Founder Francis Pouliot said the authorization lets the Bitcoin-only exchange continue serving EU users without changing wallet, exchange, or payment functions.
Bull Bitcoin has obtained a MiCA license in France, allowing the company to keep offering its Bitcoin exchange and payment services across European Union member states without service interruption or feature reductions. Founder Francis Pouliot announced the approval on June 23, 2026, saying the company secured the authorization without changing its self-custody and privacy-focused model. Pouliot said all website and wallet features will remain the same as they were during the first half of 2026, with no added burdens or restrictions for users. He also said Bull Bitcoin passed the required PASSI and DORA cybersecurity audits without moving its core Bitcoin infrastructure to third-party hosted providers, describing that as a major win because outsourcing would have been easier and cheaper but would have undermined sovereignty. The effort took nearly three years, was self-financed, and did not involve external investors or lenders. Founded in 2013 in Montreal by Pouliot, Bull Bitcoin operates as a Bitcoin-only, non-custodial exchange, meaning customers provide their own wallet address before buying and receive Bitcoin directly rather than leaving assets with the platform. The company also offers Bitcoin bill payments for rent, utilities, and real estate, and supports Lightning Network (faster Bitcoin payments), Liquid (Bitcoin sidechain for transfers and settlement), and Payjoin (privacy-enhancing transaction method). In October 2025, it launched BULL Wallet, an open-source mobile app for iOS and Android with opt-in exchange integration, Payjoin support, Lightning and Liquid compatibility, and no data collection or push notifications. The new license gives Bull Bitcoin a longer-term regulatory base in Europe after it expanded its France-based team and eurozone services. The announcement comes as the EU's MiCA framework (Markets in Crypto-Assets regulation) pushes many crypto firms to modify products or leave markets. Bull Bitcoin said its core operations and user experience will stay intact, though the announcement did not explain how it balanced privacy expectations with MiCA compliance. Pouliot said the next step after securing a long-term foothold in Europe is "global domination and setting a new standard on how to build the infrastructure Bitcoin deserves."