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French Polynesia

Retail_Trading_Status

Allowed-Regulated Unknown
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Analysis ID
#280
Version
Archived
Created
2025-06-26 09:10
Workflow Stage
Initial Research

Executive Summary

Retail cryptocurrency trading is legally permitted in French Polynesia, governed by French national regulations, including KYC/AML. The PACTE law of 2019, introducing the DASP (PSAN) regime overseen by the AMF and ACPR, applies. The upcoming EU's MiCA regulation will further shape the landscape, with the IEOM issuing warnings on crypto-asset risks, and advising caution to individuals using authorized and registered PSAN intermediaries. Despite the regulated framework and warnings, cryptocurrency adoption is growing with local businesses starting to accept crypto payments.

Key Pillars

The primary regulator is the Autorité des Marchés Financiers (AMF) and the Autorité de Contrôle Prudentiel et de Résolution (ACPR) which administer the French PSAN regime. Core compliance requirements include Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) regulations. Licensing or registration as a PSAN is required for entities established in France to operate in French Polynesia.

Landmark Laws

  • PACTE Law of 2019: Introduced the Digital Asset Service Provider (DASP) or Prestataire de Services sur Actifs Numériques (PSAN) regime.
  • Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) Regulation: EU regulation progressively coming into force, harmonizing the European framework for crypto-assets. Certain provisions for stablecoins are already active as of June 30, 2024, with full applicability expected by December 30, 2024, with some provisions extending into 2026. PSANs will have 18 months to comply with MiCA.

Considerations

  • Crypto-assets are not legal tender; the official currency is the Pacific Franc (XPF).
  • Crypto-assets are considered highly volatile, posing a risk of capital loss.
  • Tax implications for crypto-asset transactions in France apply to French Polynesian residents, with capital gains subject to a flat tax rate or progressive income tax rates.
  • IEOM emphasizes the need for intermediaries to be authorized and registered with the AMF as PSANs.
  • French-registered PSANs are permitted to offer services in French Polynesia.

Notes

  • While no specific crypto-asset service provider is registered in French Polynesia as of late 2024, French-registered PSANs can operate there.
  • The IEOM and AMF maintain blacklists of unauthorized platforms and warn against scams.
  • Some local businesses have started accepting cryptocurrency payments.
  • Tahiti-Cryptomonnaies.com stated in October 2024 that no company or service provider registered in French Polynesia had applied for PSAN registration to date.
  • According to Prox-i (referencing 2022 data), no specific local regulations on cryptocurrencies exist in French Polynesia, although French and EU regulations apply.

Detailed Explanation

Retail cryptocurrency trading is legally permitted in French Polynesia for individual citizens and residents. As an overseas collectivity of France, French Polynesia adheres to French national regulations concerning crypto-assets, encompassing Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) requirements. The French regulatory framework, notably the PACTE law of 2019, which established the Digital Asset Service Provider (DASP), or Prestataire de Services sur Actifs Numériques (PSAN), regime, is applicable. This regime is managed by the Autorité des Marchés Financiers (AMF) and the Autorité de Contrôle Prudentiel et de Résolution (ACPR). The European Union's Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation, progressively coming into force, will also impact the regulatory landscape. MiCA is aimed to create a harmonized European framework for crypto-assets, covering offerings, provision of services, and market abuse prevention. PSANs registered in France will need to comply with MiCA to serve the broader European market, and this extends to French overseas territories like French Polynesia. While MiCA's full implementation is ongoing, with certain provisions for stablecoins already active as of June 30, 2024, and others expected by December 30, 2024 and into 2026, the existing French PSAN regime provides a regulatory basis. The MiCA regulation includes provisions for PSANs that have obtained a 'simple' registration, a 'reinforced' registration, or an optional authorization from the AMF; these providers will have 18 months to comply and, in the meantime, may only address the French public. The Institut d'Émission d'Outre-Mer (IEOM) acts as the central bank for French Pacific collectivities and has issued warnings and guidance regarding crypto-assets. These communications stress that crypto-assets are not legal tender (the official currency is the Pacific Franc - XPF), are highly volatile, and carry significant risks of capital loss. The IEOM advises individuals to be cautious and to ensure that any intermediary offering crypto-asset services is authorized and registered with the AMF as a PSAN. According to the IEOM and AMF, only PSANs established in France are permitted to operate in French Polynesia, and both maintain blacklists of unauthorized platforms while warning against scams. Despite this regulatory framework and warnings, cryptocurrency adoption is growing in French Polynesia. Some local businesses have started accepting cryptocurrency payments, and platforms are marketing their services to Polynesian residents, often highlighting compliance with KYC/AML regulations. The tax implications for crypto-asset transactions in France, which would apply to French Polynesian residents, are defined, with capital gains subject to a flat tax rate or progressive income tax rates, depending on the nature of the trading. While no specific crypto-asset service provider appears to be registered in French Polynesia itself as of late 2024, French-registered PSANs are permitted to offer services there. The regulatory environment is characterized by the application of French and overarching EU rules, emphasizing consumer protection, AML/CFT, and the licensing of service providers. According to Tahiti-Cryptomonnaies.com (October 2024), the PSAN status applies in French Polynesia as it does in mainland France, but to date, no company or service provider registered in French Polynesia has applied for PSAN registration. The French Ministry of Economy, Finance, and Digital Sovereignty states that MiCA was published in the Official Journal of the European Union on June 9, 2023, with applicability starting December 30, 2024, except for stablecoin provisions effective June 30, 2024.

Summary Points

Retail Trading of Crypto-Assets in French Polynesia: Regulatory Overview (June 2025)

Overall Status: Allowed-Regulated

1. Regulatory Framework:

  • Applicability of French Regulations: As an overseas collectivity of France, French Polynesia is subject to French national regulations concerning crypto-assets.
  • PACTE Law (2019): The French PACTE law, introducing the Digital Asset Service Provider (DASP) or Prestataire de Services sur Actifs Numériques (PSAN) regime, is applicable.
  • EU's MiCA Regulation: The European Union's Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation will progressively impact the regulatory landscape, aiming for a harmonized European framework.
    • MiCA's provisions for stablecoins are already active.
    • Full implementation is expected by the end of 2024 and into 2026.
    • PSANs registered in France will need to comply with MiCA to serve the broader European market, including French Polynesia.
  • No Specific Local Regulations: While no specific local regulations exist in French Polynesia, the overarching French and EU regulations apply.

2. Key Regulatory Bodies and Their Roles:

  • Autorité des Marchés Financiers (AMF): French financial markets authority.
    • Administers the PSAN regime.
    • Maintains a "white list" of authorized PSANs.
    • Issues warnings against unauthorized platforms and scams.
  • Autorité de Contrôle Prudentiel et de Résolution (ACPR): French Prudential Supervision and Resolution Authority.
    • Works with the AMF in administering the PSAN regime.
  • Institut d'Émission d'Outre-Mer (IEOM): Central bank for French Pacific collectivities.
    • Issues warnings and guidance regarding crypto-assets.
    • Emphasizes that crypto-assets are not legal tender (official currency is the Pacific Franc - XPF).
    • Advises caution due to volatility and risk of capital loss.

3. Important Legislation and Regulations:

  • French PACTE Law (2019): Introduced the PSAN regime.
  • EU's Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) Regulation: Aims to create a harmonized European framework for crypto-assets.

4. Requirements for Compliance:

  • KYC/AML: Platforms operating in French Polynesia must comply with Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) regulations.
  • PSAN Registration: Only PSANs established in France are permitted to operate in French Polynesia.
  • MiCA Compliance (Future): PSANs will need to comply with MiCA regulations as they come into effect.

5. Notable Restrictions or Limitations:

  • No Locally Registered PSANs: As of late 2024, no crypto-asset service provider appears to be registered in French Polynesia itself.
  • French-Registered PSANs Only: Only French-registered PSANs are permitted to offer services in French Polynesia.
  • IEOM Warnings: The IEOM warns of the risks associated with crypto-assets, including volatility and potential for capital loss.

6. Recent Developments or Changes:

  • MiCA Implementation: The EU's MiCA regulation is being progressively implemented, with certain provisions already active and others expected in the near future.
  • Growing Interest and Adoption: There is growing interest and adoption of cryptocurrencies in French Polynesia.
  • Business Acceptance: Some local businesses have started accepting cryptocurrency payments.
  • Platform Marketing: Platforms are actively marketing their services to Polynesian residents, highlighting KYC/AML compliance.

7. Tax Implications:

  • French Tax Rules Apply: Tax implications for crypto-asset transactions in France apply to French Polynesian residents.
  • Capital Gains Tax: Capital gains are subject to a flat tax rate or progressive income tax rates, depending on the nature of the trading (occasional or professional).

Full Analysis Report

Report on Retail_Trading_Status in French Polynesia

Date: 2025-06-26

Topic: Retail_Trading_Status

Description: Assess whether individual citizens and residents in the country are legally permitted to buy, sell, and hold cryptocurrencies. Detail the regulatory environment surrounding this activity (e.g., KYC/AML requirements imposed on platforms, general warnings issued).


Retail_Trading_Status

Identified Status: Allowed-Regulated

Narrative Explanation:

Retail cryptocurrency trading is legally permitted in French Polynesia for individual citizens and residents. As an overseas collectivity of France, French Polynesia is subject to French national regulations concerning crypto-assets, including Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) requirements. The French regulatory framework, particularly the PACTE law of 2019 which introduced the Digital Asset Service Provider (DASP), or Prestataire de Services sur Actifs Numériques (PSAN), regime, is applicable. This regime is administered by the Autorité des Marchés Financiers (AMF) and the Autorité de Contrôle Prudentiel et de Résolution (ACPR).

The European Union's Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation, which is progressively coming into force, will also impact the regulatory landscape. MiCA aims to create a harmonized European framework for crypto-assets, covering offerings, provision of services, and market abuse prevention. PSANs registered in France will need to comply with MiCA to serve the broader European market, and this framework extends to French overseas territories like French Polynesia. While MiCA's full implementation is ongoing, with certain provisions for stablecoins already active and others expected by the end of 2024 and into 2026, the existing French PSAN regime already provides a regulatory basis.

The Institut d'Émission d'Outre-Mer (IEOM), which acts as the central bank for French Pacific collectivités, has issued warnings and guidance regarding crypto-assets. These communications emphasize that crypto-assets are not legal tender (the official currency is the Pacific Franc - XPF), are highly volatile, and pose significant risks of capital loss. The IEOM advises individuals to be cautious and to ensure that any intermediary offering crypto-asset services is authorized and registered with the AMF as a PSAN. Only PSANs established in France are permitted to operate in French Polynesia. The IEOM and AMF also maintain blacklists of unauthorized platforms and warn against scams.

Despite the regulatory framework and warnings, there is growing interest and adoption of cryptocurrencies in French Polynesia. Some local businesses have started accepting cryptocurrency payments, and platforms are actively marketing their services to Polynesian residents, often highlighting compliance with KYC/AML regulations. The tax implications for crypto-asset transactions in France, which would apply to French Polynesian residents, are also defined, with capital gains subject to a flat tax rate or progressive income tax rates depending on the nature of the trading (occasional or professional).

While no specific crypto-asset service provider appears to be registered in French Polynesia itself as of late 2024, French-registered PSANs are permitted to offer services there. The regulatory environment is therefore characterized by the application of French and overarching EU rules, emphasizing consumer protection, AML/CFT, and the licensing of service providers.

Specific, Relevant Text Excerpts and Sources:

  • Tahiti-Cryptomonnaies.com (October 2024) regarding PSAN and MiCA applicability: "En PF, le statut PSAN s'applique au même titre qu'en France métropolitaine. Cependant, à date aucune entreprise ou prestataire de service immatriculé en Polynésie n'a sollicité d'enregistrement PSAN." (Translation: "In French Polynesia, the PSAN status applies in the same way as in mainland France. However, to date, no company or service provider registered in French Polynesia has applied for PSAN registration.")
  • Tahiti-Cryptomonnaies.com (October 2024) on MiCA: "MiCA sera applicable partir du 31/12/2024. Cependant, les prestataires de services sur actifs numériques (PSAN) ayant obtenu un enregistrement « simple », un enregistrement « renforcé », un agrément optionnel auprès de l'Autorité des marchés financiers ou fournissant les services non soumis à enregistrement obligatoire disposeront de 18 mois pour se mettre en conformité et ne pourront dans cet intervalle que s'adresser au public français." (Translation: "MiCA will be applicable from 12/31/2024. However, digital asset service providers (PSANs) that have obtained a 'simple' registration, a 'reinforced' registration, an optional authorization from the Autorité des Marchés Financiers, or that provide services not subject to mandatory registration will have 18 months to comply and, in the meantime, will only be able to address the French public.")
  • Radio1 Tahiti (January 2024) quoting IEOM guidance: "La première recommandation est de s'assurer que l'intermédiaire qui propose des produits ou services est autorisé à le faire, c'est-à-dire qu'il est référencé dans la « liste blanche » de l'Autorité des marchés financiers (AMF). Et attention, seuls les prestataires implantés en France ont le droit d'exercer en Polynésie pour vendre, acheter, échanger ou conserver des actifs numériques." (Translation: "The first recommendation is to ensure that the intermediary offering products or services is authorized to do so, meaning it is referenced in the 'white list' of the Autorité des Marchés Financiers (AMF). And be careful, only providers established in France have the right to operate in Polynesia to sell, buy, exchange, or hold digital assets.")
  • IEOM (January 2024) official communication: "Assurez-vous que l'intermédiaire qui propose des produits ou services sur actifs numériques est autorisé à le faire. Pour cela, consultez la liste des prestataires de services sur actifs numériques habilités par l'Autorité des Marchés Financiers (AMF Liste blanche des PSAN). Dans cette liste, seuls les prestataires implantés en France ont le droit d'exercer leur activité dans les collectivités françaises du Pacifique." (Translation: "Ensure that the intermediary offering products or services on digital assets is authorized to do so. To do this, consult the list of digital asset service providers authorized by the Autorité des Marchés Financiers (AMF PSAN white list). In this list, only providers established in France have the right to carry out their activity in the French Pacific collectivities.")
  • Prox-i (Undated, referencing 2022 data): "Malgré cette adoption croissante, il est important de noter qu'aucune réglementation spécifique sur les cryptomonnaies n'existe en Polynésie française à ce jour. Contrairement à certaines régions métropolitaines et européennes où des règles ont été établies, le fenua n'a pas encore mis en place de cadre légal pour les cryptoactifs." (Translation: "Despite this growing adoption, it is important to note that no specific regulations on cryptocurrencies exist in French Polynesia to date. Unlike some metropolitan and European regions where rules have been established, the 'fenua' (local term for the territory) has not yet implemented a legal framework for cryptoassets.") Note: While this source states no specific local regulation, the overarching French and EU regulations apply, as detailed by other sources.
  • Tahiti Cryptomonnaies (May 2024) on KYC/AML for Binance users in French Polynesia: "Aussi intrusives que puissent sembler ces opérations, elles sont indispensables dans le cadre de la conformité KYC/AML à laquelle Binance est soumise." (Translation: "As intrusive as these operations may seem, they are essential for the KYC/AML compliance to which Binance is subject.")
  • Ministère de l'Économie des Finances et de la Souveraineté industrielle et numérique (France) on MiCA: "Le règlement européen sur les marchés de crypto-actifs (Markets in Crypto-Assets, ou MiCA) a été publié au Journal officiel de l'Union européenne le 9 juin 2023. Il sera applicable à partir du 30 décembre 2024, à l'exception des dispositions sur les stablecoins qui sont entrées en application dès le 30 juin 2024." (Translation: "The European regulation on crypto-asset markets (Markets in Crypto-Assets, or MiCA) was published in the Official Journal of the European Union on June 9, 2023. It will be applicable from December 30, 2024, with the exception of the provisions on stablecoins which came into application on June 30, 2024.")

Direct, Accessible URL Links to Sources:

  1. https://tahiti-cryptomonnaies.com/psan-mica-et-regulation-la-polynesie-francaise-eldorado-pour-les-cryptomonnaies/
  2. https://www.prox-i.pf/news/les-cryptomonnaies-en-polynesie-francaise-un-marche-en-plein-essor
  3. https://blockpit.io/fr/blog/guide-fiscal-crypto-france
  4. https://www.radio1.pf/crypto-lieom-appelle-a-la-prudence/
  5. https://www.ieom.fr/ieom/nouvelle-caledonie/actualites/communiques-de-presse/article/l-ieom-vous-informe-des-precautions-a-prendre-en-matiere-d-investissement-en (Link to a general IEOM page, the specific French Polynesia press release is cited as)
  6. https://tahiti-cryptomonnaies.com/investir-facilement-en-cryptomonnaie-en-polynesie-meria-le-plan-simplicite-et-conformite/
  7. https://www.journaldemayotte.com/2024/01/29/crypto-actifs-mise-en-garde-de-liedom-avant-de-se-lancer/ (IEDOM warning, similar content to IEOM for Pacific)
  8. https://www.tntv.pf/tntvnews/banques-digitales-sinteressent-a-polynesie/
  9. https://www.economie.gouv.fr/cryptoactifs-cryptomonnaies-comment-sy-retrouver
  10. https://www.hl-expertise.fr/crypto-actifs-la-france-sadapte-a-la-reglementation-europeenne/
  11. https://www.tahiti-infos.com/La-mise-en-garde-de-l-IEOM-contre-les-cryptomonnaies_a220207.html
  12. https://www.tntv.pf/tntvnews/vers-une-generalisation-des-paiements-en-crypto-actifs-dans-les-commerces-de-tahiti/
  13. https://tahiti-cryptomonnaies.com/creer-un-compte-binance-depuis-la-polynesie-francaise/
  14. https://www.ieom.fr/ieom/polynesie-francaise/actualites/communiques-de-presse/article/l-ieom-vous-informe-des-precautions-a-prendre-en-matiere-d-investissement-en
  15. https://www.ieom.fr/ieom/outre-mer/actualites/communiques-de-presse/article/l-amf-met-en-garde-le-public-sur-des-offres-frauduleuses-d-investissement
  16. https://www.economie.gouv.fr/cedef/regime-fiscal-cryptomonnaies
  17. https://tahiti-cryptomonnaies.com/neverless-lexchange-crypto-100-gratuit-debarque-en-polynesie/
  18. https://www.latribune.fr/technos-medias/internet/cryptos-les-entreprises-n-auront-pas-toutes-leur-agrement-affirme-l-amf-998808.html

Web Sources (17)

Sources discovered via web search grounding

Search queries used (6)
  • réglementation cryptomonnaie Polynésie française
  • statut légal trading cryptomonnaie particuliers Polynésie française
  • AMF (Autorité des Marchés Financiers) Polynésie française cryptomonnaie
  • IEOM (Institut d'Émission d'Outre-Mer) Polynésie française cryptomonnaie
  • réglementation crypto-actifs France et territoires d'outre-mer
  • KYC AML crypto Polynésie française

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