license
GlobalSTOX’s Wholly-Owned Subsidiary Has Successfully Obtained a TCSP License
GlobalSTOX Limited (“GSL”) is pleased to announce that its wholly-owned subsidiary, HKSTOX Finance Limited, has successfully obtained a Trust or Company Service Provider License (“TCSP License”) on 29 April 2020. The TCSP license number is TC007109.
Harbor Becomes First Blockchain Company to Hold Both Transfer Agent License and Brokerage License
Harbor, a digital assets firm for security token issuance, has been granted a transfer agent license by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.
Credit Giant MasterCard Grants Wirex First Principal Membership License
Wirex has become the first native cryptocurrency platform to be granted a principal membership license from credit giant Mastercard as part of their accelerated expansion into digital assets.
Avo Receives First Virtual General Insurer License in Hong Kong
Hong Kong’s Insurance Authority (IA) announced on Tuesday that it has granted the first authorization for virtual general insurance under Fast Track. The license was granted to Avo, a local insurtech company providing products like health and travel insurance.
FINRA Ends Regulatory Unclarity By Awarding Harbor with Crypto Broker-Dealer License
The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) awarded Harbor Square Investments a broker-dealer license. Harbor Square Investments is a subsidiary of tokenized securities platform-Harbor.
Hong Kong SFC Agrees in Principle to License Fidelity Backed OSL Crypto Firm
Hong Kong’s Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) has agreed in principle to license the cryptocurrency firm OSL Digital Securities.
Binance Reaching a Larger User Base by Applying for Singapore’s New Crypto License
Crypto exchange Binance has applied for a license in Singapore under the country’s Payment Services Act, a new framework that came into effect on Jan. 28.
New York State Trust License - Fidelity’s Step Towards Mass Crypto Adoption?
Fidelity’s cryptocurrency investment arm, Fidelity Digital Assets (FDAS) has filed for a trust license in the state of New York according to several sources.
Coinbase Secures an E-Money License From the Central Bank of Ireland
The US-based cryptocurrency exchange, Coinbase, has just been granted an e-money license in Ireland by the Central Bank of Ireland as it continues its expansion into Europe.
Uniswap V3 Protocol License Expires, Allowing Developers to Fork Code
Uniswap V3 protocol’s Business Source License (BSL) has expired, allowing developers to fork the code and deploy their own decentralized exchange (DEX). The new “General Public License” now applies to the protocol. To fork the code, developers must use an “Additional Use Grant.”
Crypto Exchange CoinZoom Receives License to Operate in Bermuda
The license will enable CoinZoom’s mission to mainstream digital asset investing and trading.
PayPal Acquires UK Crypto License
PayPal has secured a cryptocurrency license from the UK's Financial Conduct Authority, marking a strategic move amid post-Brexit adjustments, and transitioning UK clients from PayPal Europe to a new UK-based entity.
Upbit Singapore Secures MAS's MPI Licence
Upbit Singapore receives a Major Payment Institution license from MAS, marking a key step in its expansion and compliance with Singapore's regulatory standards in the digital asset sector.
CryptoWallet.com Among Minority of Successful Companies to Renew Coveted Estonian License
Estonia-based crypto startup CryptoWallet.com has become one of the first crypto companies to receive a stamp of approval from Estonia’s Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU). CryptoWallet.com renewed its crypto license despite strict regulatory measures introduced last year to maintain compliance and transparency within the crypto space.
Philippines Central Bank to Suspend Issuing Licenses to New Virtual Asset Service Firms
The central bank said it will stop processing licenses for new virtual asset services providers (VASP) for three years.
HashKey Launches Wealth Management Platform for Institutional Investors
HashKey Group has launched a wealth management platform for professional and institutional investors in response to growing demand for virtual assets. The Hong Kong-based digital asset firm is expanding its over-the-counter trading service and increasing its liquidity coverage to 24/7.
Ripple Receives Approval for Digital Payment License from MAS
Ripple, a leading provider of enterprise blockchain and cryptocurrency solutions, has announced a significant milestone for its Singapore subsidiary, Ripple Markets APAC Pte Ltd.
Crypto Firm Bits of Gold Obtains Capital Markets License from Israeli Regulator
Bits of Gold is the first crypto firm to receive this license, which will enable it to work with local banks and financial institutions.
Korea’s Jeju Island Introduces Blockchain-Fueled COVID-19 App for Tourism
To recover from COVID-19 tourism losses, South Korea has introduced a blockchain-powered digital app for visitors of Jeju Island to ensure safe travels.
Gate.io Closer To US Debut Following Local Licensing
Gate US, the U.S. branch of Gate.io, the fourth biggest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, claims it has operating licenses in multiple jurisdictions. Gate US would not specify what states it has gotten permits from but stated it is not accepting consumers from the nation at this time. It joins other top US exchanges by volume including Binance US and Gemini.
Binance Australia Derivatives License Canceled by ASIC
ASIC has canceled the financial services license of Binance Australia Derivatives after reviewing Binance's operations in the country. Clients must close their existing derivatives positions before April 21.
Binance Gets Business License to Offer Trading Services in Dubai
Binance has continued to make its foray into the global crypto markets. The leading exchange gets a new business license in Dubai, where the company intends to establish a regional headquarter there.
Alibaba Launches NFT Marketplace for Copyright Trading
Alibaba has launched a new marketplace for trading copyright licenses.
Ripple Gains Major Payments Institution License from Singapore's Monetary Authority
Ripple, a leading enterprise in blockchain and crypto solutions, has secured a Major Payments Institution (MPI) license from the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS). This follows the in-principle approval granted to Ripple in June 2023. The license will enable Ripple to continue offering regulated digital payment token services in Singapore, a key market for the company.
Paypal Crypto Owners Can Now Transfer Tokens to Wallets
Fintech giant Paypal Holdings has upgraded its crypto wallet capabilities. Users of the app can now send supported digital assets to other wallets.
Dubai Regulator Grants Virtual Asset License to Former Singapore Legislator's Company
The VARA license allows Calvin Cheng- a former Singaporean member of Parliament, for his Web3 company to operate within Dubai’s crypto market.
Alchemy Pay Expands U.S. Footprint with Iowa Money Services License
Alchemy Pay, a prominent crypto-fiat payment gateway, has secured a Money Services License in Iowa, marking a significant expansion in the U.S. market and enhancing its global compliance portfolio.
Louisiana State Congress Unanimously Pass Crypto-Business Licensing Bill
Crypto businesses may be offered a regulated path to legalization in the state of Louisiana. The proposed bill has been backed by Louisiana state representative Mark Weight. Should the bill be passed, the state would have a regulated crypto framework to operate within and would provide an official definition of traditionally ambiguous cryptocurrency-related terms.
Facebook Diem Project to Launch USD Stablecoin after Dropping Swiss License Application Plan
Diem Association is planning to move its main operations from Switzerland to the United States.
HashKey Launches as HK's First Licensed Retail Crypto Exchange, Begins BTC and ETH Trading
HashKey Exchange, Hong Kong's first licensed retail virtual asset exchange, launched on 28 August 2023, offering direct bank transfers in USD and HKD, initial fiat trading pairs, and strict compliance with the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission.
Crypto Firm Change Receives License from Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets
Netherlands-based crypto firm Change gets a new license from the local financial regulator, allowing the company to provide both traditional and digital access to European clients.
Blockchain-Based Driving Licenses in South Korea Hit One Million Drivers
Blockchain-powered driving licenses were made available as an option in South Korea in May.
NYDFS Introduces Stricter Crypto Listing and Delisting Rules
NYDFS has implemented stricter regulations for cryptocurrency businesses, enhancing investor protection through detailed risk assessments and governance, highlighting New York's proactive regulatory approach.
Huobi to Expand Footprints in Australia, Seeking Regulatory Approval for Crypto Trading
Huobi Global is trailing the same footprints as its counterparts as it filed its application to be registered as a digital currency exchange provider with the Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC).
Greenland Financial Holdings to Apply for Virtual Asset Trading License in Hong Kong
Greenland Financial Holdings, a subsidiary of Greenland Group, is planning to apply for a virtual asset trading license in Hong Kong, according to Shanghai Securities News.
BitGo Secures MPI License Approval in Singapore
BitGo has received in-principle approval for a Major Payment Institution (MPI) license from Singapore's MAS, allowing it to expand its crypto services in the region. This aligns with Singapore's robust regulatory standards and BitGo's commitment to security in digital asset transactions.
SEC Revokes License of ParagonCoin Crypto Startup
ParagonCoin, a crypto startup backed by rapper The Game, had its license revoked by the SEC for violating securities laws by failing to file periodic reports. The startup had held a $70 million initial coin offering in 2017, and in 2021, was found liable for more than $12 million in a class-action lawsuit. Meanwhile, other rappers like Snoop Dogg and Eminem are entering the Web3 space with NFTs and new startups.
FTX Gets Full Approval to Operate Crypto Exchange in Dubai
FTX has received full government approval to expand its services in Dubai. In March, the exchange obtained a partial license to offer its services in the region.
Crypto.Com Secures EMI License to Offer Bank Transfers to Maltase Customers
Crypto.com has obtained a license to operate in Malta, expanding its international footprint for its global money transfer services.
SBI Invests $15 Million into Alpaca, Forges Partnership
Alpaca and SBI Holdings have entered into a strategic partnership, bolstered by a USD15 million investment, to accelerate Alpaca’s business expansion in Asia. This collaboration will extend Alpaca's services to more enterprise financial institutions in Asia for US securities transactions. The investment, a convertible note, takes Alpaca’s total funding to USD120 million, enabling further growth in the Asian market and new product introductions in the U.S.
Crypto Exchange Binance Withdraws Crypto License Application in Germany
Binance has withdrawn its application for a crypto license in Germany. The German Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin) advised the exchange to withdraw its application.
NYDFS to Assess Supervisory Costs from Licensed Crypto Firms
The NYDFS will assess supervisory costs from licensed crypto firms in the state of New York to add top talent to its virtual currency team. This new regulation provides the Department with additional tools and resources to regulate the virtual currency industry.
Binance Secures First Operational MVP License from Dubai's VARA
Binance has become the first to receive an Operational MVP License from Dubai's Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA), enabling regulated virtual asset services.
Bitcoin of America indicted for operating unlicensed kiosks
Bitcoin of America, a Bitcoin technology firm, along with three of its executives, has been indicted for allegedly operating more than 50 unlicensed crypto kiosks in Ohio that knowingly benefited from victims of cryptocurrency scams. The firm is facing charges of money laundering, conspiracy, and other crimes connected to the operation of the kiosks, which authorities believe have been operating and evading regulatory safeguards and financial compliance requirements since 2018.
Coinbase Secures Major Payment Institution License from Singapore's Monetary Authority
Coinbase has obtained a Major Payment Institution (MPI) license from the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), marking a significant milestone in its expansion into the Asian market. The license will enable Coinbase to offer digital payment token services to both individual and institutional clients in Singapore. This move aligns with the company's strategy to tap into Singapore's growing crypto and Web3 ecosystem.
BitGo Receives Regulatory Approval from Italy
BitGo joins other crypto firms in gaining clearance to operate in Italy.
Virtual Money Is Regulated In Alaska
Digital currency enterprises in Alaska must receive a money transmission license by January 1, 2023. Investments and monetary worth will incorporate virtual money. Investors in Alaska, South Dakota, Wyoming, New Hampshire, Nevada, Texas, Tennessee, and Florida still pay no capital gains tax.
South Korea Intensifies Measures Against Unlicensed Crypto Exchanges
South Korea's financial regulators are urging public disclosure of unlicensed crypto exchanges, as part of their efforts to regulate the digital asset market and safeguard investors.
Kraken Secures E-Money License in EU, Expands Virtual Asset Services in Spain
Kraken, a San Francisco-based crypto platform, has secured an E-Money Institution license from the Central Bank of Ireland and registered as a Virtual Asset Service Provider in Spain. These moves are part of Kraken's strategy to expand its European operations.
NYDFS Reviews BitLicense Guidelines to Favor Crypto Agencies
With the New York Department of Financial Services guidelines, blockchain agencies will find easy entry into the cities blockchain ecosystem
Blockchain.com Obtains Digital Payment Token License in Singapore
Blockchain.com has secured a Major Payment Institution License from Singapore's MAS, joining 3,427 licensed firms across banking, capital markets, and more.
MicroStrategy Q3 2023: 158,400 Bitcoin Holdings at $29,586 per BTC
MicroStrategy Incorporated reveals Q3 2023 financial results, highlighting continuous acquisition of bitcoin and AI software launch. The company's bitcoin holdings now stand at 158,400 with a total cost of $4.69 billion. Software Licenses and Subscription Services Revenues observed notable growth, indicating a positive trajectory in its business intelligence domain.
Malaysia’s Financial Regulator Says Binance is Not Authorized to Operate in the Country
The Securities Commission (SC) of Malaysia, the country’s financial regulator, has announced that Binance cryptocurrency exchange is not unauthorized to operate in the country. The financial watchdog has, therefore, put the crypto exchange on the list of unlicensed companies.
Alchemy Pay Scores License to Expand in Indonesia
Alchemy Pay has obtained a license from the central bank of Indonesia to operate remittance and fund transfers in cooperation with local fintech firm Berkah Digital Pembayaran. The license allows the firms to offer better payout methods and reduce associated operating costs.
Elon Musk's X to Launch In-App Payment Services by Mid-2024
Elon Musk's X plans to launch in-app payment services by mid-2024, indicating a shift from his previous crypto interests to fiat currency.
DLT Finance Receives BaFin Licenses to Launch Trading Platform for Digital Assets
The new platform is now offering a variety of digital asset services to institutional clients after receiving nine new trading licenses.
Crypto.com Injects $150M for its New France Ecosystem Development
Crypto.com to inject the sum of $150 million as it looks to build out its headquarters in France
US Prosecutors Seek Lengthy Sentence for Crypto Shadow Bank Executive
US prosecutors seek a sentence of at least 7 years imprisonment for Reginald Fowler, a former minority owner of the Minnesota Vikings NFL team, over his alleged involvement in shadow banking practices through Crypto Capital Corp, an alleged crypto shadow bank. Fowler is accused of acting as an unlicensed money transmitter and deceiving financial institutions through Global Trading Solutions (GTS), a firm he established under Crypto Capital in 2018. GTS and Crypto Capital are alleged to have processed approximately $750 million in cryptocurrency transactions, providing unlicensed crypto firms with unlawful access to the U.S. banking system.
Cross-Asset Exchange Platform DIFX Acquires Additional License from EU Regulator
With the new license from the EU regulator, DIFX is well-positioned to serve clients in European markets.
U.S.-Based Crypto Exchange Gemini Gets Electronic Money License in Ireland
The license makes it possible for Gemini to offer its cryptocurrency trading services in Ireland.
Facebook’s Libra Move to Apply for Swiss Regulator FINMA License: A Failed Permissionless Network?
Libra is moving away from its original plan of permissionless digital currency, widely accessible for the public, due to ongoing unprecedented hardship. Libra will be moving towards a coin that would be subject to foreign exchange controls and regulations.
Coinbase CEO Defends Decision to License Analytics Platform to US Secret Service
CEO of Coinbase Brian Armstrong sold his blockchain analytics software to US Secret Service, and addressed any worries investors might have concerning privacy issues.
Caitlin Long's Avanti Becomes the Second Crypto Bank in the US, Open for Commercial Clients in Early 2021
The Avanti Financial Group has recently become the second cryptocurrency company to get a banking license in the United States.