Bitcoin App Relai Nabs EU Approval-Now Can You? 🎩💰

On October 23, 2025, France’s financial regulator granted Relai a license that allows it to operate across all 27 European Union member states. 🎉💸

This approval represents a major milestone for Bitcoin adoption in Europe. The license puts Relai ahead of major exchanges like Binance and Coinbase, which are still working through the complex approval process. 🕵️‍♂️📉

What Is MiCA and Why Does It Matter?

The Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation is Europe’s answer to the Wild West of cryptocurrency services. Adopted in June 2023, MiCA creates uniform rules for crypto companies across the entire European Union. Before this regulation, each country had different rules, making it complicated for crypto businesses to operate across borders. 🌍🌀

MiCA aims to protect investors and ensure financial stability. The regulation came into full effect at the end of 2024, requiring all crypto service providers to obtain proper licenses. Companies that get approved receive what’s called a “passport” – a single license that works in all EU countries. 🏷️✈️

For consumers, this means better protection and clearer rules about how crypto companies must operate. For businesses like Relai, it means they can legally serve customers across Europe with one license instead of applying for permits in each country separately. 🧠🔐

Relai’s Journey to Approval

Relai was founded in Zurich, Switzerland in 2020 by Julian Liniger and Adem Bilican. The company focuses exclusively on Bitcoin, unlike other platforms that offer dozens or hundreds of different cryptocurrencies. This Bitcoin-only approach sets Relai apart in a crowded market. 🚀💎

The company has grown steadily despite Europe’s challenging regulatory environment for digital assets. Relai has surpassed 500,000 app downloads and has facilitated over $650 million in Bitcoin transactions. The company previously operated mainly in Switzerland and Italy. 📱📈

In December 2024, Relai raised $12 million in Series A funding led by US venture capital firm Ego Death Capital. Other investors included Plan B Bitcoin Fund, Timechain, and Solit Group. The company stated at the time that obtaining a MiCA license was a key goal for early 2025. 💼📈

Now that goal has been achieved. France’s Financial Markets Authority (AMF) officially granted Relai its Crypto-Asset Service Provider (CASP) license, making the company one of the first Bitcoin-only platforms to achieve full MiCA compliance. 🎯✅

What Changes for European Bitcoin Users?

The MiCA license allows Relai to introduce several new features for European customers. Once the company completes formal notification procedures with other EU countries, users across the bloc will have access to:

Instant SEPA Payments: European customers will be able to buy Bitcoin within seconds using the Single Euro Payments Area payment system, which is widely used across Europe. 🚀💳

Higher Trading Limits: Users will have the ability to purchase larger amounts of Bitcoin with euros compared to previous limits. 📈💰

Fixed-Price Transparency: Customers will see the exact price when creating their order, providing clear information about costs and exchange rates. 📊⚖️

Enhanced Security: The company plans to implement additional security measures that meet strict European regulatory standards. 🔒🛡️

Educational Resources: Relai will roll out learning initiatives with specific content tailored to European markets. 📚🧠

The company also plans major marketing campaigns and app updates scheduled for 2026. The platform currently has over 450,000 downloads with 140,000 active users. These efforts will help Relai expand its reach across France first, then gradually to other European countries. 🇫🇷🌍

Leadership Perspective

Julian Liniger, Relai’s co-founder and CEO, expressed pride in achieving this milestone. “We’re 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,” he said. “This is a big moment for Bitcoin adoption on the continent.” 🥂📈

Adem Bilican, co-founder and president of Relai EU, emphasized the company’s mission: “Our goal is clear: bringing Bitcoin to as many people as possible – simple, secure, and regulated.” 🧠💡

To support its European expansion, Relai has appointed an advisory board consisting of three industry veterans: Jean Guillaume, Daniel Astraud, and Hervé de Kerdrel. These advisors will provide guidance on regulatory compliance and strategic growth as the company scales across Europe. 🧭📈

The Competitive Landscape

Relai isn’t the only company receiving MiCA approval this week. On Thursday, October 23, Revolut announced it received a license from Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission, and Blockchain.com secured approval from Malta’s Financial Services Authority. 🏦🌐

Other major crypto firms that have obtained MiCA licenses include Kraken, Gemini, and Bitvavo. The Netherlands was among the first countries to grant licenses, approving companies like MoonPay and BitStaete in early 2025. 🇳🇱🚀

However, Relai holds a unique position as one of the first Bitcoin-only companies to achieve compliance. While larger platforms offer hundreds of different cryptocurrencies, Relai’s focused approach on Bitcoin may appeal to users who want simplicity and clarity. 🧠💎

The timing of these approvals shows that Europe is moving quickly to establish itself as a regulated crypto market. By creating clear rules, European regulators hope to attract legitimate businesses while protecting consumers from fraud and market manipulation. 🛡️⚖️

The Road Ahead

With its MiCA license in hand, Relai now has access to over 450 million potential customers across the European Economic Area. The company can operate legally throughout the EU without needing separate licenses in each country. 🌐✅

This regulatory approval comes at a critical time for cryptocurrency adoption in Europe. As traditional financial institutions become more interested in digital assets, having clear regulations makes it easier for both businesses and consumers to participate in the crypto economy. 🏦📈

Relai’s success in obtaining early approval demonstrates that focused, compliant companies can navigate Europe’s new regulatory landscape. The company’s Bitcoin-only strategy combined with its Swiss roots and emphasis on self-custody may prove attractive to European users who want secure, straightforward access to Bitcoin. 🇨🇭🔒

The company has not disclosed specific revenue figures or user growth targets, but the Series A funding and rapid expansion plans suggest confidence in the European market’s potential. 💸🚀

Bottom Line

Relai’s MiCA approval marks a turning point for Bitcoin services in Europe. As one of the first Bitcoin-only platforms to receive full regulatory clearance, the company is positioned to capture market share as European crypto regulations take full effect. The success of Relai’s expansion will depend on execution, but the regulatory foundation is now firmly in place. For European Bitcoin users, this means more options for buying and holding Bitcoin through a regulated, compliant platform. 🧾🔐

2025-10-25 02:48