Netherlands-based cryptocurrency exchange Bitvavo has successfully registered as a digital asset service provider with France’s Autorité des Marchés Financiers (AMF), paving the way for its expansion into the French market. This move follows recent regulatory approvals in Austria and Italy, solidifying Bitvavo’s strategic approach to European market penetration.
Bitvavo gains traction in France
Bitvavo’s CEO, Mark Nuvelstijn, expressed enthusiasm about the company’s registration with the French AMF, citing it as a pivotal moment. The expansion into France aligns with Bitvavo’s focus on strategic growth, building on recent successes in Austria and Italy.
Notably, the company has strategically filed registration applications for other major European markets, adhering to a step-by-step approach.
Bitvavo’s decision to enter the French market is bolstered by a notable trend observed in a recent AMF survey. The survey revealed that a higher percentage of French citizens own cryptocurrencies (9%) compared to traditional stocks (7%) and bonds (2%).
This trend underscores the growing interest in digital assets among French investors and provides a solid foundation for Bitvavo’s consumer-focused offerings.
European regulatory landscape and Bitvavo’s strategy
The impending implementation of the European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulations plays a crucial role in Bitvavo’s expansion strategy. Set to take effect through 2024, MiCA is anticipated to bring a harmonized regulatory framework for the European crypto market.
According to Nuvelstijn, this unified rulebook will raise the industry standard by imposing higher requirements, fostering business model improvements across the sector. Moreover, it will simplify cross-border operations, eliminating the need for individual licenses per country.
Bitvavo’s expansion into France follows the notable entry of mainstream financial institutions into the cryptocurrency space in the country. In July 2023, Société Générale became the first mainstream financial firm in France to secure a license to offer cryptocurrency services. The move marked a significant milestone in the mainstream acceptance of digital assets within the French financial landscape. Additionally, Bitstamp, another major cryptocurrency exchange, obtained regulatory approval in February 2023 to offer its services in France.
While Bitvavo and other players make strides in France, regulatory scrutiny surrounds Binance’s French arm. Despite reportedly being under preliminary investigation by local authorities for alleged Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) shortcomings, Binance continues its operations within the country. This regulatory attention emphasizes the importance of compliance in the evolving landscape of cryptocurrency exchanges.
