Swiss Bitcoin app Relai has become one of the first Bitcoin-only companies to receive regulatory approval under Europe’s landmark Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) framework.
The Zurich-based firm announced today that it has been authorized as a Crypto-Asset Service Provider (CASP) by France’s Financial Markets Authority (AMF), according to a note shared with Bitcoin Magazine.
The approval marks an important moment not only for Relai, but for the wider Bitcoin ecosystem in Europe. The MiCA regulation, which came into force earlier this year, establishes uniform rules for crypto companies across the EU, with the aim of increasing investor protection and reducing regulatory fragmentation between member states.
While major exchanges like Binance and Coinbase are still navigating the complex licensing process, Relais’ early authorization gives it a head start as one of the first Bitcoin only companies to achieve compliance.
“We are incredibly proud to be one of the first Bitcoin companies to get the MiCA license and are eager to expand to France first – and Europe in a second step,” said Julian Liniger, co-founder and CEO of Relai. “This is a big moment for Bitcoin adoption on the continent.”
Relai expands a bitcoin-only vision across Europe
Founded in Zurich in 2020, Relai has grown despite a tough regulatory environment for digital assets.
The company closed a Series A funding round last year and surpassed 500,000 app downloads, establishing itself as an easy-to-use gateway for European retail investors seeking exposure to Bitcoin without intermediaries.
With the MiCA license secured, Relai can now “passport” its services across the EU – meaning it can operate in all 27 member states once the formal notification procedures are complete.
The company plans to introduce a number of new features tailored to European users, including instant SEPA payments, higher trade limits, fixed price transparency and improved security standards.
Relai also intends to invest in education and community building, launch localized learning resources and sponsor Bitcoin events across Europe.
“Our goal is clear: to bring Bitcoin to as many people as possible – simple, secure and regulated,” said Adem Bilican, co-founder and president of Relai EU.
The company is also strengthening its leadership with a newly appointed advisory board featuring industry veterans Jean Guillaume, Daniel Atraud and Herve de Kerdrel, who will provide guidance on regulatory compliance and strategic growth.
Relai plans to leverage its MiCA approval to expand across Europe, with marketing campaigns and app updates planned for 2026.
Yesterday, Blockchain.com announced that it also received a MiCA license, granted by the Maltese Financial Services Authority (MFSA),