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Is Bybit banned in France?
Since August 2024, Bybit has suspended its services in France , although the platform was removed from the blacklist of the Autorité des Marchés Financiers ( AMF ) in February 2025. This removal from the blacklist is a regulatory advance, but Bybit remains inaccessible to French users due to the reinforced controls of the AMF and the absence of a registration as a Digital Asset Service Provider ( DASP ).
If you are looking for legal alternatives to Bybit in France , this article explains why the platform had to leave the French market , what this means for traders, and which regulated platforms can replace Bybit in full compliance.
Table of contents
Why is Bybit banned in France?
The French regulatory framework and the requirements of the AMF
The French Financial Markets Authority (AMF) is the regulatory body that oversees the activities of crypto companies in France. Since the PACTE law of 2019 , any cryptocurrency exchange wishing to offer its services in France must be registered as a Digital Asset Service Provider (DASP ).
Bybit had been on the AMF's blacklist since May 2022 alongside Bitget , MEXC and KuCoin , because the platform operated without PSAN registration , which legally prevented its promotion and use in France.
In February 2025 , the AMF removed Bybit from its blacklist , acknowledging that the exchange had taken steps to comply with French regulatory requirements . However, despite this victory, Bybit chose to temporarily suspend its services in France , including deposits, withdrawals, and cryptocurrency custody .
Bybit suspends its services in France despite being removed from the blacklist
Bybit has announced the cessation of its services in France from August 2, 2024 , due to increased AMF controls on unregistered exchanges.
In an official statement, Ben Zhou , CEO of Bybit, said:
"We have been removed from the AMF's blacklist, but we must continue our efforts to obtain the MiCA and ensure full compliance with European regulations."
Bybit is not only unavailable in France, it is also unavailable in the United Kingdom and Canada , for example.
Bybit's objective is now to obtain a MiCA ( Markets in Crypto-Assets ) , which would allow the exchange to operate legally throughout the European Union and return to the French market.
What are the legal alternatives to Bybit in France?
You can invest in cryptocurrencies with Gemini.
The platform offers:
- Top-notch security, with “cold” storage of the majority of funds
- A dual interface: a simplified application for beginners and ActiveTrader , an advanced platform offering decreasing fees according to volume and a competitive order book.
- Access to more than 60 cryptocurrencies, as well as a rare offering on the market: tokenized stocks (Nvidia, Apple, etc.). These products replicate the price of real stocks via tokens issued directly on the Gemini platform, allowing them to be purchased and traded 24/7 like cryptocurrencies, without going through a traditional stock broker.
- Strict regulatory compliance, with Gemini being one of the first platforms approved in the United States and holding the European license ( MiCA ).
- Additional services such as staking to generate returns on these cryptocurrencies.
Gemini therefore allows you to invest in both cryptocurrencies and tokenized stocks, all in a secure and regulated environment.
You can also buy your cryptocurrencies directly from a decentralized wallet (Metamask, Exodus, Trust Wallet ) by holding your funds directly on the blockchain.
Are you new to the world of cryptocurrencies and want to learn how to use an online wallet ? We've created a detailed, illustrated guide that walks you through the process step by step , with clear explanations and screenshots. The guide is divided into two parts: learning how to use a centralized exchange and learning how to use a decentralized wallet. With this guide, you'll master the basics and be able to navigate the crypto ecosystem with confidence .
What you will learn:
✔ Buying your first cryptocurrencies – A detailed tutorial to get started on a centralized exchange platform.
✔ Securing your transactions – Best practices for buying, selling, and trading cryptocurrencies while minimizing risk.
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✔ Mastering a decentralized wallet ( DeFi ) – Learn how to manage your assets without intermediaries and interact directly with the blockchain.
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✔ Exploring decentralized finance ( DeFi ) – Discover advanced concepts like staking and NFTs .
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What are the consequences of the ban on Bybit in France?
What French users can no longer do
Since August 2024 , French residents can no longer access Bybit services, including:
- Create an account on the platform.
- Depositing or withdrawing funds in euros or cryptocurrencies.
- Trading derivatives, futures contracts or options.
- Use the crypto staking and savings services offered by Bybit.
What remains possible
- Fund withdrawals are still possible, allowing French users to retrieve their cryptos and transfer them to another regulated platform.
- French users who had open positions had to close them before January 2025 , or risk having their positions automatically liquidated.
Can Bybit return to France?
Bybit's objective: to obtain the MiCA license
Bybit is now aiming for MiCA license , which will become mandatory for all exchanges wishing to offer their services in Europe. By obtaining this certification, Bybit could re-enter the French market legally and sustainably .
However, other exchanges such as OKX , Crypto.com and Bitget have already made progress on this issue and are well on their way to securing their place in the European market.
What challenges need to be addressed?
Even though Bybit has been removed from the AMF's blacklist, several obstacles remain to be overcome:
- MiCA license is a time-consuming process that requires strict compliance with European Union requirements.
- Comply with AMF rules , particularly regarding anti-money laundering and investor protection.
- Restoring the confidence of French users , who must now choose compliant alternative platforms .
Can the ban on Bybit in France be bypassed with a VPN?
Using a VPN to access Bybit from France is technically possible, but it violates the platform's terms of service . Bybit may block or freeze accounts identified as belonging to French residents attempting to circumvent the ban.
In which countries is Bybit accepted?
Bybit is available in over 160 countries , but some jurisdictions impose strict restrictions. Among the territories where the platform is restricted are the United States, China, Singapore, the United Kingdom, and France , due to stringent regulatory frameworks or sanctions. Other regions, such as Crimea, Donetsk, and Luhansk , are also off-limits for geopolitical reasons.
Towards regulation beyond Europe for Bybit
In parallel, Bybit is working to acquire additional licenses, particularly in Hong Kong , a major hub for crypto-assets in Asia. These efforts aim to strengthen user protection and ensure the platform's compliance with local regulations.
Bybit's licenses and regulations
Bybit has already obtained several regulatory approvals allowing it to legally offer its services in various international markets. Among the most notable are:
- Kazakhstan : Registration with the Astana Financial Services Authority (AFSA) , which allows Bybit to operate as a regulated digital asset trading custody and investment management services .
- Cyprus : Approval to provide crypto-asset trading and custody services , in compliance with European regulatory standards.
- Georgia : Registered as a Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) with the National Bank of Georgia , ensuring compliance with local regulations.
- Dubai : Obtained a provisional license from the Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (VARA) , a key step towards full authorization to serve retail and institutional investors.
Thanks to these regulatory approvals , Bybit continues to expand its presence in different markets while respecting local legal requirements.
Conclusion: Bybit banned in France, what solutions are there for traders?
currently banned in France stricter regulations imposed by the AMF (French Financial Markets Authority) and its lack of a Digital Asset Service Provider (DASP) registration . Despite being removed from the blacklist , Bybit has chosen to temporarily suspend its services while awaiting the MiCA to legally re-enter the European market.
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Yoann
Training engineer, I quickly became interested in the field of finance. Convinced that decentralized finance has a bright future ahead of it, I participate in its democratization by developing Crypternon.
