Legal Framework in France for Blockchain and Digital Assets
France has been proactive in creating a regulatory environment that supports the development of blockchain technology and the use of digital assets. Here are the key legal frameworks and regulations:
- Pacte Law (Action Plan for Business Growth and Transformation): Enacted in 2019, the Pacte Law includes provisions for digital assets and tokens, establishing a framework for Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs) and digital asset service providers (DASPs). It allows companies to register with the French Financial Market Authority (AMF) for offering digital asset services.
- AMF Regulation: The French Financial Markets Authority (Autorité des marchés financiers) has published several guidelines and frameworks to regulate digital assets, ICOs, and related service providers. This includes the optional “visa” for ICOs, ensuring investor protection and compliance with anti-money laundering (AML) requirements.
- Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Counter-Terrorist Financing (CTF) Laws: France has aligned its AML and CTF regulations with the European Union’s directives (notably the 4th and 5th Anti-Money Laundering Directives), applying them to digital asset transactions and service providers.
- Taxation: France has specific tax regulations for digital assets. Capital gains from the sale of cryptocurrencies are subject to taxation, and the specific rates and conditions have been clarified by the French tax authority (Direction générale des finances publiques, DGFiP).
Universities and Organizations Involved
Several French universities and organizations are actively involved in blockchain research, education, and development:
- Sorbonne University: Offers courses and research opportunities in blockchain technology and its applications.
- École Polytechnique: Engages in blockchain research and offers courses related to cryptography and blockchain technology.
- Paris Blockchain Week: An annual event that brings together startups, investors, developers, and researchers to discuss blockchain technology and its applications.
- La French Tech: A government-supported movement bolstering startup ecosystems in France, including those working on blockchain and digital assets.
- Station F: The world’s largest startup campus, based in Paris, houses numerous startups focusing on blockchain technology.
- Blockchain Research Institute: A think-tank that conducts research on blockchain technology, digital assets, and their impact on society. While based in Canada, it has partnerships and influence that extend into France.
- Ledger and Sorare: France-based companies that are significant players in the blockchain space. Ledger specializes in hardware wallets for cryptocurrency security, while Sorare focuses on blockchain-based fantasy football.
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