Fintech and crypto licences
Licences for crypto-asset service providers, e-money and payment institutions and open banking providers in the EU, the UK, Switzerland, Canada, the UAE and offshore centres. The lines between crypto and payments are often blurred, so we look at your business model first and the label second.
Across the EU through passporting, plus the UK, Switzerland, Canada, the UAE, BVI and El Salvador
Every Fintech & Crypto licence we work with
MiCA CASP authorisation7 jurisdictions
- BulgariaOpenFinancial Supervision Commission (FSC)6–12 months
- CroatiaOpenCroatian Financial Services Supervisory Agency (HANFA)6–12 months
- CzechiaOpenCzech National Bank (ČNB)6–12 months
- IrelandOpenCentral Bank of Ireland6–12 months
- ItalyOpenCONSOB (with Banca d'Italia)6–12 months
- LithuaniaOpenBank of Lithuania (Lietuvos bankas)6–12 months
- MaltaOpenMalta Financial Services Authority (MFSA)6–12 months
Authorised electronic money institution (EMI)4 jurisdictions
Authorised payment institution (API)4 jurisdictions
Payment initiation (PIS) licence and account information (AIS) registration3 jurisdictions
Digital asset service provider authorisation (CNAD)2 jurisdictions
AML self-regulatory organisation (SRO) membership1 jurisdiction
Cryptoasset financial promotions via an s21 approver1 jurisdiction
FCA authorisation for regulated cryptoasset activities (FSMA)1 jurisdiction
FCA cryptoasset registration (Money Laundering Regulations)1 jurisdiction
FINTRAC MSB registration (dealing in virtual currencies)1 jurisdiction
Money services business (MSB) registration1 jurisdiction
Payment service provider (PSP) registration under the RPAA1 jurisdiction
VARA virtual asset service provider (VASP) licence1 jurisdiction
End-to-end estimates for a complete file, including the regulator’s assessment, which we do not control.
Recent and upcoming changes
- UpcomingUnited Kingdom · Crypto · high impact
UK cryptoasset regime expected to commence
The FCA says the new cryptoasset regime is expected to come into force on 25 October 2027, with its final rules applying to firms granted permission under FSMA from that date. Carrying on regulated cryptoasset activities in the UK after commencement will require FCA authorisation.
Source ↗ - UpcomingEuropean Union · Crypto, Fintech & Crypto, iGaming · high impact
EU Anti-Money Laundering Regulation (AMLR) applies
Regulation (EU) 2024/1624 applies from 10 July 2027 and replaces much of the national AML rulebook with directly applicable EU rules on customer due diligence, beneficial ownership and internal controls. CASPs, payment and e-money institutions and gambling operators in the EU will need to update their AML policies and procedures to the Regulation's text.
Source ↗ - UpcomingUnited Kingdom · Crypto · high impact
FCA cryptoasset application window closes
This is the last day of the FCA application period for the new cryptoasset regime. The FCA's gateway page sets out how applications made within the window are treated ahead of commencement. Firms that miss it should plan on the basis that they cannot rely on that treatment.
Source ↗ - UpcomingEuropean Union · Fintech & Crypto · medium impact
PSD3 and Payment Services Regulation indicative plenary vote
The European Parliament's procedure file lists 14 December 2026 as the indicative plenary date for the payment services file, after the committee approved the agreed text in May 2026. Adoption would start the countdown to new authorisation, safeguarding and fraud-liability rules for payment and e-money institutions. Indicative plenary dates can move.
Source ↗