The angle nobody covers
Before 2024, nobody dared touch the topic. Affiliate comparators ignored AMF alerts, exchanges forgot to mention their status, bots avoided documenting compliance. DecrypteBot changes the rule: every audit now includes a regulatory section with official sources and verification date.
Regulatory status per bot
| Bot | AMF FR | MiCA EU | FCA UK | SEC US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3Commas | Unclear | Partial | Unclear | Unclear |
| Cryptohopper | Partial | Partial | Unclear | Unclear |
| Pionex | BLACKLISTED | Unclear | Partial | Unclear |
| Bitsgap | Unclear | Partial | Unclear | Unclear |
| Coinrule | Unclear | Partial | Registered | Unclear |
MiCA: the European framework in force
The MiCA (Markets in Crypto-Assets) regulation from the European Parliament has been progressively applied since 2024, with extension to crypto-asset service providers (CASP) in July 2024. Trading bots fall in a grey area: some are considered CASPs (those executing orders), others not (those only routing). EU-based bots (Cryptohopper in the Netherlands, 3Commas and Bitsgap in Estonia) are aligning.
AMF: the French blacklist
The French Financial Markets Authority maintains a public blacklist of websites illegally offering investment services. Pionex has been listed since March 30, 2023. Listing doesn't technically forbid French usage, but removes all legal protection in case of dispute. MiCA may enable regularization via CASP status in 2026-2027.
FCA: the UK crypto register
The Financial Conduct Authority maintains a register of companies registered for crypto activities in the UK (anti-money laundering). Coinrule is in this register. 3Commas, Bitsgap, Cryptohopper and Pionex are not directly registered but may operate via FCA-registered partners.
SEC: the US file
The Securities and Exchange Commission clarified in 2024 that some bots offering guaranteed returns are considered securities. Most bots audited here don't fall in this category (they execute user-defined strategies), but copy trading and signal marketplaces enter a grey area in the US.
CVM: the Brazilian framework
The Brazilian Securities Commission published 2024 guidance on crypto tokens considered as securities. Trading bots per se are not explicitly regulated, but their usage on local exchanges (Mercado Bitcoin, Foxbit, Coinext) falls under classic banking oversight.
What to do before using a bot
Check the regulatory status of the bot in your country of residence. Also check the status of the connected exchange (bot may be compliant but exchange blacklisted). Keep trade statements for tax declaration. Never grant API 'withdraw' permission: a bot has no legitimate need for it. When in doubt about a jurisdiction, consult a crypto tax lawyer.