Regulatory Licensing & Approvals

Regulatory licensing is the process of obtaining formal authorization from government agencies to operate a virtual asset business within their jurisdiction. Each jurisdiction has its own licensing framework, application requirements, capital thresholds, and approval timelines. We manage the full process from initial regulatory assessment through post-approval implementation.

Our licensing practice covers every major crypto regulatory framework: VARA in Dubai (the fastest globally at 4-8 weeks), MAS Major and Standard Payment Institution licenses in Singapore, MiCA CASP authorization across the EU, FINMA Crypto-Institutions licenses in Switzerland, SFC VATP licensing in Hong Kong, and CIMA VASP registration in the Cayman Islands, among others.

The application process requires substantially more than form-filling. Regulators expect comprehensive business plans that demonstrate market understanding, detailed compliance programs that map to their specific requirements, capital adequacy planning with evidence of committed funding, and management profiles that demonstrate relevant experience. We prepare all of these materials to the standard regulators expect.

Post-submission, we manage all regulatory queries, information requests, and follow-up meetings. Regulators routinely request additional documentation, clarification of business models, or modifications to compliance programs. Our experience with each regulator means we anticipate these requests and address them before they become delays.