ACPR audits Binance and dozens of other exchanges to verify Anti‑Money Laundering (AML) and Counter‑Terrorist Financing (CFT) controls under confidential onsite inspections begun last year, as Paris pushes for stronger enforcement of MiCA across the European Union.
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ACPR conducting AML/CFT inspections of Binance and dozens of exchanges.
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Inspections focus on risk controls, compliance staffing, and IT/cybersecurity measures.
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France seeks expanded enforcement authority under MiCA to reduce cross‑border regulatory gaps (reported by Bloomberg; sources anonymous).
ACPR audits Binance and dozens of exchanges for AML compliance as France pushes to enforce MiCA rules across the EU — latest findings and implications.
By COINOTAG | Published: 17 October 2025 | Updated: 17 October 2025
What is ACPR auditing Binance?
ACPR audits Binance as part of a confidential program of Anti‑Money Laundering and Counter‑Terrorist Financing inspections covering Binance and dozens of other cryptocurrency trading platforms. The reviews, which began last year, aim to identify compliance shortfalls and require firms to strengthen risk controls, staffing and cybersecurity within set timeframes.
How will ACPR inspections affect crypto exchanges?
The ACPR’s inspections target governance, transaction monitoring, customer due diligence and IT resilience. Bloomberg reported the checks with anonymous sources. Regulators typically require remediation within months. Exchanges often respond by hiring compliance and information‑technology staff, upgrading monitoring systems, and tightening policies. AMF chair Marie‑Anne Barbat‑Layani warned uneven enforcement could undermine trust, and Bank of France Governor François Villeroy de Galhau has urged EU‑level oversight via ESMA to ensure consistent application of MiCA standards.
ACPR Paris offices. Source: Wikimedia
France’s banking regulator, the Autorité de Contrôle Prudentiel et de Résolution (ACPR), has expanded AML/CFT scrutiny across the crypto sector. According to press reporting by Bloomberg, the ACPR began confidential onsite checks last year. The authority reportedly instructed Binance to enhance risk controls after earlier reviews. Binance described periodic onsite inspections as standard supervision for regulated entities in a statement to reporters.
Why is France intensifying scrutiny under MiCA?
France argues that varying national enforcement risks creating regulatory arbitrage under the Markets in Crypto‑Assets Regulation (MiCA). The French securities regulator, AMF, expressed concern that firms licensed elsewhere in the EU could operate in France under looser oversight. AMF chair Marie‑Anne Barbat‑Layani commented that potential unilateral measures would be a “serious breach of trust” in EU markets, though she said such steps remain a contingency. The Bank of France has advocated for broader authority for ESMA to harmonize supervision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ACPR legally empowered to inspect non‑bank crypto firms?
Yes. The ACPR has supervisory reach over entities within its remit and can coordinate inspections where AML/CFT risks are identified. Under French law, supervisors may inspect compliance measures and require remediation; international coordination with other EU regulators can also occur when cross‑border activities are involved.
Will these audits force exchanges to stop serving French customers?
Regulators generally aim to correct deficiencies rather than impose immediate market exits. Exchanges are normally given time to remediate, often by hiring compliance staff and upgrading systems. However, persistent non‑compliance can lead to sanctions or restrictions on operations in France.
Key Takeaways
- Inspection scope: ACPR’s reviews concentrate on AML/CFT, governance, transaction monitoring and cybersecurity.
- Regulatory intent: France is pressing for consistent MiCA enforcement across the EU to prevent regulatory arbitrage.
- Practical impact: Exchanges will likely bolster compliance teams and tech controls; non‑compliance can trigger sanctions or operational limits.
Conclusion
ACPR audits Binance and dozens of other exchanges reflect a broader French push to tighten AML/CFT oversight and ensure MiCA is enforced consistently across the EU. Authorities including the AMF and Bank of France have signalled support for stronger, centralized supervision via ESMA. Market participants should expect increased scrutiny and should prioritise compliance upgrades to meet regulator expectations. For ongoing coverage and analysis, follow COINOTAG updates.
