Is KuCoin banned in France? Everything you need to know

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KuCoin banned in France?

KuCoin's status in France is no longer ambiguous: the platform will officially cease operations for French users from August 2025. This decision comes after more than a year on the blacklist of the Financial Markets Authority (AMF) and follows KuCoin's failure to comply with MiCA .

So, what does this withdrawal mean for users? What are the risks, alternatives, and key dates to know? Let's take a look.

Table of contents

KuCoin is leaving France in August 2025

On July 29, 2025, KuCoin officially confirmed by email to its French users that it was ceasing its services in France , in accordance with the laws and discussions undertaken with the AMF.

Since April 15, 2024, KuCoin was already on the AMF's blacklist , which meant that it did not comply with the legal framework in force to operate in France.

🛑 3 steps towards complete removal

  1. August 4, 2025 :

    • End of order execution for French accounts

    • Deposit freeze

    • It is not possible to create a new account with a French identity document

  2. August 25, 2025 :

    • Forced liquidation of remaining open positions

    • Cancellation of pending orders

    • KuCards deactivation

  3. From September 1, 2025 :

    • All French accounts are now in restricted mode

    • Balances exceeding 10 USDC are transferred to the MiCA -registered Zillion Bits Ltd.

    • Users will be able to withdraw their funds there

What are the best alternatives to the KuCoin ban 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.

An alternative to KuCoin in France: investing in crypto without going through a centralized exchange

If you want to completely avoid the risks associated with centralized platforms, the best alternative is to buy your cryptocurrencies and store them directly on a cold wallet like Ledger or Trezor . Unlike software wallets (Metamask, Trust Wallet , Exodus), these hardware wallets guarantee optimal security by isolating your private keys offline.

✔️ Maximum security – Your assets are protected from hacks and unauthorized access.
✔️ Total control – You are the only one who holds the key to your funds.
✔️ DeFi compatible – Interact securely with DApp , staking platforms Web3 services .

👉 To help you choose the right wallet, we invite you to consult our Ledger models and our Ledger vs Trezor comparison .

Want to dive into the world of cryptocurrencies but don't know where to start? We've created a clear, illustrated, and educational that walks you through the process step by step with accessible explanations and detailed screenshots.
Divided into two main parts , this guide will teach you how to use a centralized exchange to buy your first assets, and then how to manage a decentralized wallet to secure and hold your crypto independently.

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.
Understanding stablecoins stablecoin Their usefulness, differences, and how to use them to stabilize your funds during periods of volatility.
Mastering a decentralized wallet ( DeFi ) – Learn how to manage your assets without intermediaries and interact directly with the blockchain.
Transacting via a decentralized wallet – A practical guide to trading cryptocurrencies independently.
Exploring decentralized finance (DeFi) – Discover advanced concepts like staking and NFTs .

📥 Download your free guide by filling out the form below:

Why was KuCoin placed on the AMF's blacklist?

KuCoin operated without registration as a Digital Asset Service Provider (DASP) . This status is required for any company wishing to offer crypto services in France.

The AMF judged that KuCoin was actively soliciting French clients without having legal authorization to do so, which justifies its inclusion on the blacklist.


What are the consequences for French users?

  • KuCoin can no longer provide services to French users

  • Existing accounts are being progressively restricted .

  • It will no longer be possible to use KuCoin from France , even with an existing account.

⚠️ From August 25th, all positions will be automatically liquidated , without any possibility of action on your part.


Can KuCoin still be used in France?

No , not legally. Starting August 4th, essential features (trading, deposits) will be disabled for French users. And from August 25th, using KuCoin will become strictly impossible, except for withdrawing funds to Zillion Bits Ltd.


What happens after August 25th?

  • All accounts are now in restricted mode

  • KuCoin transfers unwithdrawn balances exceeding 10 USDC to the MiCA -compliant Zillion Bits Ltd.

  • Starting September 1st , users must log in to this new platform to retrieve their funds.


What are the risks for those who continue to promote KuCoin?

Promoting KuCoin from France is strictly prohibited by the AMF. Individuals or entities attempting to do so risk:

  • Financial sanctions

  • An advertising ban on Google, Facebook or TikTok

  • Legal action will be taken if the AMF considers that there is illegal incitement.


Warnings from other international regulators against KuCoin

KuCoin is not only being targeted in France. Other countries have also taken measures:

 

  • 🇺🇸 United States KYC violations ; KuCoin banned for 2 years

  • 🇩🇪 Germany : BaFin warns of lack of license

  • 🇨🇦 Canada : Ban in several provinces

  • 🇭🇰 Hong Kong : Warnings about risks and lack of transparency

Conclusion: Should KuCoin still be used in France?

No. KuCoin is officially leaving France.

  • You will no longer be able to trade, deposit or use your KuCards from August 4, 2025.

  • The remaining funds will be automatically transferred to Zillion Bits Ltd MiCA compliant entity .

  • You will not have any legal protection in case of a problem.

Choose regulated platforms.
Store your crypto outside of centralized platforms with secure wallets.

For your safety, avoid any interaction with platforms not registered as PSANs in France.

Investments in cryptocurrencies are risky. Crypternon could not be held responsible, directly or indirectly, for any damage or loss caused following the use of a property or service put forward in this article. Readers must do their own research before undertaking any action and investing only within the limits of their financial capacities. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This article does not constitute an investment advice.

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AMF recommendations. There is no guaranteed high yield, a product with high performance potential implies a high risk. This risk taking must be in line with your project, your investment horizon and your ability to lose part of this savings. Do not invest if you are not ready to lose all or part of your capital .

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