Coinbase Secures Registration with French Markets Regulator, Expands Services in Europe

Cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase has confirmed its registration with the French markets regulator, VASP, marking a significant step towards expanding its services in Europe. The VASP approval granted by France's AMF watchdog now allows Coinbase to operate digital currency services in the country.

Coinbase to Offer Wide Range of Services in France

CNBC noted that with the VASP registration, Coinbase could provide custody services for digital assets, facilitate buying or selling digital assets using legal tender, enable trading of digital assets against other cryptocurrencies, and operate a digital asset trading platform. The approval has opened doors for Coinbase to serve the French market with various services, as per Cointelegraph.

French regulators have been striving to keep up with the rapid emergence of technologies like cryptocurrencies and blockchain. Like their European counterparts, French authorities are working towards introducing the Markets in Crypto Assets (MiCA) regulation. This will establish a harmonized framework for crypto companies to operate in a regulated manner within the European Union.

Under the MiCA framework, companies with a VASP license will no longer be required to obtain registration in every EU market. Instead, they can "passport" their services across the EU, using their license from one country as leverage to operate in others. This streamlined process will provide convenience and efficiency for crypto businesses seeking to expand across the EU.

Expansion in Europe: Coinbase's Strategic Move

For U.S.-based Coinbase, the VASP registration in France signifies a major European expansion opportunity. As regulatory uncertainties rise in Coinbase's home country, expanding into the European market is essential for the company's growth. Recent actions by U.S. regulators, including the Department of Justice's settlement with Binance, have created a more uncertain environment for crypto companies in the U.S.

Coinbase and other crypto companies have faced strict enforcement actions from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The SEC has taken legal and regulatory action, including lawsuits against Coinbase and Binance, alleging illegal securities dealings. The SEC believes that specific crypto tokens are securities, necessitating registration with the watchdog.

In response to the challenging regulatory landscape in the U.S., Coinbase advocates establishing specific rules for cryptocurrencies. The aim is to move away from "regulation by enforcement," where penalties are imposed on a case-by-case basis. Coinbase seeks clear and transparent regulatory guidelines to navigate the industry's complexities.

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