France Calls on EU to Give ESMA Direct Oversight of Major Crypto Firms

France is pushing for significant regulatory changes in the European cryptocurrency landscape by advocating for direct ESMA (European Securities and Markets Authority) oversight of major crypto firms across the EU bloc. This groundbreaking proposal could reshape how Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other digital assets are regulated throughout Europe's unified market.

The French initiative aims to centralize cryptocurrency regulation under ESMA's direct authority, potentially streamlining compliance for major blockchain companies and DeFi platforms operating across multiple EU jurisdictions. Currently, crypto firms navigate a complex patchwork of national regulations, creating operational challenges and regulatory arbitrage opportunities.

This regulatory shift could significantly impact cryptocurrency market dynamics, institutional adoption, and cross-border digital asset operations within the European Union. Major crypto exchanges, Bitcoin trading platforms, and blockchain infrastructure providers would face unified oversight standards, potentially increasing investor confidence while ensuring consistent consumer protection measures.

The proposal represents France's commitment to establishing comprehensive cryptocurrency regulation that balances innovation with financial stability. If implemented, this framework could influence global regulatory approaches to digital assets, positioning the EU as a leader in crypto governance and potentially affecting Bitcoin prices and institutional cryptocurrency investment strategies across European markets.