Key Points
- France’s Autorité des marchés financiers granted Circle authorization on 20 April 2026 in accordance with MiCA regulations.
- Circle France gained permission to deliver custody and transfer solutions for USDC and EURC stablecoins.
- The authorization enables Circle to serve clients throughout the European Economic Area.
- This approval operates under Article 60(4) of the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation.
- Circle maintains existing e-money institution licences within the EU for USDC and EURC issuance.
Circle has secured authorization from France’s financial watchdog to broaden its regulated cryptocurrency offerings throughout Europe. The Autorité des marchés financiers granted approval on 20 April 2026 within the scope of the EU’s Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation. This regulatory clearance enables Circle France to deliver custody and transfer solutions for its stablecoins to clients across the European Economic Area.
French Regulatory Approval Strengthens Circle’s European Operations
The AMF authorization grants Circle France the ability to provide custody and transfer solutions for both USDC and EURC stablecoins. This approval operates under Article 60(4) of MiCA and encompasses services related to tokens the company issues. Circle can now extend these regulated offerings to customers throughout the European Economic Area via its French operation.
Circle maintains e-money institution licences across the EU that authorize the issuance of USDC and EURC. This recent approval expands the scope of regulated activities available through its French subsidiary. The authorization reinforces Circle’s compliance-driven operational framework under MiCA standards.
Understanding MiCA Regulations for Stablecoin Providers
MiCA became fully applicable to stablecoin issuers throughout the European Union in June 2024. The regulatory framework establishes requirements for e-money token issuers covering reserves, governance structures, and consumer safeguards. Article 60(4) specifically addresses custody and transfer activities associated with an issuer’s own digital tokens.
This regulatory pathway allows authorized issuers to provide settlement and custody services within a unified compliance framework. The regulation defines how companies must handle client assets and implement operational protections. Circle France can therefore deliver these services in alignment with MiCA standards while serving European Union customers.
Circle has stated that its approach centers on operating within recognized regulatory frameworks. The company has declined to pursue exemptions or enter markets lacking proper authorization. Instead, Circle has actively sought licences as European regulations have evolved.
Dante Disparte, Chief Strategy Officer and Head of Global Policy at Circle, commented on the authorization. He noted, “This approval reflects our commitment to working within European regulatory frameworks.” He emphasized the company’s support for establishing trusted digital financial infrastructure throughout France and the broader EU.
Stablecoin Custody and Transfer Services in France
The French authorization specifically covers USDC and EURC stablecoins. Circle issues both digital currencies under its current EU e-money licences. The new approval enables the company to integrate issuance capabilities with custody and transfer services.
MiCA requires issuers to hold sufficient reserves and establish transparent governance frameworks. Companies must also safeguard consumers through disclosure requirements and operational controls. Circle France now delivers these services under AMF regulatory oversight.
During April 2026, Circle introduced Circle Payments Network Managed Payments. This service delivers fully managed stablecoin settlement utilizing USDC. The offering enables payment companies, fintechs, banking institutions, and enterprises to access settlement infrastructure without directly handling digital assets.
The company positioned this product for regulated payment service providers. The launch coincided with the AMF approval during the same timeframe. Circle continues managing its European operations through its licensed subsidiaries under MiCA compliance standards.
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