Swiss Bitcoin app Relai has grow to be one of many first Bitcoin-only corporations to obtain regulatory approval beneath Europe’s landmark Markets in Crypto-Belongings (MiCA) framework.
The Zurich-based agency introduced at this time that it has been granted authorization as a Crypto-Asset Service Supplier (CASP) by France’s Monetary Markets Authority (AMF), based on a word shared with Bitcoin Journal.
The approval marks a major second not only for Relai, however for the broader Bitcoin ecosystem in Europe. The MiCA regulation, which got here into impact earlier this 12 months, establishes uniform guidelines for crypto corporations throughout the EU, aiming to extend investor safety and scale back regulatory fragmentation between member states.
Whereas giant exchanges like Binance and Coinbase are nonetheless navigating the advanced licensing course of, Relai’s early authorization provides it a head begin as one of many first Bitcoin-only corporations to realize compliance.
“We’re extremely proud to be one of many first Bitcoin corporations to get the MiCA license and are wanting to broaden to France first — and Europe in a second step,” mentioned Julian Liniger, co-founder and CEO of Relai. “This can be a huge 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 a user-friendly gateway for European retail traders searching for publicity to Bitcoin with out intermediaries.
With the MiCA license secured, Relai can now “passport” its providers throughout the EU — that means it could possibly function in all 27 member states as soon as formal notification procedures are full.
The corporate plans to introduce a collection of latest options tailor-made to European customers, together with Prompt SEPA funds, increased buying and selling limits, fixed-price transparency, and enhanced safety requirements.
Relai additionally intends to put money into schooling and community-building, launching localized studying sources and sponsoring Bitcoin occasions throughout Europe.
“Our objective is evident: bringing Bitcoin to as many individuals as potential — easy, safe, and controlled,” mentioned Adem Bilican, co-founder and president of Relai EU.
The corporate can also be strengthening its governance with a newly appointed advisory board, that includes trade veterans Jean Guillaume, Daniel Astraud, and Herve de Kerdrel, who will present steering on regulatory compliance and strategic progress.
Relai plans to leverage its MiCA approval to broaden throughout Europe, with advertising campaigns and app updates scheduled for 2026.
Yesterday, Blockchain.com introduced it acquired a MiCA license as effectively, granted by the Maltese Monetary Companies Authority (MFSA),
