Swiss Bitcoin app Relai has turn into one of many first Bitcoin-only firms to obtain regulatory approval underneath Europe’s landmark Markets in Crypto-Belongings (MiCA) framework. 

The Zurich-based agency introduced as we speak that it has been granted authorization as a Crypto-Asset Service Supplier (CASP) by France’s Monetary Markets Authority (AMF), in accordance with a observe shared with Bitcoin Journal.

The approval marks a big 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 firms throughout the EU, aiming to extend investor safety and cut back regulatory fragmentation between member states. 

Whereas massive exchanges like Binance and Coinbase are nonetheless navigating the complicated licensing course of, Relai’s early authorization provides it a head begin as one of many first Bitcoin-only companies to realize compliance.

“We’re extremely proud to be one of many first Bitcoin firms to get the MiCA license and are wanting to broaden to France first — and Europe in a second step,” stated Julian Liniger, co-founder and CEO of Relai. “It is a large 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 atmosphere for digital belongings.

The corporate closed a Sequence A funding spherical final 12 months and surpassed 500,000 app downloads, establishing itself as a user-friendly gateway for European retail buyers 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 function in all 27 member states as soon as formal notification procedures are full. 

The corporate plans to introduce a collection of recent options tailor-made to European customers, together with Prompt SEPA funds, larger buying and selling limits, fixed-price transparency, and enhanced safety requirements.

Relai additionally intends to put money into training and community-building, launching localized studying assets and sponsoring Bitcoin occasions throughout Europe. 

“Our objective is obvious: bringing Bitcoin to as many individuals as potential — easy, safe, and controlled,” stated 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 business veterans Jean Guillaume, Daniel Astraud, and Herve de Kerdrel, who will present steering on regulatory compliance and strategic development. 

Relai plans to leverage its MiCA approval to broaden throughout Europe, with advertising and marketing campaigns and app updates scheduled for 2026.

Yesterday, Blockchain.com introduced it acquired a MiCA license as effectively, granted by the Maltese Monetary Providers Authority (MFSA),