Crypto licenses

Obtaining crypto licenses, white label consulting,
ICO/STO, supporting NFT marketplaces, drafting policies
for crypto projects, DAOs, and gamify projects

Crypto is no longer a niche— by 2025, the global crypto market cap sits around USD 3.8–3.9 trillion, with 560+ million holders worldwide. That scale, paired with maturing regulation, makes digital-asset businesses one of the most compelling plays in modern fintech. Global market cap · Ownership stats.

Regulatory clarity is accelerating across regions. In the EU, MiCA is now in force for CASPs (main regime effective 30 Dec 2024), with optional national transition windows up to 1 July 2026. In Asia, Dubai VARA runs a full licensing rulebook for VASPs; Hong Kong SFC has tightened VATP guidance (incl. staking); and Singapore MAS expanded the scope of regulated payment/crypto services in 2024. ESMA on MiCA · VARA regulations · SFC materials · MAS update.

Africa is moving fast too: South Africa’s FSCA is actively approving CASP/FSP licenses; Mauritius enforces the VAITOS Act; and Seychelles adopted a dedicated VASP Act (2024). FSCA update · VAITOS (guide) · Seychelles VASP Act.

In Latin America, Brazil operates under Law 14,478/2022 with the Central Bank supervising VASPs; Argentina launched a mandatory CNV registry for VASPs in 2024–2025. For “Offshore” options, established hubs like the Cayman Islands (VASP Act) and Bahamas (DARE framework) provide clear licensing pathways for exchanges, custody and token services. Brazil overview · Argentina CNV registry · Cayman VASP Law · Bahamas guidelines.

Operating legally requires a license/registration (CASP/VASP, or payments/EMI where applicable) and robust compliance: fit-and-proper checks, AML/CFT (incl. Travel Rule), governance, custody/segregation, disclosures, and technical/security controls. Regulators like VARA and MAS explicitly tie licensing to ongoing risk management and user-protection obligations. VARA licensing · MAS scope.

On this page, we map the landscape by region—Europe, Africa, Asia, Offshore, and Latin America—and provide side-by-side comparisons of licensing routes, timelines, fees, and ongoing duties. SB-SB helps you choose the right jurisdiction, prepare filings, and launch quickly with compliant, bankable structures.

Types of crypto licenses

  • Exchange/Brokerage – Spot trading, order-book exchanges, brokerage and market making services.
  • Custody – Safekeeping of client assets, wallet and private key management (custodial wallet providers).
  • Payments/EMI – Fiat on-ramps/off-ramps, crypto-fiat payment processing, e-money issuance for stablecoins.
  • Securities/ATS/MTF – Tokenized securities trading venues (alternative trading systems or multilateral trading facilities for security tokens).
  • Derivatives – Crypto futures, perpetual swaps, options and other derivatives (where permitted under local law).
  • Funds/Asset Management – Crypto investment funds, asset management or advisory services for digital asset portfolios.
  • Bank/Trust – Crypto-friendly bank charters or trust company licenses (for custody banks, stablecoin reserve management, trust structures).
  • Stablecoin issuer – Authorization for issuing stablecoins, including reserve governance, assurance audits, and disclosure requirements.

Regional comparison (2026)


AttributeEuropeAsiaAfricaLatin AmericaOffshore
Primary authorizationCASP (MiCA license)VA/DPT license (country-specific)VASP/Exchange license or registrationVASP registration/licenseVASP/DLT authorization
Market accessEU passporting (single market)Domestic or regional (no single market)Domestic onlyDomestic or regional blocsGlobal (case-by-case acceptance)
AML/CFT baselineEU AMLD6 + FATF standards (Travel Rule enforced)FATF standards, Travel Rule adoptionFATF standards, Travel RuleFATF standards, Travel RuleFATF standards, Travel Rule
Indicative timeline~3–6 months~6–12 months (varies by jurisdiction)~3–6 monthsVaries (few weeks to several months)~1–3 months
Cost profileMedium–High (compliance heavy)Medium–High (in major hubs)Medium (fewer barriers)Medium (varies by country)Low–Medium (low tax, lower fees)
Banking friendlinessHigh (for licensed CASPs with strong controls)High (in tier-1 hubs like HK, SG)Variable (limited in some countries)Variable (improving in larger economies)Partner-dependent (relies on correspondent banks)

Europe

Europe is converging toward a single regulatory framework for crypto. The EU’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation introduces a unified CASP license (Crypto-Asset Service Provider), replacing fragmented national regimes. A CASP authorization granted by one EU country can be passported across all 27 member states. Member states are enacting local laws to implement MiCA (assigning regulators, procedures, sanctions) – for example, Poland’s 2025 Act on Crypto-Assets designates the KNF (Polish Financial Supervision Authority) to handle CASP licenses. EU jurisdictions continue to emphasize strict AML/CTF compliance, cybersecurity, and consumer protection in line with MiCA and the 6th Anti-Money Laundering Directive (AMLD6).

How about discussing the Crypto License with our experts?
Send Request

Comparative table of cryptocurrency regulation in Europe (2026)

MetricPolandLithuaniaCzech RepublicEstoniaSlovakiaSpainBulgariaPortugalUKSwitzerlandCyprus
Project time frame~2–3 months (CASP license)~2 months~2–3 months~6–8 months~2 months~5–6 months~1 month~5–7 months~9–12 months (FCA)~2–3 months~4–6 months
State application fee€0€0€0€10,000€0€0€25€475~£2,350+~CHF 2,000€10,000
Required capital€125,000 (CASP)€125,000€125,000€250,000€5,000€50,000€1€0£0 (no set minimum)CHF 20,000 (LLC) / 100,000 (LTD)€150,000
Corporate income tax19%15%21%20% (0% if reinvested)21%15% (first 2 years), then 25%10%21%19–25% (progressive)~11.9%–21%12.5%
Annual supervision fee€0€0€02% of annual transaction volume€0€0€0$0£0~CHF 3,500€5,000
Local staff required1 EU-resident director (MiCA) recommended local AML officerAML Officer required1 EU director recommendedLocal Director, AML Officer, Internal & External AuditorsLocal DirectorLocal AML OfficerRecommended (not mandatory)Local DirectorRecommended (not mandatory)AML Officer, DirectorAML Officer, Director
Physical officeRequired (in EU)Recommended (remote ok)RecommendedRequiredRecommendedRequiredRecommendedRequiredRequiredRequiredRequired
Audit requirementsVaries (no audit if small)Not requiredNot requiredRequiredNot requiredNot requiredNot requiredRequiredRequiredYes (FINMA oversight)Required
Regulatory stabilityStable (EU MiCA unified)Stable (MiCA)Stable (MiCA)Stable (strict regime)Stable (MiCA)Stable (MiCA)Stable (EU AML law)Stable (MiCA)Stable (UK FCA regime)Stable (5+ years consistent)Stable (MiCA)
Banking optionsEU banks & EMIs (crypto-friendly)EU EMIsEU EMIsEU EMIsEU EMIsEU EMIsEU EMIsEU EMIsUK EMI/crypto-friendly banksSwiss crypto banks & EMIsEU EMIs / mid-shore EMIs

Note: Under MiCA, minimum capital requirements apply by service class: e.g. €125,000 for exchanges or custodians and €150,000 for those operating a trading platform. Some countries listed a lower share capital for company incorporation (e.g. Poland’s PLN 5,000 LLC capital), but a CASP license now requires meeting the higher EU thresholds. Non-EU jurisdictions (UK, Switzerland) maintain their own capital rules.

Analysis: By 2026, all EU countries in the table require a MiCA CASP license to conduct exchange, brokerage, custody or token issuance services. This has increased authorization timeframes in some states (e.g. Poland, Czech Republic now require a full license review, taking a few months instead of mere weeks previously). On the other hand, MiCA brings unified standards – for example, at least one director must reside in the EU and a physical EU office is mandatory for CASPs. Many countries that once had “light” registration (Poland, Bulgaria, etc.) now impose more robust oversight, improving long-term regulatory stability (marked as “Stable” in 2026) compared to the uncertain patchwork of 2024. All EU-licensed CASPs enjoy passporting rights across the single marketadamsmith.lt, making the choice of licensing jurisdiction a strategic matter (tax and speed vs. stricter oversight in places like Estonia).

Want to explore the Crypto License?
Send Request

The United Kingdom remains outside the EU; it doesn’t have a specific “crypto license” but requires crypto businesses to register with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) for AML supervision. The UK process is stringent and lengthy (often 9–12 months), but the regime is considered stable and mature. Switzerland likewise stands apart with a well-established crypto-friendly framework under FINMA – companies typically incorporate as an LLC or LTD (requiring CHF 20k–100k capital) and comply with Switzerland’s FINMA guidelines, benefiting from a very stable regulatory regime. Both the UK and Switzerland have relatively better banking access for crypto firms (specialized banks or EMI services) compared to many EU startups that still rely on electronic money institutions.

Each region has a distinct regulatory approach, but all cover similar core requirements: a primary license or registration for crypto asset services, ancillary licenses for fiat-related services or securities if applicable, and compliance with AML and data protection laws. Below we summarize the key licenses/registrations and compliance requirements in Europe, Asia, Africa, Latin America, and Offshore as of 2026.

Key Licensing & Compliance Requirements – Europe

License/RegistrationRequired forRegulatory Authority
CASP Authorization (MiCA)All crypto-asset services (exchange, brokerage, custody, issuance, advice)National Competent Authority (e.g. BaFin, AMF, CySEC)
Payment/EMI LicenseFiat on/off-ramps, e-money issuance alongside crypto servicesCentral bank or financial regulator (e.g. ECB/NCA or BoE for UK)
MTF/OTF or Securities LicenseTrading of tokenized securities or derivativesCapital markets authority (e.g. ESMA national member, or FCA in UK)
GDPR ComplianceProcessing of EU residents’ personal data (users’ data)Data Protection Authority (each EU country’s DPA)

In Europe, the CASP license under MiCA has become the primary authorization for crypto businesses, replacing prior VASP registrations. Companies offering exchange, custody, advisory, or token issuance services must obtain CASP authorization from their national regulator to operate legally across the EU. If a crypto business also deals with traditional fiat payments or e-money (for example, offering fiat deposit accounts or stablecoins redeemable for fiat), they may need a Payment Institution or E-Money Institution (EMI) license under existing payments law (often overseen by central banks). Offering tokenized stocks or other securities brings the business under securities law – requiring a Multilateral Trading Facility (MTF) or similar license to run a trading platform, or a securities broker/dealer license, from the financial markets regulator. Additionally, Europe’s stringent privacy laws (GDPR) apply to any personal data handling, meaning crypto platforms must implement data protection measures and may need to register with national data protection authorities.

Key Licensing & Compliance Requirements – Asia

License/RegistrationRequired forRegulatory Authority
VASP / Digital Asset LicenseCrypto exchanges, custody providers, brokers, ICO/IDO platformsFinancial regulator (e.g. SFC in Hong Kong, MAS in Singapore, FSA in Japan)
Money Services/Payment LicenseFiat currency handling (exchange to fiat, remittances, e-money issuance)Central Bank or Monetary Authority (e.g. MAS for payments in SG, Bank of Thailand, etc.)
Securities AuthorizationTrading or issuing tokenized securities or futuresSecurities & Exchange Commission / similar (e.g. SFC for security tokens, SEBI in India)
Data Protection ComplianceUser personal data processing (KYC info, etc.)National Data Protection laws (e.g. PDPA in Singapore, PDPO in HK) overseen by government data/privacy agencies

Across Asia, most countries require a Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) license or equivalent for crypto businesses. For example, Hong Kong’s new regime mandates that all crypto trading platforms (VATPs) obtain a license from the SFC, and Singapore’s Payment Services Act (PSA) requires a Digital Payment Token service license from MAS for operating a crypto exchange or custodial service. These licenses typically cover exchange, transfer, custodial wallet, and sometimes issuance activities. In addition, if a crypto platform deals with fiat money (offering on-ramps/off-ramps or stored-value facilities), a separate money service or payment institution license may be needed – many Asian regulators classify fiat-to-crypto as a payment service (under either the same crypto law or a parallel framework). Offering security tokens or other regulated investment products triggers securities laws; e.g. in Hong Kong a platform dealing in security tokens needs a Type 1 (dealing in securities) and Type 7 (automated trading) license under the SFO, in addition to the crypto-specific . Finally, Asian jurisdictions each have their own data protection laws – compliance (e.g. obtaining user consent, safeguarding personal data) is mandatory, and crypto companies must often register data controllers or follow strict breach notification rules as enforced by local authorities.

Key Licensing & Compliance Requirements – Africa

License/RegistrationRequired forRegulatory Authority
VASP Registration/LicenseCryptocurrency exchanges, wallet providers, brokersFinancial regulator or central bank (e.g. FSCA in South Africa, CMA/CBK in Kenya)
Payment Services LicenseFiat exchange, mobile money or remittance integration with cryptoCentral bank or payments authority (varies by country)
Securities/Forex LicenseCrypto offerings that qualify as securities or forex tradingCapital Markets Authority or Financial Regulator (if crypto asset deemed a security or derivative)
Data Protection ComplianceHandling customer personal data (IDs, transaction data)National data protection laws (e.g. POPIA in South Africa) enforced by government agencies

In Africa, a growing number of nations have introduced a VASP (Virtual Asset Service Provider) licensing or registration requirement. For instance, South Africa in 2023 classified crypto assets as financial products and now requires all VASPs to register with the FSCA (Financial Sector Conduct Authority) and comply with AML/CFT rules. Similarly, Kenya’s Parliament passed a VASP Bill in 2025 mandating that crypto exchanges and wallet providers obtain licenses, with oversight shared by the Central Bank of Kenya and the Capital Markets Authority. These licenses focus on AML compliance, segregation of client funds, and other safeguards. If a crypto venture also involves fiat payments or mobile money, additional payment service licenses may apply (for example, a crypto remittance app might need a money transmission license from the central bank). While many African countries currently restrict crypto derivatives or treat them cautiously, any project dealing with tokenized securities or FX-like crypto trading might fall under existing securities or foreign exchange regulations, necessitating approvals from the capital markets regulator. Data protection laws are increasingly common in Africa (e.g. South Africa’s POPIA and Kenya’s Data Protection Act), meaning crypto businesses must register or appoint data officers and protect user data per local standards. Enforcement of data privacy is strengthening, so compliance is part of the licensing expectations in many countries.

Key Licensing & Compliance Requirements – Latin America

License/RegistrationRequired forRegulatory Authority
VASP Registration/LicenseCrypto exchanges, trading platforms, custodians, brokersFinancial regulator (often central bank or securities commission – e.g. Brazil’s Central Bank, Argentina’s CNV)
Fintech/Payment LicenseFiat-related services (exchanges dealing in local currency, payment processing)Central Bank or Financial Superintendence (varies by country; e.g. Mexico’s Fintech Law license)
Securities Law CompliancePublic token offerings or security tokens tradingSecurities regulator (e.g. CVM in Brazil, SVS in Chile)
Data Protection ComplianceUser personal data (KYC info, transaction records)National data protection regulations (e.g. LGPD in Brazil) overseen by data authority or central government

Latin American countries are adopting diverse but convergent regulatory measures. Many now require crypto businesses to at least register as VASPs with a governmental authority. For example, Brazil’s landmark law (Law 14,478/2022) defines virtual asset services and mandates that providers register with the Central Bank of Brazil and comply with its rules. By late 2025, Brazil’s Central Bank was finalizing a detailed licensing framework for VASPs, to be fully implemented in 2026. Argentina in 2024 required VASPs to register with its National Securities Commission (CNV) for AML supervision, and Panama drafted new laws to license VASPs and legally recognize crypto assets as payment methods. In addition to crypto-specific registration, certain activities may fall under existing fintech or payment institution licenses – for instance, Mexico’s Fintech Law requires a license for institutions facilitating crypto services for clients (banks/fintechs need approval to operate with virtual assets). Token sales or platforms dealing in tokenized securities must comply with securities laws; a token deemed a security would require registration of the offering and perhaps a brokerage or exchange license from the national securities regulator (e.g. Brazil’s CVM or Peru’s SMV). Latin American countries also have introduced or enforced data protection laws (such as Brazil’s LGPD, Mexico’s Federal Law on Personal Data, etc.), which apply to crypto companies handling users’ personal and financial data. Compliance with AML (often in line with FATF standards) and data privacy is typically monitored either by the same financial authority or a separate agency, and is a core condition of maintaining a VASP license or registration.

Key Licensing & Compliance Requirements – Offshore Jurisdictions

License/RegistrationRequired forRegulatory Authority
VASP/DLT License or RegistrationCrypto exchange and wallet services (if regulated at all in jurisdiction)Financial regulator or registry (e.g. GFSC in Gibraltar, BMA in Bermuda; minimal in others like BVI)
Money Services LicenseFiat conversion, if separate license is requiredFinancial Services Authority or none (some offshore jurisdictions simply don’t regulate fiat-to-crypto separately)
Securities AuthorizationIssuing or trading security tokens (where applicable)Varies: some offshore regulators include this in a DLT license (e.g. Bermuda), others rely on general securities laws or have no framework
Data/Privacy ComplianceCustomer data handlingVaries: often minimal specific laws, or standard company law (some have data protection acts, e.g. Cayman, BVI, etc.)

Comparative table: obtaining a cryptocurrency license

StepEuropeAsiaAfricaLatin AmericaOffshore
Jurisdiction and scopeDefine CASP scope under MiCAClarify VA/DPT categoriesMap VASP services under lawDetermine VASP/registration scopeSelect VASP/DLT license class
Entity and substanceEU company + local substanceLocal entity + substanceLocal entity (some substance)Local entity (as required)Ensure economic substance
GovernanceAML Officer, Compliance, MLRO, DPOAML Officer, Compliance, MLROAML Officer, ComplianceAML Officer, ComplianceAML/Compliance officers, local directors
Policies and controlsAMLD6, GDPR policies, Travel Rule techFATF standards, local privacy lawsFATF standards, local AML lawsFATF standards, local AML lawsFATF standards, local data laws
Safeguarding and capitalPer MiCA/NCA (client asset segregation)Per regulator (capital adequacy)Per regulator (financial soundness)Per regulator (if applicable)Per regulator (adequate reserves)
Filing and queriesNCA application reviewRegulator application reviewRegulator application reviewRegulator application reviewRegulator application review
Authorization and supervisionLicense granted; ongoing EU reportingLicense granted; ongoing auditsLicense granted; periodic reportsLicense/registration; periodic reportsLicense/registration; audits as required

“Offshore” crypto hubs offer flexibility but uneven oversight. Gibraltar (FSC) and Bermuda (BMA) run formal regimes—DLT Provider and Digital Asset Business—covering exchange, custody, and more with strong investor-protection and AML rules. Many classic offshores (e.g., BVI, Seychelles) long had no dedicated crypto license, relying on simple company registration; they’re now adding light VASP registrations (e.g., BVI: quick, no minimum capital) and easy IBC setups with optional compliance support. Fiat rails may require a money transmitter or payment services license, though in some centers fiat is unregulated or covered by general financial rules. Securities laws are typically light: some (Gibraltar) can cover certain token offerings; others just restrict offers to locals. Data protection is often light-touch (Cayman and BVI have GDPR-style acts with modest enforcement). Reputable firms still follow global standards (AML/KYC, FATF Travel Rule, cybersecurity) to secure banking. Bottom line: an offshore license doesn’t guarantee market access—alignment with international norms does.

Need more information about the Crypto License?
Send Request

Core compliance building blocks

AML/CFT and Travel Rule

  • Comprehensive risk-based AML program: Customer Due Diligence (CDD) and Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD) procedures, ongoing transaction monitoring, prompt Suspicious Activity/Transaction Reports (SAR/STR) filing to authorities.
  • Sanctions, PEP, and adverse media screening integrated into onboarding and transaction flows; implementation of Travel Rule data exchange for crypto transfers (secure sharing of originator and beneficiary information as required by FATF Recommendation 16).

KYC, CDD/EDD and KYT

  • Strict Know Your Customer (KYC) processes: verify customer identity and maintain Ultimate Beneficial Owner (UBO) transparency. Source of funds and source of wealth checks for higher-risk clients to detect illicit origins early.
  • Ongoing monitoring of customer activity, including Know Your Transaction (KYT) techniques: blockchain analytics to risk-score wallets and crypto transactions for signs of fraud, money laundering, or sanctions exposure.

Data protection and privacy

  • Compliance with GDPR (for EU users) or analogous data privacy laws: implement privacy by design, conduct Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIA), maintain Data Processing Agreements (DPA) with partners, follow data minimization and purpose limitation principles, and enforce breach notification and data subject rights processes.

Information security and operational resilience

  • Adherence to industry security standards (ISO 27001 information security practices, SOC 2 controls) and robust cybersecurity governance. Regular penetration testing, incident response planning, and Business Continuity/Disaster Recovery (BCP/DR) plans to ensure resilience against attacks or outages.
  • Secure crypto-asset custody and key management: use of cold storage and multi-signature or MPC solutions, strict segregation of client assets from company funds, and (where applicable) proof-of-reserves attestations by independent auditors to bolster client confidence.

Additional launch solutions

  • White-label and agency models: partner with licensed institutions (e.g. EMI or crypto exchange) to operate under their authorization, accelerating time-to-market while your own licensing is in progress.
  • Banking and Payment Service Provider (PSP) onboarding: assistance opening corporate bank accounts, setting up fiat payment rails, and developing compliant stablecoin reserve management policies.
  • Tokenization support: end-to-end guidance for ICOs, IEOs, IDOs including legal opinions on token classification, whitepaper and tokenomics review, investor disclosure drafting, and obtaining any necessary securities or sandbox approvals.
  • Vendor and smart contract due diligence: review of technology providers, custody solutions, and smart contract audits; advice on outsourcing arrangements to ensure they meet regulatory requirements and cybersecurity standards.

Why work with SBSB Fintech Lawyers

Deep Experience (since 2013): SBSB has a decade+ track record assisting FinTech and Crypto clients worldwide, delivering full-cycle support from company formation and strategy to licensing, compliance, and bank onboarding.

Multi-Jurisdictional Expertise: Our team stays at the forefront of global regulations – from MiCA CASP licenses in the EU to VASP registrations in emerging markets – covering AML/CFT, GDPR, client asset safeguarding, and operational resilience requirements across Europe, Asia, Africa, Latin America, and offshore centers.

Tailored, End-to-End Solutions: We analyze your business model and target markets to craft a custom jurisdiction and licensing strategy. We then handle every step: policy drafting (AML/KYC, security, privacy), application paperwork, liaising with regulators, and setting up the necessary governance and reporting frameworks for long-term success.

Official Sources & Primary Legislation

Primary Acts & Core EU Instruments

ESMA — EU MiCA Supervision Resources

UAE (Dubai) — VARA

Hong Kong — SFC (VATP Regime)

Singapore — MAS (PS Act / DPT)

South Africa — FSCA (CASP/FSP)

Mauritius — FSC (VAITOS)

Seychelles — VASP Act (2024)

Brazil — Law 14,478/2022 (Cryptoasset Framework)

Argentina — CNV (VASP Registry)

Cayman Islands — CIMA (VASP Act)

Bahamas — DARE Framework

United Kingdom — FCA (Cryptoasset AML Registration)

Switzerland — FINMA (Crypto / DLT)

Crypto Licenses

Вика_пост (2)
Crypto license in Africa
Tengwang Pavilion,Nanchang,traditional, ancient Chinese architecture, made of wood.
Crypto license in Asia
Вика_пост
Crypto license in Latin America
Вика_пост (2)
Offshore crypto license
flag-of-australia
Crypto License in Australia
Вика_пост (1)
Crypto license in Europe
Криптолицензия в Канаде
Crypto License in Canada
Криптолицензия в Новой Зеландии
Crypto License in New Zealand

Other services

Pages

Get in touch with us

You can be interested in following articles

Customer reviews

Callback