Swiss Bitcoin App Relai Receives MiCA License in France, Paving the Way for Expansion
In a significant development for the cryptocurrency landscape in Europe, Relai, a Swiss Bitcoin-only application based in Zurich, has successfully obtained a MiCA (Markets in Crypto-Assets) license granted by the French financial regulatory authority, l'Autorité des Marchés Financiers (AMF). This achievement positions Relai among the pioneering Bitcoin-only apps to attain this license, facilitating the company's plans to broaden its services across the European Union.
Founded in 2020, Relai has quickly risen to prominence in the challenging digital asset market. The app has surpassed 500,000 downloads and secured Series A funding, marking its place as an emerging star within the industry. With the acquisition of the MiCA license, Relai is poised to take a significant leap forward, allowing it to offer its award-winning app to EU users, contingent upon the completion of necessary passporting processes.
The MiCA license allows Relai to extend its regulated services to a wider audience, aiming to present Bitcoin to even more users while enhancing accessibility and transparency. Key features expected to enhance the user experience include Instant SEPA transfers, where EU users can buy Bitcoin within seconds, and increased trading limits enabling users to exchange more Bitcoin for their euros. Users will also benefit from fixed pricing, presenting them with exact costs at the order stage, thereby ensuring complete transparency on fees and conversion rates.
Moreover, Relai plans to generate specific educational content aimed at enriching user knowledge about Bitcoin and will host events across Europe to foster community engagement and exploration of the cryptocurrency market. The app is designed with top-notch security features, implementing the latest technologies to ensure user safety.
Julian Liniger, co-founder and CEO of Relai AG, expressed pride in being one of the first Bitcoin entities to acquire the MiCA license and is eager to focus expansion efforts first in France and then across the European market. The company is also set to be guided by a seasoned advisory board, including industry veterans Jean Guillaume, Daniel Astraud, and Herve de Kerdrel, all contributing their expertise to support Relai in its European ambitions.
"This milestone not only signifies a breakthrough for us but for the entire Bitcoin industry in Europe. Our objective is to make Bitcoin accessible to as many individuals as possible in a straightforward, secure, and compliant manner," stated Adem Bilican, co-founder and chairperson of Relai EU.
The MiCA framework enables the Bitcoin-centric provider to develop innovative and attractive products that can solidify its presence in an ever-evolving market within the EU. Looking ahead, the company is set to plan marketing initiatives and events for 2026, alongside exciting updates to the app anticipated in the coming weeks.
Relai operates under a Swiss financial services license, boasting a trading volume exceeding $1 billion. Following its rapid growth, it was recognized as one of the fastest-growing startups in Europe in 2024, and in September 2025, it garnered the Top 100 Swiss Startup award for best fintech.
With its focus on self-custody, Relai distinguishes itself from many competitors by not holding users' funds but rather empowering individuals to take control of their financial futures with a user-friendly self-custody wallet.
For those eager to engage with cryptocurrency, and particularly Bitcoin, Relai promises a seamless, secure, and educational platform, setting a new standard in the digital asset space in Europe and beyond.