- France’s ACPR regulator is inspecting Binance, Coinhouse, and dozens of crypto firms.
- The France crypto AML checks are a test for securing EU-wide MiCA licenses.
- Firms must pass these inspections to meet the June 2026 MiCA compliance deadline.
France’s banking regulator, the ACPR, is conducting extensive anti-money laundering (AML) inspections on dozens of registered crypto firms, including major exchanges Binance and Coinhouse. These France crypto AML checks are the central hurdle firms must clear to secure a full EU-wide license under the Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation.
The inspections, which began in late 2024, are now a critical focus as the final June 2026 MiCA compliance deadline approaches.
Why France Is Cracking Down on Crypto AML
The regulatory sweep, first reported by Bloomberg, targets all registered Digital Asset Service Providers (DASPs) in the country. The inspections verify firms’ compliance with strict anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing (AML/CFT) protocols.
This scrutiny is not just a local matter. It is part of a larger push by France, Italy, and Austria for stronger, centralized EU oversight of the crypto industry. These nations are urging the Paris-based European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) to directly supervise major firms. The move aims to prevent regulatory “shopping” where firms might seek licenses in EU states with lax enforcement and “passport” them across the bloc.
Binance and Coinhouse Under ACPR Scrutiny
Binance, the world’s largest exchange, is a primary subject of the ACPR’s review. The regulator reportedly instructed Binance last year to strengthen its internal risk management and compliance systems.
A representative for Binance characterized the reviews as “standard periodic onsite inspections” that are part of the normal supervision for regulated entities. Coinhouse, a major French-based exchange, is also named in the review.
Related: MiCA Spurs Binance Restructuring: French Arm Gets New Shareholders
The inspection process is a two-part system. The ACPR (banking regulator) conducts the AML/CFT checks, and its findings are shared with the AMF (France’s financial markets regulator), which ultimately grants the MiCA authorization.
The MiCA License Bottleneck
The ACPR’s inspections are directly tied to the MiCA licensing path. Crypto firms currently operating in France under a basic registration must obtain the full, upgraded MiCA license by June 2026 to continue serving the 27-nation bloc.
Related: France to Investigate Binance Over Laundering Accusations
Securing this license is proving to be a high bar. So far, only a handful of companies, such as the fintech firm Deblock, GOin, Bitstack, and CACEIS, have received this approval.
What Happens Next: The Path to 2026
Failure to meet the ACPR’s AML standards carries significant weight. Firms that do not rectify identified deficiencies risk sanctions from French authorities.
More importantly, a negative review from the ACPR could prevent a company from obtaining its MiCA license, effectively blocking its access to the entire European Union market and severely impacting its long-term business prospects.
Disclaimer: The information presented in this article is for informational and educational purposes only. The article does not constitute financial advice or advice of any kind. Coin Edition is not responsible for any losses incurred as a result of the utilization of content, products, or services mentioned. Readers are advised to exercise caution before taking any action related to the company.
