Swiss Bitcoin App Relai Becomes One of the First to Secure MiCA License in France — Paving the Way for Europe-Wide Expansion

Swiss Bitcoin-only investment platform Relai has become one of the first crypto firms to receive regulatory approval under the European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) framework — a landmark achievement that could position the Zurich-based startup as a leading player in Europe’s evolving digital asset landscape.

The French Financial Markets Authority (AMF) has officially granted Relai authorization as a Crypto-Asset Service Provider (CASP), allowing the company to operate in France and, through EU “passporting” rights, soon across all 27 member states.

The approval marks a pivotal milestone not only for Relai, but also for the broader Bitcoin ecosystem, which has long awaited a unified regulatory environment in Europe.

MiCA Ushers in a New Era for European Crypto Regulation

The MiCA regulation, enacted earlier this year, is the EU’s first comprehensive framework for digital assets. Its goal: to eliminate regulatory fragmentation, standardize consumer protections, and build a sustainable, transparent crypto economy.

While major global exchanges like Binance and Coinbase continue to navigate the complex approval process, Relai’s early authorization positions it among the first wave of fully compliant firms.

“We’re incredibly proud to be one of the first Bitcoin companies to get the MiCA license,” said Julian Liniger, Relai’s co-founder and CEO. “This is a big moment for Bitcoin adoption on the continent.”

Relai’s Bitcoin-only strategy — excluding altcoins and tokens — has distinguished it from larger competitors. The firm’s focus on simplicity and regulatory transparency resonates with both investors and policymakers seeking to reduce systemic risk.

Bitcoin-Only Vision Finds Regulatory Validation

Founded in Zurich in 2020, Relai has grown steadily amid a tightening global regulatory climate. The company closed a Series A round in 2023 and surpassed 500,000 app downloads, becoming one of Europe’s most popular retail Bitcoin investment platforms.

By securing the MiCA license, Relai gains the ability to offer crypto services throughout the EU under a single authorization — a process known as passporting.

The firm plans to roll out Instant SEPA payments, higher trading limits, and transparent fixed pricing in the coming months, alongside new educational and community initiatives to promote responsible Bitcoin adoption.

“Our goal is clear: bringing Bitcoin to as many people as possible — simple, secure, and regulated,” said Adem Bilican, co-founder and president of Relai EU.

The company also announced a newly formed advisory board featuring industry veterans Jean Guillaume, Daniel Astraud, and Herve de Kerdrel, tasked with guiding Relai’s compliance, governance, and growth strategy across European markets.

Investor Confidence Strengthened by Clarity

Relai’s MiCA approval comes amid renewed optimism in crypto markets. Bitcoin (BTC) recently traded near $67,800, up 2.1% week-over-week, as institutional investors anticipate regulatory clarity to boost adoption.

Analysts view Relai’s milestone as a psychological breakthrough for the Bitcoin-only model — validating a disciplined, compliance-first approach at a time when the industry is under intense scrutiny.

“The Relai case shows that Bitcoin-focused companies can operate within strict regulatory frameworks without compromising on principles,” said Matthias Bauer, a digital finance researcher in Frankfurt. “It’s a strong signal that compliance and decentralization can coexist.”

Looking Ahead: A Blueprint for Bitcoin in Europe

With its MiCA license secured and expansion plans underway, Relai is poised to leverage its early compliance advantage into a broader European footprint. The company’s marketing campaigns, feature upgrades, and partnerships are scheduled to accelerate through 2026, positioning Relai as both a regulatory pioneer and an ambassador for Bitcoin adoption in the EU.

As Europe moves toward full implementation of MiCA, Relai’s model — simple, transparent, and Bitcoin-only — could become the blueprint for a new generation of compliant crypto businesses across the continent.