TLDR
- Circle received approval from France’s Autorité des marchés financiers on 20 April 2026 under the MiCA framework.
- The approval allows Circle France to provide custody and transfer services for USDC and EURC.
- Circle can now offer these regulated services to customers across the European Economic Area.
- The authorisation falls under Article 60(4) of the EU’s Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation.
- Circle already holds e-money institution licences in the EU for issuing USDC and EURC.
Circle has obtained authorisation from France’s financial regulator to expand its regulated crypto services in Europe. The Autorité des marchés financiers approved on 20 April 2026 under the EU’s Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation. The decision allows Circle France to provide custody and transfer services tied to its stablecoins across the European Economic Area.
Circle Expands Regulated Footprint in France
The AMF authorisation permits Circle France to offer custody and transfer services for USDC and EURC. The approval falls under Article 60(4) of MiCA and covers services linked to tokens it issues. As a result, Circle can now serve customers across the European Economic Area through its French entity.
Circle already holds e-money institution licences in the EU for issuing USDC and EURC. With this new clearance, the company broadens its regulated services in France. The authorisation strengthens its operational presence under the MiCA framework.
MiCA Framework and Stablecoin Services
MiCA entered full force for stablecoin issuers in June 2024 across the European Union. The regulation requires e-money token issuers to meet reserve, governance, and consumer protection standards. Article 60(4) sets rules for custody and transfer services connected to an issuer’s own tokens.
Through this pathway, regulated issuers can provide settlement and custody within one compliance structure. The framework outlines how firms must manage client assets and operational safeguards. Therefore, Circle France can align its services with MiCA requirements while serving EU customers.
Circle has stated that it focuses on operating within established regulatory systems. The company has avoided seeking exemptions or entering markets without authorisation. Instead, it has pursued licences as European rules have developed.
Dante Disparte, Chief Strategy Officer and Head of Global Policy at Circle, addressed the approval. He said, “This approval reflects our commitment to working within European regulatory frameworks.” He added that the company supports trusted digital financial infrastructure in France and the EU.
USDC and EURC Services Under Circle France
USDC and EURC remain the stablecoins covered under the French authorisation. Circle issues both tokens under existing EU e-money licences. The new approval allows the company to combine issuance with custody and transfer services.
Under MiCA, issuers must maintain adequate reserves and clear governance processes. They must also protect consumers through disclosure and operational controls. Circle France now operates these services under AMF supervision.
In April 2026, Circle also launched Circle Payments Network Managed Payments. The service provides fully managed stablecoin settlement using USDC. It allows payment firms, fintechs, banks, and enterprises to access settlement without directly managing digital assets.
The company described the offering as designed for regulated payment providers. The rollout followed the AMF approval during the same month. Circle continues to operate its European services through its licensed entities under MiCA.
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