Update (October 17, 2025, at 11:00 AM UTC): This article has been updated to add commentary by a Binance spokesperson.
The French banking regulator is conducting Anti-Money Laundering (AML) checks on Binance and other cryptocurrency exchanges, as Paris lobbies for more authority over the European crypto industry under the markets in crypto-assets regulation (MICA).
According to In a report by Friday Bloomberg, the French Prudential Supervision and Resolution Authority (ACPR) is examining the Anti-money laundering Following Binance and “Dozens of Exchanges.” The report cited anonymous sources who noted that the checks began last year and were confidential.
ACPR reportedly directed Binance, in particular, to strengthen risk controls last year. A Binance spokesperson told Cointelegraph that “engaging with the ACPR is an ongoing component of operating as an AML-registered company.”
The company representative added that “reviews are a routine part of ACPR’s regulatory oversight.” The spokesperson also highlighted that – as stated in the reports – “ACPR conducts these checks across dozens of exchanges.”
These inspections are reportedly supposed to verify that institutions comply with regulations, with a focus on AML and counter-terrorist financing (CFT). As a result of last year’s checks, Binance has reportedly been asked to strengthen compliance and risk controls.
Companies are typically given several months to address the deficiencies, often by hiring additional compliance or information technology staff to bolster risk and Cybersecurity systems.
Related: EU Eyes Central crypto oversight as MICA faces tensions
France Continues Power Trip
The renewed investigation comes as France signals a tougher stance on the crypto industry and a desire to play a bigger regulatory role in Europe. In mid-September, France warned of this Cryptocurrency companies may try to block it Operating locally under licenses obtained in other European countries.
At this time, the French Securities Regulator, the Autorité des Marchés Financiers (AMF), said it was concerned about potential regulatory enforcement gaps introduced by uneven standards across the European Union. This will undermine the regulatory passport introduced by Europe Regulatory markets of crypto-assetsor mica.
AMF Chair Marie-Anne Barbat-Layani admitted that move represents a serious breach of trust in European markets. However, he said that “it’s still a possibility that we hold in reserve.”
Related: Santander, Crédit Agricole Asset Arm receives French Crypto custody license
France wants EU crypto power
Earlier this month, the Bank of France called on the European Union to give the industry-based European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) control over the cryptocurrency industry. The governor of the central bank, François Villeroy de Galhau, warned against fragmented administration.
Galhau admitted that relying on national regulators could lead to uneven enforcement across the EU. The need to enforce the rules consistently is particularly dire as the crypto industry is experiencing rapid growth in the region.
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