France is positioning itself as a potential hub for cryptocurrency companies seeking clear regulations, with the Autorité des Marchés Financiers (AMF) offering a welcoming environment for those looking to relocate from the United States. The country currently has 74 registered crypto companies, which is expected to rise as more firms anticipate the implementation of the European Union's comprehensive regulatory framework. France's defined crypto service asset provider regime, PSAN, provides clear guidelines and regulations for crypto businesses, fostering an environment of transparency and stability. Other attractive destinations for crypto firms seeking more favorable regulatory environments include the United Arab Emirates, Switzerland, and Singapore.

France is offering a welcoming environment for crypto companies seeking regulatory certainty amidst uncertainty in the US. The country already has 74 registered crypto companies, with more expected to join as they anticipate the EU's Markets in Crypto Assets rules. France's regulatory framework, known as PSAN, offers predictability and legal certainty, though there are still some gray areas, such as the regulation of crypto social media influencers. The AMF, responsible for supervising market infrastructure and intermediaries, has a reputation for being a major market regulator that manages risk well.

Rhapsody Curated, a European NFT photography platform, has partnered with three leading fine art photographers to mint their works as NFTs for the first time to raise awareness of, and funding for, the battle against climate change.

France's financial regulator, the AMF, is considering a "fast track" option for licensed crypto firms to get regulated under the upcoming Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) laws. The AMF is looking to plug the gap relating to aspects such as fund provision regulations of crypto firms, conflict of interest policies, and the alignment of requested documents required under AMF and MiCA regulations. The MiCA regulatory package was passed by the European Parliament on April 20 and is tentatively slated to come into effect from the start of 2025. The regulation aims to establish a clear and consistent regulatory framework for crypto assets among the European Union member states. (Cointelegraph)

France's Financial Markets Authority (AMF) has announced that existing crypto companies could be given a "fast-track regime" to comply with new European crypto rules. The move comes as France tightens its crypto registration procedures in preparation for the implementation of the European Union's Markets in Crypto Assets law, MiCA, which includes tougher governance, consumer-protection, and financial-stability rules. The AMF will consider a possible fast-track modular licensing between France's existing regime and MiCA, as well as bringing provisions on reserves, conflicts of interest, custody, and documentation in line with Europe. Companies already registered in France will have an additional 18 months to comply with the higher European norms under MiCA.

The French government is seeking public comment on the "virtual immersive universe" known as the Metaverse to shape a strategy for the sector and offer an alternative to international giants. The Directorate General for Enterprise issued a consultation calling upon companies, citizens, associations, and researchers to answer a series of questions regarding "virtual spaces." The consultation aims to allow the public to express their expectations on how to anticipate Metaverse technology and offer an alternative to the virtual immersive universes currently offered by international giants. The consultation provides different questionnaires for citizens, businesses, associations, and researchers, all mainly centered around the level of knowledge surrounding virtual spaces, the extent of the demand for such spaces, and any potential challenges involved. This comes after a group of industry professionals discussed how regulators might interpret the Metaverse and how businesses can enter it at Paris Blockchain Week. The consultation provides an opportunity to question the relevance of the Metaverse and create a set of rules and ethical standards.

More than $1 billion of ether has been lost forever due to bugs and human error, according to research by Conor Grogan, director of product strategy and business operations at Coinbase.

Stablecoin issuer Circle has applied for a French crypto asset license as part of a wider growth strategy for Europe. 

AXA Investment Managers was registered as a crypto services provider in France as of Tuesday, according to the website of financial markets regulator the AMF.

French lawmakers have approved a set of stricter rules for crypto companies, which now only need the approval of President Emmanuel Macron to be signed into law.