Bitcoin-Central got the go-ahead thanks to a deal with French financial firms Aqoba and Credit Mutuel.

BBC: Virtual cash exchange becomes bank

The Senegalese army said rebels from the Casamance Movement for Democratic Forces attacked Credit Mutuel bank in Kafountine on Friday.

BBC: Four killed in Senegal's Casamance region

After working with French financial regulators, Bitcoin-Central has hammered out a deal with French payment processor Acoba and France's Credit Mutuel bank to become a payment service provider, which allows it to function much like a bank.

ENGADGET: Bitcoin-Central becomes first Bitcoin exchange licensed to operate like a bank