France has intensified regulatory pressure on Binance and other cryptocurrency exchanges as it seeks to assert a greater role in shaping the European Union’s crypto oversight framework. The move underscores growing tensions between national and EU authorities over how to enforce the Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation.
France Tightens Oversight on Binance and Crypto Exchanges
According to a report from Bloomberg on October 17, 2025, France’s Prudential Supervision and Resolution Authority (ACPR) has initiated additional Anti-Money Laundering (AML) checks on Binance and “dozens of other exchanges.” These reviews reportedly began last year and are being conducted confidentially as part of broader efforts to strengthen compliance oversight across the crypto industry.
The ACPR, which operates under the French central bank, is responsible for supervising financial institutions and ensuring their adherence to AML and Counter-Terrorist Financing (CFT) requirements. Binance, already registered as an AML-compliant entity in France, is among the exchanges instructed to enhance internal risk controls following previous evaluations.
A Binance France spokesperson confirmed that the company has maintained an open dialogue with regulators, stating,
“Engagement with the ACPR is an ongoing component of operating as an AML-registered company. Reviews are a routine part of the ACPR’s regulatory oversight process.”
The representative added that the agency’s checks extend across multiple platforms, signaling a broad regulatory sweep rather than a Binance-specific crackdown.
France Pushes for Greater Role in EU Crypto Regulation
The intensified scrutiny coincides with France’s growing ambition to become a central regulatory authority for Europe’s crypto market. The government has repeatedly argued that inconsistent enforcement across member states could undermine MiCA’s effectiveness.
In mid-September, France’s Autorité des Marchés Financiers (AMF) — the national securities regulator — expressed concern that crypto companies might exploit “passporting” privileges by operating under more lenient licenses from other EU nations. The AMF warned that it could block locally operating exchanges if such disparities persist.
AMF Chair Marie-Anne Barbat-Layani acknowledged that such action would be an extraordinary step but emphasized that it remains “a possibility we hold in reserve.” Her remarks reflect a broader French policy stance: to ensure that Europe’s crypto regulation remains robust, coordinated, and centered in Paris rather than dispersed among national bodies.
ACPR Audits: A Test for Binance France’s Compliance Strength
For Binance France, these renewed audits are not without precedent. In 2023, the exchange faced scrutiny from French authorities over alleged deficiencies in customer verification procedures. While Binance subsequently strengthened its compliance framework and expanded its French workforce, the new AML checks suggest that regulators remain cautious.
Companies under review typically receive several months to address deficiencies. This may involve hiring additional compliance officers, upgrading cybersecurity and data management systems, and bolstering financial transparency measures to align with European standards.
Analysts believe that France’s actions could set a precedent for other EU nations, pushing for tighter integration of AML rules under the upcoming MiCA enforcement phase, expected to fully activate in 2026.
France’s Bid to Influence the Future of MiCA Enforcement
Earlier in October, François Villeroy de Galhau, Governor of the Bank of France, publicly called for the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) — based in Paris — to take the lead in supervising the EU’s crypto market. He warned that fragmented oversight among national regulators could create loopholes and regulatory arbitrage.
“We must avoid a patchwork approach. The European crypto industry requires consistent enforcement across member states,” Galhau said, reinforcing France’s proposal for a centralized oversight model under ESMA.
The call aligns with France’s long-term ambition to position Paris as Europe’s crypto regulatory hub, combining its domestic FinTech innovation agenda with leadership in shaping EU financial governance.
Implications for Binance and the Wider Crypto Industry
For Binance, France’s renewed assertiveness comes at a time when the exchange continues to face heightened global scrutiny. In recent years, Binance has undergone multiple restructuring efforts to align with international standards, including registering with France’s AMF in 2022 as a Digital Asset Service Provider (DASP).
However, these developments arrive amid a turbulent period for global crypto exchanges. Tighter U.S. regulations, shifting European compliance frameworks, and growing political pressure for transparency have collectively transformed the operating environment. The new French audit represents another layer of oversight — and a potential model for how MiCA may be enforced EU-wide.
Market observers suggest that Binance’s cooperation with French authorities could influence how regulators perceive its broader European operations. Failure to meet France’s standards could hinder its ability to maintain passporting rights under MiCA, which would affect its ability to serve customers across the EU.
A Broader Power Play Within the EU
The tension between France and other EU member states extends beyond Binance. Several countries — including Germany, the Netherlands, and Malta — have developed their own interpretations of crypto regulation under MiCA, leading to inconsistencies in enforcement. France’s latest move can thus be viewed as an effort to consolidate influence and assert leadership within the bloc.
By increasing oversight on Binance France and its peers, Paris appears to be sending a clear signal: it intends to be the gatekeeper for Europe’s digital finance future.
Outlook
As the MiCA regulatory framework enters its implementation phase, all eyes are on France’s ability to balance innovation with control. For Binance France, the latest AML checks represent both a challenge and an opportunity — a chance to demonstrate full compliance and regain confidence from both regulators and investors.
If successful, Binance France’s response could set a benchmark for how exchanges navigate Europe’s evolving crypto landscape. But failure to satisfy the ACPR’s requirements could expose vulnerabilities in even the most established digital-asset platforms.
Either way, France’s tightening grip over crypto regulation is reshaping the conversation across Europe — signaling that the age of light-touch oversight is coming to an end.
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