Crypto & Digital Assets

Crypto & Digital Asset Crime Defense in France

France's transitional PSAN regime has just closed — as of July 2026, only full MiCA-authorised providers can legally operate.

Direct answer: Crypto activity in France is regulated by the Autorité des Marchés Financiers (AMF) under the EU's Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA). France's earlier national regime — PSAN registration under the 2019 PACTE law — served as a transitional bridge, but as of 1 July 2026, only firms holding full MiCA authorisation (CASP status) may legally provide crypto-asset services in France. TRACFIN, France's financial intelligence unit, handles AML/CFT compliance for the sector. Operating without proper authorisation carries up to two years' imprisonment and a €30,000 fine.
The Regulatory Landscape

How France Regulates Crypto-Asset Activity

01

AMF Authorisation

The Autorité des Marchés Financiers authorises and supervises Crypto-Asset Service Providers (CASPs) under MiCA.

02

The PSAN-to-CASP Transition

France's earlier PACTE-law PSAN regime allowed continued operation during a transitional period that ended 1 July 2026 — the maximum transition period MiCA permitted.

03

TRACFIN Oversight

France's financial intelligence unit handles anti-money-laundering and counter-terrorist-financing compliance for crypto-asset providers.

04

EU-Wide Passporting

A CASP authorisation granted anywhere in the EU, including in France, permits passporting across all 27 member states under MiCA.

Where Allegations Typically Arise

Common Crypto Crime Scenarios

A

Unauthorised Activity

Operating as a CASP in or from France without proper MiCA authorisation now carries real criminal exposure — up to two years' imprisonment and a €30,000 fine.

B

AML Compliance Failures

Even authorised CASPs can face enforcement where anti-money-laundering controls, including Travel Rule obligations, are found deficient.

C

Cross-Border Fraud Allegations

Foreign authorities pursuing crypto fraud suspects located in France typically proceed through the EAW or standard extradition framework.

D

Money-Laundering via Mixers

France's 2025 Narcotrafficking Law specifically extended the money-laundering presumption to crypto-asset "mixers" used to anonymise transactions.

Frequently Asked

Common Questions

Can a firm still operate under the old PSAN registration?

No — the transitional period ended 1 July 2026. Firms without full MiCA CASP authorisation must have ceased operations in France by that date.

What are the penalties for operating without authorisation?

Up to two years' imprisonment and a €30,000 fine under French law.

Can someone be extradited from France over a crypto fraud allegation?

Yes, following the same EAW or traditional extradition process as any other allegation.

Facing a Crypto-Related Investigation in France?

Speak with us confidentially before responding to the AMF or a foreign regulator.