Coinbase's France Approval

Coinbase obtains approval for digital asset operations in France: CNBC Coinbase has received approval from a French financial regulator to offer digital asset services in the country, securing a Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) approval, as reported by CNBC. This registration allows Coinbase to provide services such as custody of digital assets, buying or selling digital assets in legal tender, and trading digital assets against other digital assets, according to a statement cited by CNBC. Earlier this month, Coinbase expanded its plans for international growth by permitting non-U.S. institutions to engage in spot trading on its cryptocurrency exchange. The company's international division, which already offers derivatives trading to non-U.S. institutional clients, intends to enhance its services for retail customers and incorporate additional digital assets into the platform. However, Coinbase faces a prolonged dispute with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including an enforcement action alleging the operation of an unregistered exchange. CEO Brian Armstrong has advocated for clear regulatory rules to foster innovation in the country and prevent it from moving offshore. In related news, stablecoin issuer Circle announced on Thursday that it has received regulatory licensure in France.