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Home News 66 Illegal Trading Crypto and FX Platforms Under AML Scrutiny in France
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66 Illegal Trading Crypto and FX Platforms Under AML Scrutiny in France

26/10/2025

Date: October 26, 2025

Author: Comsure Insights (https://www.comsuregroup.com)

Overview

In a sweeping regulatory move, French authorities have placed 66 unlicensed crypto and foreign exchange (FX) platforms under anti-money laundering (AML) scrutiny, exposing how online trading platforms are being exploited by criminal networks to bypass financial oversight.

The crackdown, led by the Autorité des Marchés Financiers (AMF) and the Autorité de Contrôle Prudentiel et de Résolution (ACPR), highlights the growing threat posed by unregulated digital investment platforms in facilitating money laundering, fraud, and cross-border financial crime.

Key Findings

  • 43 unauthorised Forex platforms and 23 crypto-derivative platforms were added to France’s blocklist in 2025.
  • These platforms often operate under shell entities in opaque jurisdictions and use aggressive marketing to lure retail investors.
  • Common laundering typologies include:
    • Fiat onboarding disguised as a legitimate investment
    • Rapid conversion into digital assets
    • Layering through complex transaction chains

France’s AML Strategy

  • France’s financial regulators are doubling down on enforcement through:
    Blocklist expansion and public warnings.
  • On-site inspections of registered platforms like Binance and Coinhouse.
  • MiCA (Markets in Crypto-Assets) compliance audits to determine EU-wide licensing eligibility.

France expands AML checks on crypto exchanges: https://www.livebitcoinnews.com/france-expands-aml-checks-on-crypto-exchanges-including-binance/
France hits Binance and Coinbase with AML inspections: https://cryptonews.com/news/france-hits-binance-and-coinbase-with-aml-checks-ahead-of-eu-license-decisions/

Risks to Investors

  • Risks to Investors

The AMF warns that:

  • Unlicensed platforms pose serious risks to investor funds.
  • Pseudonymous transactions and lack of KYC/AML controls make these platforms ideal for laundering proceeds from fraud, ransomware, and narcotics.

Implications for Compliance Professionals

This crackdown signals:

  • A zero-tolerance approach to non-compliance.
  • A regulatory shift toward centralised EU oversight.
  • A compliance cost surge of 30–40% for licensed platforms in France.


France’s AML reforms and impact on exchange valuations: https://www.ainvest.com/news/france-enhanced-aml-measures-impact-crypto-exchange-valuations-2510/

How to Stay Safe

Before engaging with any trading platform:

Source

AMF and ACPR blocklist update: https://www.wikifx.com/en/newsdetail/202508016074549519.html
Bitcoinsensus: AMF warns of unlicensed crypto services: https://www.bitcoinsensus.com/news/regulations/amf-warns-wave-of-unlicensed-crypto-services

https://www.amf-france.org/en/news-publications/news-releases/amf-news-releases/amf-and-acpr-warn-public-against-activities-several-entities-offering-france-investments-unregulated-0

https://fincrimecentral.com/france-crypto-forex-money-laundering-acpr-amf/

MONEY LAUNDERING CRYPTO

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As well as owning and publishing Comsure's copyrighted works, Comsure wishes to use the copyright-protected works of others. To do so, Comsure is applying for exemptions in the UK copyright law. There are certain very specific situations where Comsure is permitted to do so without seeking permission from the owner. These exemptions are in the copyright sections of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 (as amended)[www.gov.UK/government/publications/copyright-acts-and-related-laws]. Many situations allow for Comsure to apply for exemptions. These include 1] Non-commercial research and private study, 2] Criticism, review and reporting of current events, 3] the copying of works in any medium as long as the use is to illustrate a point. 4] no posting is for commercial purposes [payment]. (for a full list of exemptions, please read here www.gov.uk/guidance/exceptions-to-copyright]. Concerning the exceptions, Comsure will acknowledge the work of the source author by providing a link to the source material. Comsure claims no ownership of non-Comsure content. The non-Comsure articles posted on the Comsure website are deemed important, relevant, and newsworthy to a Comsure audience (e.g. regulated financial services and professional firms [DNFSBs]). Comsure does not wish to take any credit for the publication, and the publication can be read in full in its original form if you click the articles link that always accompanies the news item. Also, Comsure does not seek any payment for highlighting these important articles. If you want any article removed, Comsure will automatically do so on a reasonable request if you email info@comsuregroup.com.  

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As well as owning and publishing Comsure's copyrighted works, Comsure wishes to use the copyright-protected works of others. To do so, Comsure is applying for exemptions in the UK copyright law. There are certain very specific situations where Comsure is permitted to do so without seeking permission from the owner. These exemptions are in the copyright sections of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 (as amended)[www.gov.UK/government/publications/copyright-acts-and-related-laws]. Many situations allow for Comsure to apply for exemptions. These include 1] Non-commercial research and private study, 2] Criticism, review and reporting of current events, 3] the copying of works in any medium as long as the use is to illustrate a point. 4] no posting is for commercial purposes [payment]. (for a full list of exemptions, please read here www.gov.uk/guidance/exceptions-to-copyright]. Concerning the exceptions, Comsure will acknowledge the work of the source author by providing a link to the source material. Comsure claims no ownership of non-Comsure content. The non-Comsure articles posted on the Comsure website are deemed important, relevant, and newsworthy to a Comsure audience (e.g. regulated financial services and professional firms [DNFSBs]). Comsure does not wish to take any credit for the publication, and the publication can be read in full in its original form if you click the articles link that always accompanies the news item. Also, Comsure does not seek any payment for highlighting these important articles. If you want any article removed, Comsure will automatically do so on a reasonable request if you email info@comsuregroup.com.