately introduced that it has been cleared by the French Monetary Markets Authority (AMF) as a Crypto-Asset Service Supplier (CASP), in line with a observe shared with Bitcoin Journal.

The approval marks an essential second not just for Relai, however for the broader Bitcoin ecosystem in Europe. The MiCA regulation, which got here into impact earlier this 12 months, units uniform guidelines for crypto firms throughout the EU, aiming to extend investor safety and cut back regulatory fragmentation between member states.

Whereas main exchanges like Binance and Coinbase are nonetheless navigating the advanced licensing course of, Relai’s early authorization offers it an edge as one of many first Bitcoin solely firms to attain compliance.

“We’re extremely proud to be one of many first Bitcoin firms to obtain the MiCA license and want to broaden first to France – and in a second step to Europe,” stated Julian Liniger, co-founder and CEO of Relai. “It is a large second for Bitcoin adoption on the continent.”

Relai is increasing a bitcoin-only imaginative and prescient throughout Europe

Based in Zurich in 2020, Relai has grown regardless of a tough regulatory surroundings for digital property.

The corporate closed a Collection A funding spherical final 12 months and surpassed 500,000 app downloads, establishing itself as an easy-to-use gateway for European retail traders searching for publicity to Bitcoin with out intermediaries.

With the MiCA license secured, Relai can now ‘passport’ its companies throughout the EU – that means it will possibly function in all 27 member states as soon as formal notification procedures are accomplished.

The corporate plans to introduce a variety of latest options tailor-made to European customers, together with Immediate SEPA funds, larger buying and selling limits, fastened value transparency and enhanced safety requirements.

Relai additionally plans to spend money on training and group constructing, launching localized studying sources and sponsoring Bitcoin occasions throughout Europe.

“Our objective is evident: to convey Bitcoin to as many individuals as attainable – easy, safe and controlled,” stated Adem Bilican, co-founder and president of Relai EU.

The corporate can also be strengthening its board with a newly appointed advisory board, consisting of trade veterans Jean Guillaume, Daniel Astraud and Herve de Kerdrel, who will present recommendation on regulatory compliance and strategic development.

Relai plans to leverage its MiCA approval to broaden throughout Europe, with advertising campaigns and app updates deliberate for 2026.

Yesterday, Blockchain.com announced it has additionally obtained a MiCA license granted by the Malta Monetary Companies Authority (MFSA),