Relai Gains MiCA License in France to Potentially Boost Bitcoin Access Across Europe

• Relai’s MiCA license breakthrough: First Bitcoin-only app to gain EU-wide regulatory approval in France.

• Enables expanded services like SEPA payments and increased trading limits for Bitcoin users in Europe.

• Founded in 2020, Relai raised $12 million in 2024 funding to support its regulatory expansion goals.

Relai secures MiCA license in France, boosting Bitcoin adoption in Europe with regulated self-custody services. Discover how this Swiss app is revolutionizing crypto investments—explore now for secure BTC access.

What is the Relai MiCA License and Its Impact on Bitcoin in Europe?

Relai MiCA license represents a pivotal regulatory achievement for the Swiss Bitcoin-only investment app, granting it official approval under the European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation. Issued by France’s Autorité des Marchés Financiers (AMF), this license allows Relai to offer compliant Bitcoin buying, selling, and self-custody services throughout the EU. It underscores Relai’s commitment to secure, user-controlled Bitcoin holdings while navigating the continent’s evolving crypto landscape.

How Does Relai’s MiCA Approval Enhance Bitcoin Accessibility?

Relai’s MiCA approval opens doors to a range of regulated services tailored for Bitcoin enthusiasts across Europe. Users can now benefit from seamless SEPA payments, which facilitate faster and more cost-effective euro transactions for purchasing Bitcoin. Additionally, the license supports higher trading limits, making it easier for individuals to scale their investments without regulatory hurdles.

Founded in Zurich in 2020, Relai has built its platform around simplicity and security, focusing exclusively on Bitcoin to appeal to users seeking straightforward self-custody options. This means app users retain full control over their private keys, eliminating reliance on third-party custodians—a core principle that aligns with Bitcoin’s decentralized ethos.

According to official records from the AMF, the license was granted on a recent Thursday, positioning Relai among the early adopters of MiCA compliance. This development follows Relai’s strategic funding efforts, including a $12 million Series A round in late 2024 led by Ego Death Capital, with participation from Plan B Bitcoin Fund, Timechain, and Solit Group. These resources have directly fueled the company’s push toward regulatory milestones.

Relai co-founder and CEO Julian Liniger emphasized the significance in a statement, noting the team’s pride in being one of the first Bitcoin-focused companies to achieve this status. He highlighted plans to initially expand into France before broadening across Europe, aiming to democratize Bitcoin access for everyday users.

Relai EU co-founder Adem Bilican echoed this sentiment, describing the license as a major breakthrough for the broader Bitcoin industry. “Our goal is clear: Bringing Bitcoin to as many people as possible. Simple, secure, regulated,” Bilican stated, underscoring the platform’s mission-driven approach.

Relai co-founders, Julian Liniger (left) and Adem Bilican. Source: Relai

The timing of Relai’s approval is noteworthy, coming shortly after Blockchain.com—a veteran in the crypto space known for its wallet and blockchain explorer services—received its own MiCA license from the Maltese Financial Services Authority. This wave of approvals signals accelerating institutional confidence in Europe’s unified crypto framework, which MiCA introduced to standardize operations and protect consumers across member states.

MiCA, fully effective since 2024, imposes rigorous requirements on crypto asset service providers (CASPs), including robust anti-money laundering measures, transparent reporting, and safeguards for client assets. For Relai, compliance ensures that its Bitcoin-only model meets these standards without compromising on user privacy or ease of use. The regulation also fosters innovation by providing a clear legal pathway for platforms like Relai to operate pan-EU, potentially reducing fragmentation caused by varying national rules.

From an industry perspective, this license bolsters the legitimacy of Bitcoin as a store of value and investment asset. Analysts from sources like the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) have noted that MiCA’s implementation could attract more traditional finance players into crypto, increasing liquidity and adoption rates. Relai’s success story exemplifies how targeted compliance can bridge the gap between Bitcoin’s grassroots origins and mainstream financial integration.

Looking at user benefits, the app’s self-custody feature remains a standout, allowing individuals to manage their Bitcoin holdings directly via mobile devices. This contrasts with custodial exchanges that hold user funds, which have faced scrutiny in past security incidents. Relai’s emphasis on non-custodial storage aligns with best practices recommended by Bitcoin experts, minimizing risks from hacks or platform failures.

Furthermore, the license enables Relai to integrate advanced features, such as recurring Bitcoin purchases and educational tools, all within a regulated environment. Early data from similar MiCA-compliant platforms shows a 20-30% uptick in user onboarding post-approval, suggesting Relai could see comparable growth as it rolls out in France and beyond.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Does Relai’s MiCA License Mean for Bitcoin Investors in the EU?

Relai’s MiCA license certifies the app as a compliant crypto asset service provider, allowing EU users to buy and sell Bitcoin with legal protections. It supports self-custody, SEPA transfers, and elevated transaction limits, ensuring secure and efficient access to Bitcoin without cross-border complications.

Is Relai’s Bitcoin App Available for Use in France After the MiCA Approval?

Yes, following the MiCA license from France’s AMF, Relai is now authorized to operate regulated services in France, including Bitcoin purchases via SEPA. Users can download the app and start self-custodying BTC immediately, with plans for wider EU rollout to make Bitcoin simpler and more accessible for everyone.

Key Takeaways

• Regulatory Milestone: Relai becomes one of the first Bitcoin-only apps to secure a MiCA license, enhancing trust and compliance in the EU market.
• Expanded Services: The approval unlocks SEPA payments and higher euro limits, streamlining Bitcoin investments for European users.
• Industry Growth: This positions Relai for rapid expansion, aligning with its mission to promote widespread Bitcoin adoption through secure, user-centric tools.

Conclusion

Relai’s MiCA license in France marks a significant step forward for the Relai MiCA license framework and Bitcoin accessibility across Europe, enabling regulated self-custody and efficient payments that empower users. As the Swiss app prepares to scale, it reinforces the maturing crypto ecosystem under MiCA’s oversight. Investors and enthusiasts should monitor Relai’s rollout for opportunities to engage with Bitcoin in a compliant, straightforward manner—staying informed will be key to capitalizing on this evolving landscape.