French financial regulators have confirmed that self-hosted cryptocurrency wallets are not subject to mandatory declaration requirements, according to recent clarifications. The decision brings relief to users who feared increased oversight.
The clarification, issued by the Autorité des Marchés Financiers (AMF) and the Ministry of Economy, specifies that self-hosted wallets—where users control their private keys—do not fall under the same reporting obligations as custodial services. This aligns with European Union's Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation, which focuses on service providers rather than individual users.
However, users should note that anti-money laundering (AML) rules still apply in certain contexts, such as when converting crypto to fiat currency or using regulated platforms. The French government has emphasized that the move is not a loophole but a recognition of the technical nature of self-custody.
Industry experts have welcomed the clarity, noting that it encourages innovation while maintaining compliance. The decision is effective as of May 2026, with no retroactive changes.
