Swiss Bitcoin app Relai has turn out to be one of many first Bitcoin-only corporations to obtain regulatory approval below Europe’s landmark Markets in Crypto-Belongings (MiCA) framework.
The Zurich-based agency introduced in the present day that it has been granted authorization as a Crypto-Asset Service Supplier (CASP) by France’s Monetary Markets Authority (AMF), in line 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 regulationwhich 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 complicated 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 develop to France first — and Europe in a second step,” stated Julian Liniger, co-founder and CEO of Relai. “This can be 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 surroundings 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 will possibly 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 On the spot SEPA funds, greater buying and selling limits, fixed-price transparency, and enhanced safety requirements.
Relai additionally intends to spend money on training and community-building, launching localized studying assets and sponsoring Bitcoin occasions throughout Europe.
“Our purpose is obvious: bringing Bitcoin to as many individuals as doable — 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 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 develop throughout Europe, with advertising campaigns and app updates scheduled for 2026.
Yesterday, Blockchain.com introduced it obtained a MiCA license as effectively, granted by the Maltese Monetary Providers Authority (MFSA),
