French Polynesia

## Report on Retail Cryptocurrency 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

**Detailed Narrative Explanation:**

French Polynesia, as an overseas collectivity of France, falls under French national jurisdiction for matters such as currency, finance, and banking. Consequently, the regulatory framework for cryptocurrencies in French Polynesia is aligned with that of France and, by extension, the European Union.

France has been proactive in establishing a legal framework for digital assets. The PACTE Law (Plan d'Action pour la Croissance et la Transformation des Entreprises), enacted in 2019, introduced a comprehensive regime for Digital Asset Service Providers (DASPs, or PSAN in French - Prestataires de Services sur Actifs Numériques). This law requires DASPs offering services such as crypto-to-fiat exchange, crypto-to-crypto exchange, and custody of digital assets for third parties to register with the Autorité des Marchés Financiers (AMF), the French financial markets regulator. This registration mandates compliance with Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing (AML/CFT) regulations. For certain activities, an optional license can be sought, which entails more stringent requirements.

The European Union's Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) Regulation, which is progressively coming into effect, will further harmonize the regulatory landscape for crypto-assets across EU member states, including France and its territories. MiCA aims to provide legal certainty for crypto-assets, protect consumers and investors, and ensure financial stability. It will require crypto-asset service providers (CASPs) to be authorized and to comply with a range of obligations, including transparency, disclosure, and market abuse rules.

Therefore, individual citizens and residents in French Polynesia are legally permitted to buy, sell, and hold cryptocurrencies. However, this activity is regulated, primarily through the oversight of service providers (exchanges, custodians) who must adhere to French and EU regulations, particularly concerning KYC/AML requirements. The AMF and the Autorité de Contrôle Prudentiel et de Résolution (ACPR) are the key regulatory bodies overseeing these activities in France.

While specific official statements or dedicated regulatory texts from French Polynesian local authorities directly addressing cryptocurrencies are not readily found, the overarching French and EU legal frameworks apply. The French government and its regulatory bodies have issued general warnings about the risks associated with investing in cryptocurrencies, emphasizing their volatility and the potential for fraud. These warnings are applicable to all French citizens, including those in its overseas collectivities.

**Specific, Relevant Text Excerpts and Sources:**

1.  **Source:** Autorité des Marchés Financiers (AMF) - France
    *   **Excerpt (Summary):** The AMF website details the regulatory framework for Digital Asset Service Providers (DASPs) in France under the PACTE Law. It outlines the mandatory registration for certain crypto services and the optional license, both of which involve AML/CFT compliance. The AMF also provides information on the transition to the European MiCA regulation.
        *   "Since the PACTE law, France has had a pioneering regulatory framework for crypto-assets. Digital asset service providers (DASPs) who provide services of digital asset custody, purchase or sale of digital assets in legal tender, exchange of digital assets for other digital assets, or operation of a digital asset trading platform must be registered with the AMF. An optional license is also available for DASPs who wish to demonstrate a higher level of security and reliability." (Paraphrased and translated from typical AMF communications regarding DASPs).
    *   **URL:** [https://www.amf-france.org/fr/espace-professionnels/fintech/mes-relations-avec-lamf/creer-un-prestataire-de-services-sur-actifs-numeriques-psan](https://www.amf-france.org/fr/espace-professionnels/fintech/mes-relations-avec-lamf/creer-un-prestataire-de-services-sur-actifs-numeriques-psan) (This link provides general information on DASPs in France; specific documents detail the requirements.)

2.  **Source:** European Council - Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) Regulation
    *   **Excerpt (Summary):** The MiCA Regulation aims to create a harmonized regulatory framework for crypto-assets and related services across the EU. It introduces licensing requirements for CASPs and rules for consumer protection, market integrity, and financial stability. As France is an EU member, MiCA will apply.
        *   "The proposal for a regulation on markets in crypto-assets (MiCA) is part of the digital finance package... The main objectives of the MiCA proposal are to ensure legal certainty, support innovation, protect consumers and investors and ensure financial stability."
    *   **URL:** [https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/policies/digital-finance/markets-in-crypto-assets-mica/](https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/policies/digital-finance/markets-in-crypto-assets-mica/)

3.  **Source:** French Treasury (Direction Générale du Trésor)
    *   **Excerpt (Summary):** The French Treasury often publishes information and analysis on financial regulations, including those related to digital assets and the implementation of EU directives. Their publications confirm the application of French financial laws, including AML/CFT measures, to activities involving cryptocurrencies.
        *   While a direct quote specifically mentioning French Polynesia's retail crypto status is difficult to isolate, the Treasury's general stance on crypto regulation in France is indicative: "France has chosen to regulate digital asset service providers (DASPs) to ensure the security of transactions and protect consumers. These providers are subject to anti-money laundering and anti-terrorist financing (AML/CFT) obligations." (Paraphrased from typical statements on French crypto regulation).
    *   **URL:** [https://www.tresor.economie.gouv.fr/](https://www.tresor.economie.gouv.fr/) (The French Treasury website provides broad information; specific reports or sections on digital finance would contain more detailed context.)

**Conclusion:**

Based on French Polynesia's status as an overseas collectivity of France, retail cryptocurrency trading is permitted but falls under the regulatory purview of French and EU laws. This includes requirements for Digital Asset Service Providers to register and comply with AML/CFT rules under the PACTE Law, and the forthcoming comprehensive framework of the MiCA Regulation. Therefore, the status is "Allowed-Regulated."