Merci de désactiver le bloqueurs de pub pour visualiser cette vidéo.
Digital assets: the AMF describes its requirements for DASP registration or license
22 September 2020

Digital assets: the AMF describes its requirements for DASP registration or license

The Autorité des Marchés Financiers (AMF) has published a Q&A that presents the key points of the digital asset service provider regime created under the PACTE Law. It answers the most frequently asked questions from French and international businesses that wish to apply for DASP registration or license.

The law of 22 May 2019, known as the PACTE Law, created an innovative regime for digital assets by establishing a status of digital asset service provider in France, covering a wide variety of activities. This regime provides for mandatory registration with the AMF for some participants and an optional license system. Only licensed DASPs may engage in direct marketing.

Registration with the AMF is mandatory for two types of services: the purchase and sale of digital assets in legal tender (for example, exchanging bitcoins for euros) and the custody of digital assets for third parties (custody of private keys for clients with the ability to use them on their behalf). Service providers who began their activity before the law entered into force have until 18 December 2020 to register. Project owners who had not yet begun conducting their activity must obtain registration before offering such services.

The Questions & Answers specify, for example, the criteria according to which a foreign-based digital asset service provider is deemed to provide these services to clients resident or established in France and is thus subject to the registration requirement. Foreign-based participants who provide digital asset services in France must register and be established in France or in a Member State of the European Union or of the European Economic Area. However, service providers who apply for license must be established in France, at least via a subsidiary or a branch in the country. The document also sets out the obligations regarding anti-money laundering and counter-financing of terrorism, as well as the obligation to verify the identity of clients.

To date, the AMF has granted registration to two DASPs, after receiving positive opinions from the Autorité de Contrôle Prudentiel et de Résolution (ACPR). There are currently some twenty applications being processed. Although several licensing applications have been submitted, no entity has been licensed to date.

The AMF points out that it is a criminal offence to claim to be registered or licensed without having completed the process (Articles L. 572-23 and L. 572-26 of the Monetary and Financial Code).



About the AMF
The AMF is an independent public authority responsible for ensuring that savings invested in financial products are protected and that investors are provided with adequate information. The AMF also supervises the orderly operations of markets.Visit our website https://www.amf-france.org

AMF Communications Directorate