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Crypto and Fintech Licensing by Jurisdiction

We help fintech and crypto companies obtain the right licenses to operate in regulated markets β€” across Europe (EU/EEA), the UK, Canada, Australia, Hong Kong, and beyond.

Table of Licenses

Jurisdictional Overview

Typical timelines and scope signals. Final requirements depend on your product and regulator/bank decisions.

Jurisdiction

License Type

Timeframe

Key Features

πŸ‡ͺπŸ‡Ί European Union
MiCA VASP (Crypto)
3–6 months
EU-wide passporting, custody, trading, token issuance
πŸ‡±πŸ‡Ή Lithuania
EMI (Fintech)
4–6 months
Issue e-money, SEPA access, broad fintech permissions
πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§ United Kingdom
EMI (Fintech)
6–9 months
UK-specific EMI license with FCA regulation
πŸ‡¨πŸ‡¦ Canada
MSB (Crypto/Fintech)
2–4 weeks
Covers crypto exchange, transfer, FX, KYC/AML via FINTRAC
πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ USA
MSB (Crypto/Fintech)
Varies by state
State-by-state money transmission licenses (MTR) + FinCEN registration
πŸ‡­πŸ‡° Hong Kong
MSO / TCSP (Crypto)
4–8 months
Covers crypto OTC & custodial services under new VASP regime (2024–2025)
πŸ‡¨πŸ‡­ Switzerland
SRO Membership (e.g. VQF, OSIF)
2–3 months
Enables crypto services under FINMA oversight via self-regulatory orgs
πŸ‡¦πŸ‡Ί Australia
AFSL (Fintech / Crypto)
6–9 months
License for securities, DeFi, tokenized assets; regulated by ASIC
πŸ‡¦πŸ‡Ί Australia
DCE or AUSTRAC Registration
1–3 months
Required for digital currency exchanges; KYC/AML compliance
Licensing Services

Licensing Types We Offer

EU Licensing

Licenses for operations within the European Economic Area (EEA), including passporting rights.

MiCA VASP License

EMI / PI β€” Electronic Money / Payment Institution

AISP / PISP β€” For Open Banking services

Crypto Asset Services under MiCA β€” Custody, exchange, issuance

Passporting

Get my EU license plan

Global Licensing

Licenses for regulated entry into key non-EU financial markets.

UAE β€” VARA VASP (Dubai), DMCC

United Kingdom β€” EMI (FCA-licensed)

Canada β€” FINTRAC MSB

Hong Kong β€” VASP (SFC), TCSP

Switzerland β€” SRO (VQF, OSIF)

Australia β€” AFSL / AUSTRAC DCE

Get my global license plan
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FAQ β€” Crypto & Fintech Licensing

What is MiCA and how does it affect VASP licensing in the EU?
MiCA is the EU framework for crypto-assets. A MiCA VASP license authorizes services like custody, exchange, and issuance in one member state with passporting across the EEA (within scope).
What’s the difference between an EMI and a PI license?
An EMI (Electronic Money Institution) license allows companies to issue and manage e-money, offer payment services, and hold client funds. A PI (Payment Institution) license permits payment services only, without e-money issuance or long-term fund storage. EMI licenses provide broader financial functionality.
Is Canada’s MSB license sufficient for operating a crypto exchange?
Yes. Canada’s MSB (Money Services Business) license, regulated by FINTRAC, is mandatory for operating a crypto exchange. It covers crypto trading, foreign exchange, money transmission, and digital payments. However, it does not permit dealing in securities or derivatives.
Do I need separate licenses to operate in each EU country?
No. Under MiCA and EMI frameworks, once licensed in one EU or EEA country, you can "passport" that license across all member states. This enables operations in 30+ countries using a single regulatory approval.
Can I buy a company that already holds one of these licenses?
Yes. Demire Finance offers ready-made companies with active EMI, VASP, or MSB licenses. Acquiring an existing licensed entity allows faster market entry, pending regulatory approval of ownership transfer.
What license is best for a global crypto startup?
For Europe: MiCA VASP or Lithuanian EMI.
For North America: Canadian MSB or US MSBs.
For Asia-Pacific: Hong Kong VASP or Australian AFSL.
We’ll help you find the best fit based on your roadmap, product, and compliance goals.