France, oftentimes known for its rich history as well as cultural heritage, is also making significant strides in the realm of virtual currency regulation and adoption. As of recently, the French government has taken a proactive approach to regulate the digital asset market, creating a conducive environment for large and small size businesses and investors alike.
This being the case, this brief analysis will delve into the regulatory landscape for virtual assets in France, including licensing and registration norms for businesses and crypto exchanges. Additionally, this blog article will highlight how French businesses can legally accept virtual currency payments in the Eurozone and the available virtual currency payment gateway options.
French Regulatory Norms and Rules
The French virtual currency regulatory framework is primarily governed by the “Loi Pacte” (Action Plan for Business Growth and Transformation). Under this law, cryptocurrency-related activities have been formalized, sufficing a legal structure for enterprises and investors.
Licensing and Registration Requirements
Virtual currency service providers are subject to obtaining registration with the French financial regulator (AMF), which in turn guarantees legal compliance with internationally recognized KYC and AML doctrines. In this context, virtual currency custodians and cryptocurrency brokers must seek approval from the French financial regulatory authority. They need to meet strict capital and operational requirements to guarantee unprecedented security of client assets.
The French government has also implemented an additional “visa” for ICOs and virtual currency issuers. While not mandatory, obtaining this visa grants a seal of approval from the authorities, enhancing investor trust.
Status of Virtual Assets and Crypto Payments
By and large, virtual assets in France are considered legal means, and TXs involving them are taxed as per French norms. The French Ministry of the Economy considers virtual currencies like Bitcoin as “movable property.” Consequently, any capital gains generated from virtual currency TXs are subject to obligatory capital gains taxes, which can vary conditioned by the concrete period of ownership.
Businesses in France can legally accept virtual currency payments; however, they must adhere to specific guidelines:
Transparent Pricing
Businesses accepting virtual currency payments should display prices in both cryptocurrencies and traditional fiat money to guarantee transparency for their clients.
Record Keeping
Detailed records of virtual currency TXs should be maintained, including the date, amount, sender, and receiver. This is crucial for tax purposes.
AML/KYC Compliance
Businesses should implement AML/KYC procedures to prevent illicit actions and follow the regulatory directives.
Digital Currency Payment Gateway Options in France
Below, you may find a brief description of one of the most popular virtual currency payment gateway options for businesses available in France.
Binance Pay
Undeniably, Binance is one of the largest and feature-rich crypto exchanges thus far and Binance Pay is a secure technology powered by the Binance team. The feature allows versatile payment solutions ranging from pay buttons, QR scans, and crypto wallets for merchants.
Paymium
Paymium is a French-based crypto exchange platform operating from 2011 onwards. It renders crypto merchant solutions for BTC-based e-commerce. Although the service provision is limited in crypto portfolio and payment methods, nonetheless, it is fully compliant with the French financial regulator and has proper licensing for doing business activities in the EU.
Switchere
Headquartered in Lithuania, Switchere has been in the business for more than 4 years. Within this timeframe, the company has managed to expand its service provision from simple crypto purchases via conventional bank cards to turn-key crypto merchant tools, NFT Checkout form for NFT marketplaces, and partnered with renowned companies.
Switchere renders market-competitive pricing for small and enterprise-grade businesses. All key information and contact details can be found on the Accept Crypto Payments page. The integration flow is straightforward, and the company manages all the back-office work.
Conclusion
France has positioned itself as a forward-thinking and regulatory-compliant environment for virtual currency businesses and VCs. The country’s comprehensive virtual currency regulatory structure maintains transparency, top-notch security, and legal clarity for digital asset-related activities. As the crypto industry continues to evolve, France remains a prominent player in fostering its growth and adoption while maintaining a secure and compliant ecosystem.
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