Crypto licensing (VASP)
VASP, CASP and crypto registrations.
Complyport
Complyport is a regulatory consultancy for financial firms and digital asset businesses. It helps identify the permissions a firm needs, supports FCA…
Compli-Serve
Compli-Serve is a financial regulation consultant in South Africa with a separate service called License Assist, which includes applications for new crypto…
COBALT
COBALT is a Baltic law group with a dedicated fintech practice. It works in Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania and supports technology-driven financial companies…
CLA Malta
CLA Malta is a Maltese consulting organisation that offers legal support for financial services licensing, iGaming licensing and crypto-asset service provider…
Buckingham Capital Consulting
Buckingham Capital Consulting is an international consultant supporting licensing of payment, crypto and gaming business models. Its website highlights money…
ARROWS
ARROWS is a Czech law firm that supports MiCA projects from company formation through the licence application to ongoing compliance. Its legal entity is ARROWS…
Annerton
Annerton is an independent law firm founded in 2020 that advises financial and technology companies. Its digital assets practice covers product design…
AGPLAW
AGPLAW is the brand of the Cypriot law firm A.G. Paphitis & Co LLC, which advises digital-asset projects and MiCAR regulation. Its office is in Limassol…
AdamSmith
AdamSmith is a legal adviser on crypto licensing and corporate structures. It helps clients set up a company and obtain an authorisation, and also supports the…
Related subsections
Licensing a crypto business
Exchangers, custodians, OTC desks, crypto payment gateways and wallet providers fall under virtual asset regulation in most developed markets. This subsection lists law firms and consultants that handle VASP registrations, CASP authorisation under MiCA and other crypto licences.
Key regimes in brief
- EU — MiCA: crypto-asset service providers need CASP authorisation from a national regulator, which can then be passported across the EU. National VASP registrations are being replaced during the MiCA transition period.
- UK: registration with the FCA for cryptoasset businesses under money-laundering rules, with additional rules for promotions.
- UAE / Dubai: dedicated virtual asset regimes in Dubai and in free zones, each with its own scope.
- Other directions often discussed: Poland, Czech Republic, Lithuania, Estonia, Cyprus, Switzerland, Hong Kong, Singapore, Canada (MSB with virtual currency), El Salvador and Kazakhstan's AIFC.
Requirements and timelines change frequently; confirm the current position with your adviser before planning.
What a VASP or CASP application usually needs
- A legal entity with real management, often local directors and an office.
- AML/CFT framework, risk assessment and an appointed MLRO — see compliance outsourcing.
- KYT and wallet screening and Travel Rule procedures.
- Custody and safeguarding rules for client assets, IT security policies.
- Under MiCA: capital requirements by service type, governance, white papers for certain tokens.
Choosing an adviser
- Recent applications handled with the same regulator.
- Whether they also help with crypto-friendly banking and incorporation.
- Clear fee structure and what happens if the regulator asks for changes.
Using the page
Filter by country: Poland, Czech Republic, Lithuania, UAE, UK. Related: crypto infrastructure and crypto processing. Nominal hub is a directory, not a legal adviser — post a request to get proposals.