🔍 French authorities have launched a large-scale audit of the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume — Binance, along with about 100 other crypto companies. The purpose of the inspections is to ensure that crypto platforms comply with laws on anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing (AML/KYC), as well as licensing and reporting requirements. This was reported by Bloomberg, citing sources familiar with the situation.

Who is conducting the inspections

The investigation is coordinated by France’s specialized financial intelligence unit — TRACFIN, which actively shares information with tax authorities and the European Anti-Money Laundering Office. At the same time, the Prudential Supervision and Regulation Authority (ACPR) evaluates which crypto platforms may qualify for the MiCA European license — a regulation that sets unified rules for crypto industry oversight across EU countries.

Companies that fail to address identified violations risk not obtaining a MiCA license until June 2026, limiting their operations in the European market. To date, only a few companies have received approval, including Bitstack, GOin, and CACEIS (a Crédit Agricole subsidiary).

What regulators are focusing on

• AML compliance: adherence to client identification and suspicious transaction monitoring.
• Licensing and reporting: readiness to operate under MiCA rules.
  
  
• Internal compliance and risk control mechanisms: for example, last year ACPR recommended that Binance strengthen its internal processes.
  

A Binance representative stated that the company is actively cooperating with French regulators, providing necessary information, and confirms its commitment to EU laws.

Possible market impact

The news of the inspections immediately affected the crypto market:

• Bitcoin (BTC) began to fight for the $105,000 mark, showing attempts to recover after a recent correction.
• Binance Coin (BNB) dropped to $1,000, partially due to the negative regulatory news.

Earlier, crypto blogger ElonTrades reported that a massive forced liquidation of traders’ positions on Binance brought $192 million to unknown individuals who opened short positions on Bitcoin and Ethereum at the right moment.

Experts believe the results of the French inspections could become a precedent for the entire European crypto sector, especially in the context of the new MiCA regulation.

Context for investors

France is tightening control over crypto exchanges by auditing companies registered as Digital Asset Service Providers (PSAN). The largest platforms, including Binance and Coinhouse, are under review.

Exchanges that fail to address violations risk losing access to the MiCA license and the EU market. Investors should consider that regulatory audits create temporary pressure on token and asset prices, especially for coins linked to the exchanges under review.

Summary

• Regulatory risk: increased oversight and possible fines or restrictions for violators.
• Market impact: short-term fluctuations in BTC and BNB, increased volatility.
• MiCA perspective: companies must prepare for new requirements by June 2026 to operate legally in the EU.

⚠️ Investors should follow developments closely, especially those trading crypto on European exchanges or using Binance.