Bitcoin-only investment app Relai has become one of the first Bitcoin-focused companies to obtain a MiCA license from France’s Autorité des Marchés Financiers (AMF) — a major step toward making regulated Bitcoin access available across the European Union.
The license, granted under the EU’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation, officially designates Relai as a Crypto-Asset Service Provider (CASP) and allows it to extend its services to users across the EU once passporting procedures are complete.
“We’re incredibly proud to be one of the first Bitcoin companies to obtain the MiCA license,” said Julian Liniger, Co-founder and CEO of Relai AG. “This marks a huge milestone — not just for Relai, but for Bitcoin in Europe. Our mission is simple: make Bitcoin accessible, secure, and regulated for everyone.”
Bringing Regulated Bitcoin Access to the EU
The MiCA authorization enables the company to expand its award-winning Bitcoin app throughout Europe — offering faster, safer, and more transparent access to digital assets. The company plans to launch new features designed for EU users, including:
- Enhanced Security: Implementation of next-generation encryption and custody standards.
- Instant SEPA: Buy Bitcoin within seconds across the EU.
- Higher Trading Limits: Increased Euro-to-Bitcoin purchase capacity.
- Fixed Pricing: Clear, transparent rates shown upfront before each order.
- Education Hub: New localized content and learning tools to help users navigate Bitcoin confidently.
- Community Expansion: Relai will host and sponsor Bitcoin-focused events across Europe.
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Strengthening Its European Presence
Founded in Zurich in 2020 by Julian Liniger and Adem Bilican, the startup has grown rapidly to over 500,000 app downloads and more than $1 billion in trading volume. Its app stands out for its self-custodial approach, allowing users to buy and sell Bitcoin directly — without giving up control of their assets.
“Being among the first Bitcoin-only companies to receive MiCA approval is a breakthrough for the entire industry,” said Adem Bilican, Co-founder and President of Relai EU. “Our goal is clear: bring Bitcoin to as many people as possible — simple, secure, and regulated.”
Relai also announced the appointment of an advisory board featuring Jean Guillaume, Daniel Astraud, and Herve de Kerdrel, seasoned fintech and crypto experts who will guide the company’s European strategy and regulatory expansion.
Preparing for Expansion and Education
With the new license in place, the company plans to scale its operations across the EU, focusing first on France, then expanding to key European markets. The company will also invest heavily in education and community engagement, hosting local events and producing multilingual resources to promote responsible Bitcoin adoption.
“This approval positions Relai at the forefront of Europe’s Bitcoin revolution,” Liniger added. “We’re building the most trusted, compliant, and easy-to-use Bitcoin experience in the market.”
About Relai
Relai is a Swiss Bitcoin-only app founded in 2020 by Julian Liniger and Adem Bilican. Headquartered in Zurich, the company enables anyone to buy and sell Bitcoin within minutes through a self-custodial wallet that ensures users always hold their own funds. With over $1 billion in total trading volume, Relai is a Swiss-licensed financial service provider and now a MiCA-authorized Crypto-Asset Service Provider (CASP) under the French AMF. In 2025, Relai was named one of Europe’s Top 100 fastest-growing startups, recognized as the Best Fintech Startup at the Swiss Startup Awards.
