Bank of France Chief Demands Bitcoin Regulation After Price Drop

Edgen Crypto

·Feb 12 2026, 08:49

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Key Takeaways

François Villeroy de Galhau, the Governor of the Bank of France, has publicly called for greater regulation of Bitcoin, citing its speculative nature as problematic. His comments on February 12, 2026, followed a rapid decline in the cryptocurrency's price, intensifying concerns about market stability and increasing the likelihood of stricter rules in Europe.

Bank of France Governor François Villeroy de Galhau stated that Bitcoin's speculative nature is a problem requiring a regulatory response.
The call for increased oversight directly follows a rapid price decline for the cryptocurrency, reigniting debates about investor risk.
This high-profile statement signals a growing push for stricter crypto policies in Europe, creating potential headwinds for the asset class.

French Central Bank Chief Targets Bitcoin's 'Speculative Nature'

On February 12, 2026, Bank of France Governor François Villeroy de Galhau identified Bitcoin's speculative behavior as a significant problem, demanding a regulatory response. The statement was issued after a rapid decline in the cryptocurrency's market price, highlighting concerns among top European financial officials about the risks posed by volatile digital assets. Villeroy's direct intervention brings the full weight of a major G7 central bank into the debate over crypto's place in the established financial system.

Regulatory Scrutiny Intensifies in Europe

The governor's call for action is a clear signal that regulatory pressure on the cryptocurrency sector is mounting within Europe. This development introduces significant uncertainty and potential headwinds for the asset class, as investors anticipate the possibility of more stringent rules. A tougher regulatory framework could increase compliance costs for crypto service providers and potentially limit access for retail and institutional participants, foreshadowing a more constrained operating environment for digital assets across the European Union.