Quick Breakdown
- France’s ACPR launches AML inspections on Binance, Coinhouse, and other crypto firms.
- Checks determine eligibility for MiCA licensing ahead of the June 2026 EU deadline.
- Only Deblock, GOin, Bitstack, and CACEIS have received MiCA approvals so far.
France’s top financial regulator has launched extensive anti-money laundering (AML) inspections on major crypto exchanges, including Binance and Coinhouse, as part of efforts to determine which firms will qualify for new EU-wide operating licenses under the Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) framework.
According to a Bloomberg report, the Prudential Supervision and Resolution Authority (ACPR) began on-site checks in late 2024, reviewing more than 100 registered digital asset service providers (PSANs). The inspections aim to verify compliance with France’s AML and counter-terrorist financing rules — key prerequisites for obtaining MiCA authorization.
French regulators have expanded anti-money laundering (AML) checks on cryptocurrency exchanges, including Binance. The ACPR is carrying out controls on dozens of exchanges, an effort that started late last year. Binance says it is cooperating fully and complying with EU and local…
— Wu Blockchain (@WuBlockchain) October 17, 2025
ACPR tightens scrutiny before MiCA licensing
Binance, which operates its main European hub from France, was reportedly instructed to strengthen its internal risk controls during the inspection. “Periodic onsite inspections are a standard part of the supervision of regulated entities,” the exchange said in response. Regulators have warned that failure to address identified gaps could result in sanctions or disqualification from receiving a MiCA license.
So far, only four entities — Deblock, GOin, Bitstack, and Credit Agricole’s CACEIS — have secured MiCA approval, leaving most of the sector racing to meet compliance requirements ahead of the June 2026 deadline.
France’s move comes amid mounting pressure from several EU member states, including Austria and Italy, urging Brussels to grant the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) direct oversight powers over large crypto firms to prevent uneven enforcement across the bloc.
Regulators demand stronger controls, staffing, and IT security
The ACPR’s inspections often result in directives for exchanges to expand compliance teams, upgrade IT systems, and close monitoring gaps. The findings are shared with the Financial Markets Authority (AMF), which issues the final MiCA licenses.
In a recent development, Binance listed Recall (RECALL), a decentralized marketplace token, on its Binance Alpha and Binance Futures platforms. The trading began on October 15, 2025, making Binance the first exchange to list the asset.
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