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Kucoin prohibited in France?
Kucoin's status in France So, is Kucoin prohibited in France ? Although the platform is accessible to French users , it appears on the black list of the Autorité des Marchés Financiers (AMF) , which raises several essential questions:
- What are the real risks to use Kucoin in France?
- Why was Kucoin placed on a blacklist?
- Are there safe and regulated alternatives to invest in peace?
In this article, we will clarify the situation of Kucoin in France, explain what its registration on a blacklist really means, and guide you to the best options to invest in cryptocurrencies safely.
Table of contents
Kucoin prohibited in France? Consequences of the registration of Kucoin on black list
1️⃣ Kucoin cannot legally offer its services to French residents
The AMF added Kucoin to its black list, identifying the unregulated exchanges which do not comply with the legal obligations imposed on the platforms wishing to propose trading of cryptocurrencies in France. Concretely, to be authorized to address French residents, a platform must be recorded as a service provider on digital assets (PSAN).
A Crypto platform which is not registered PSAN has no right to actively solicit French customers. In theory, this means that users in France should not be able to register or deposit funds there.
2️⃣Why would Kucoin in France be prohibited "in theory"?
The AMF does not have the powers necessary to technically prohibit access to Kucoin or completely prevent French users from depositing funds there. Unlike banking regulators, who may impose direct restrictions on financial institutions, the AMF cannot directly block transactions between Kucoin and its customers.
🔹 No legal prohibition for Kucoin users in France
There is no law in France prohibiting individuals from using a platform on the AMF black list.
The ban concerns above all the platform itself, which is not allowed to operate in France, but that does not mean that French users are illegal by accessing Kucoin .
The only possible legal sanction would directly target the platform and not its users. As long as Kucoin has no entity in France, it remains difficult for the French authorities to initiate prosecution.
🔹 No control over the international payment methods of Kucoin
The AMF has no authority on foreign means of payment used to supply an account on Kucoin (cryptomonnaies, transfers via banks outside the EU, prepaid cards, etc.).
Some French banks can however refuse transactions to Kucoin , but this remains on a case -by -case basis and depends on the bank's policy, rather than a general ban.
3️⃣ Kucoin cannot advertise in France
One of the AMF levers to limit the influence of Kucoin is to prohibit any promotion of the platform in France.
How does the AMF apply these prohibitions?
Active monitoring of Kucoin advertisements in France : AMF monitors advertising campaigns on various platforms and can request the abolition of illegal ads promoting Kucoin.
Warning and sanctions against influencers : AMF can continue any influencer or media based in France which promotes Kucoin.
Request for deleting illegal content : if a French site, blog or forum promotes Kucoin, the AMF can ask hosts to delete the content.
Blocking paid advertising campaigns : companies like Google and social networks often apply restrictions on the promotion of platforms in black list.
What are the best alternatives to the prohibition of Kucoin in France?
In order to avoid the risks linked to Kucoin, we advise to opt for a regulated and registered PSAN platform. Here are the best alternatives:
Binance
World leader in cryptocurrency exchange platforms, Binance is authorized PSAN in France, guaranteeing its compliance with local regulations. It offers a complete offer including the spot trading, term contracts, leverage, as well as various financial services. Its extended ecosystem also incorporates Stuking and a Launchpad dedicated to new Crypto projects. A very complete offer but perhaps not the easiest interface to understand for a beginner.
Bitvavo
European Exchange based in the Netherlands, Bitvavo is recognized for its competitive costs and transparency. Accessible to both beginners and experienced traders, it benefits from PSAN approval and appears on the AMF white list. The platform is distinguished by a clearly displayed policy policy, limiting spreats and avoiding hidden costs often present on other exchanges.
Coinbase
Although the Coinbase fees are often higher than those of its competitors, the platform stands out for its reliability and its ease of use. Approved PSAN, it offers an intuitive interface and reactive customer service, thus guaranteeing a secure experience and accessible to beginners. Its commitment to the regulation and protection of investors strengthens its reference position on the French market.
Alternative to Kucoin in France: invest in crypto without going through a centralized exchange
If you want to fully avoid the risks linked to centralized platforms , an alternative is to buy and store your cryptocurrencies via a decentralized wallet like Metamask , Trust Wallet or Exodus .
✔️ Total control of your funds - no dependence on a centralized platform.
✔️ Use the blockchain - you use the heart of decentralized finance technology
✔️ Access to an entire Dapp S - you can access a whole DApp S to generate yields on your cryptos, play online games and much more.
Do you want to get into the world of cryptocurrencies but don't know where to start? We have designed a clear, illustrated and educational , which accompanies you step by step with accessible explanations and detailed screenshots.
Divided into two main parts , this guide will allow you to learn to use a centralized exchange to buy your first active ingredients, then manage a decentralized portfolio to secure and hold your cryptos independently.
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Can we still use Kucoin in France?
The risks of using Kucoin in France
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No appeal in the event of a problem : if your funds are blocked or in the event of a dispute, you will not be able to turn to a French authority to obtain compensation.
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Regulatory compliance problems : Kucoin could one day be completely blocked in France if the AMF asks the Internet access providers (ISP) to restrict access.
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Possible account gel : Kucoin has already been accused of blocking the accounts of certain users under the pretext of "suspicious activities", without clear explanation.
Can Kucoin get around his prohibition in France?
Although Kucoin cannot legally promote its services in France , several strategies still allow the platform to reach French users.
✔️ Use of foreign influencers : content creators based outside France can always speak of Kucoin without being directly subject to French regulations.
✔️ Indirect advertising : some specialized sites and media use diverted formulations and SEO techniques to avoid being identified by regulators.
✔️ Unofficial affiliation strategies : partners and affiliates create blogs, YouTube channels or Telegram to promote Kucoin, without the platform being officially involved.
✔️ SEO and social networks : Kucoin can still be mentioned in blog articles, forums, videos and online discussions, even if formal advertising is prohibited.
What are the risks for those who promote Kucoin in France?
For French influencers and media:
- Financial sanctions of up to several hundred thousand euros in the event of illegal promotion.
- Legal proceedings if the AMF considers that there is deception or incentive to use an unregulated platform.
- Blocking advertising accounts on platforms like Google, Facebook and Tiktok .
For French users:
- Risk of restricted access if the AMF requests a total blocking of the Kucoin site in France.
- Lack of legal appeal in the event of a problem with the platform.
⚠️ Being on a blacklist does not necessarily mean that Kucoin is a scam . This only means that the platform does not comply with French regulatory obligations and cannot operate legally in France.
This is the case of Bitget and Mexc for example.
Warnings of other international regulators against Kucoin
Kucoin is not only problematic in France . Other foreign regulators have made warnings against this platform:
- Germany (Bafin) : Warning on the absence of a legal license in Germany.
- Canada : Several provinces consider Kucoin as a non -compliant platform .
- Hong Kong : Warnings on the lack of transparency and the risks for investors .
Black list in France vs. PSAN recording: what difference?
✔️ All non -PSAN platforms are not necessarily on a blacklist.
Example: Kraken is not recorded PSAN, but has never been placed on a blacklist , because it does not actively target French users .
✔️ Why is Kucoin on black list?
Kucoin was added to the black list because it continues to operate in France illegally , actively soliciting French customers without PSAN approval .
Conclusion: should we still use Kucoin in France?
✅ Kucoin is always accessible from France, but it appears on the black list of the AMF.
❌ It is not Psan and therefore does not have the right to operate in France.
❌ Users do not benefit from any legal protection in the event of a problem.
✅ Alternatives like Bitvavo, Binance and Coinbase are much safer.
✅ An even more secure solution is to store its cryptos on the blockchain thanks to a decentralized wallet.
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.
Certain links of this article are sponsorship links, which means that if you buy a product or you register via these links, we will collect a commission on the part of the sponsored company. These commissions do not train any additional cost for you as a user and certain sponsorships allow you to access promotions.
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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Yohan Uzzan
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.
