Relai Secures MiCA License in France: Expanding Bitcoin Services in EU

In a landmark development for the European digital asset landscape, Relai, the distinguished Swiss Bitcoin-only application, has officially obtained the Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) license from the French Financial Markets Authority (AMF). This strategic acquisition marks a significant milestone not only for Relai but also for the broader Bitcoin industry, positioning the Zurich-based company as one of the pioneers in achieving comprehensive regulatory compliance under the European Union's evolving framework. The MiCA regulation, designed to harmonize the legal environment for crypto-asset service providers across the EU, represents a crucial step towards fostering a more secure and transparent digital economy. Relai's proactive engagement with these regulations underscores its commitment to providing secure and reliable Bitcoin services.

Pioneering Regulatory Compliance in the Bitcoin Sector

Relai's authorization as a Crypto-Asset Service Provider (CASP) under the EU's MiCA Regulation is a testament to its robust operational standards and dedication to consumer protection. As one of the initial Bitcoin-centric platforms to receive such a license, Relai sets a precedent for focused digital asset companies seeking to navigate the complex regulatory environment within Europe. This achievement follows a period of notable success for the company, including a successful Series A funding round last year and surpassing 500,000 app downloads. Its established presence in Switzerland and Italy, characterized by a loyal and engaged user base, now serves as a strong foundation for its impending expansion across the entire European Union, subject to the completion of the passporting notification process.

Enhanced Services and User Experience for the European Market

With the newly acquired MiCA license, Relai is poised to introduce a suite of enhanced features and services meticulously designed to improve accessibility, transparency, and security for its European users. These advancements aim to simplify the process of buying and selling Bitcoin, aligning with Relai's core mission of making Bitcoin accessible to everyone.

• Instant SEPA: This feature will enable users across the EU to purchase Bitcoin within seconds, significantly streamlining the transaction process and enhancing liquidity.
• Higher Trading Limits: Users will benefit from increased flexibility, allowing them to buy larger quantities of Bitcoin with their Euros, catering to diverse investment needs.
• A Fixed Price: Relai will offer complete transparency by displaying the exact price at the moment an order is created, eliminating uncertainties regarding costs and conversion rates.
• Educational Content: A dedicated initiative to provide valuable learning resources will empower users with knowledge about Bitcoin and the broader cryptocurrency ecosystem.
• Events Across Europe: Relai plans to host and sponsor dedicated events throughout the EU, fostering community engagement and facilitating direct interaction with its user base.
• Best-in-Class Security: The application will integrate the latest security technologies to ensure the highest standards of protection for user assets and data.

Visionary Leadership and Strategic Growth

The leadership at Relai expresses profound optimism regarding this regulatory achievement. Julian Liniger, Co-Founder and CEO at Relai AG, Switzerland, remarked, "We're incredibly proud to be one of the first Bitcoin companies to get the MiCA license and are eager to expand to France first and Europe in a second step!" This sentiment is echoed by Adem Bilican, Co-Founder and President at Relai EU, who emphasized, "Relai is one of the first Bitcoin-only companies to receive the MiCA license. This is a breakthrough not just for us, but for the whole Bitcoin industry across Europe. Our goal is clear: Bringing Bitcoin to as many people as possible. Simple, secure, regulated."

Relai's strategic expansion efforts are further bolstered by an esteemed advisory board, comprising industry veterans Jean Guillaume, Daniel Astraud, and Herve de Kerdrel. Their collective expertise is anticipated to provide invaluable guidance as Relai navigates its growth trajectory across the European continent.

The Road Ahead: Innovation and Community Engagement

The MiCA license empowers Relai to innovate and develop new products within the dynamic EU market. The company is actively planning comprehensive marketing campaigns and community events for 2026, alongside continuous updates to its award-winning app in the coming weeks. These initiatives are designed to solidify Relai's foothold and expand its reach, bringing its simplified, secure, and regulated Bitcoin services to a broader audience.

Disclaimer: Relai is authorized to provide crypto-asset services in Switzerland and across the European Union under the MiCA regulatory framework. The company is actively expanding its services to EU member states following the completion of passporting notifications.

About Relai: A Leader in Self-Custodial Bitcoin Solutions

Founded in Zurich in 2020 by Julian Liniger and Adem Bilican, Relai has consistently championed an intuitive and straightforward approach to Bitcoin ownership. Its Bitcoin-only app is meticulously designed to allow users to buy and sell Bitcoin within minutes, distinguishing itself through a unique emphasis on self-custody. Unlike many other platforms, Relai refrains from holding user funds, instead empowering individuals with full control over their financial assets through an easy-to-use self-custodial wallet. Relai, a Swiss-licensed financial service provider, boasts over $1 billion in trading volume and was recognized as one of the fastest-growing startups in Europe in 2024, in addition to winning the Top 100 Swiss Startup award for best fintech in September 2025. This latest MiCA license underscores its leadership and commitment to responsible innovation in the digital finance sector.