Crypto Exchange License Services
Crypto Exchange License Services
Launching a crypto exchange comes with regulatory requirements in the US, the EU, and beyond. We support crypto businesses with licensing strategies, compliance planning, and regulator-facing materials.
Launching a crypto exchange comes with regulatory requirements in the US, the EU, and beyond. We support crypto businesses with licensing strategies, compliance planning, and regulator-facing materials.
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Eligibility
Eligibility
Who Needs a Crypto Exchange License?
If your business allows users to trade, convert, or access crypto assets, you may need to register or get licensed. Below are common business types that usually fall under crypto exchange licensing rules.
Centralized Exchanges (CEXs)
Platforms that match buyers and sellers of digital assets, hold customer funds, or custody crypto on behalf of users often require registration and multiple licenses.
Centralized Exchanges (CEXs)
Platforms that match buyers and sellers of digital assets, hold customer funds, or custody crypto on behalf of users often require registration and multiple licenses.
Decentralized Exchanges (DEXs)
Some decentralized platforms may still be considered exchange operators, depending on their level of control and involvement. US regulators are starting to apply existing rules to these models.
Decentralized Exchanges (DEXs)
Some decentralized platforms may still be considered exchange operators, depending on their level of control and involvement. US regulators are starting to apply existing rules to these models.
Peer-to-Peer Platforms
Marketplaces or apps that connect users to trade crypto directly, especially if they collect fees or handle funds, often need to register as money services businesses or equivalent.
Peer-to-Peer Platforms
Marketplaces or apps that connect users to trade crypto directly, especially if they collect fees or handle funds, often need to register as money services businesses or equivalent.
Custodial Services
If your platform holds customer crypto or has access to private keys, licensing requirements may apply in the US, EU, or other regions.
Custodial Services
If your platform holds customer crypto or has access to private keys, licensing requirements may apply in the US, EU, or other regions.
DeFi Projects With On-Chain Matching
Even without a central operator, regulators may still consider your platform an exchange based on how users interact and how much control you have over the process.
DeFi Projects With On-Chain Matching
Even without a central operator, regulators may still consider your platform an exchange based on how users interact and how much control you have over the process.
Steps
Steps
How to Get a Crypto Exchange License
01
Define Your Business Model
Clarify whether you're operating a centralized exchange, peer-to-peer platform, or decentralized protocol. Your licensing path depends on how your platform works and which functions you control.
01
Define Your Business Model
Clarify whether you're operating a centralized exchange, peer-to-peer platform, or decentralized protocol. Your licensing path depends on how your platform works and which functions you control.
02
Register with FinCEN (US)
Most US-based exchanges must register as Money Services Businesses. This triggers federal AML obligations under the Bank Secrecy Act.
02
Register with FinCEN (US)
Most US-based exchanges must register as Money Services Businesses. This triggers federal AML obligations under the Bank Secrecy Act.
03
Prepare Compliance Documentation
Draft your AML program, customer onboarding procedures, business plan, cybersecurity policies, and ownership disclosures. Regulators expect a clear AML program, a plan for managing risks, and operational policies tailored to your business.
03
Prepare Compliance Documentation
Draft your AML program, customer onboarding procedures, business plan, cybersecurity policies, and ownership disclosures. Regulators expect a clear AML program, a plan for managing risks, and operational policies tailored to your business.
04
Apply for State or Regional Licenses
In the US, most exchanges need money transmitter licenses in each state where they operate. In the EU, MiCAR will soon centralize the process, but national rules still apply during the transition.
04
Apply for State or Regional Licenses
In the US, most exchanges need money transmitter licenses in each state where they operate. In the EU, MiCAR will soon centralize the process, but national rules still apply during the transition.
05
Respond to Regulator Reviews
Regulators may ask for clarifications, updates, or additional documentation. In some cases, they may schedule interviews or request background checks for key team members.
05
Respond to Regulator Reviews
Regulators may ask for clarifications, updates, or additional documentation. In some cases, they may schedule interviews or request background checks for key team members.
Resources
Resources
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FAQ
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Do cryptocurrency businesses need a money transmitter license?
Do cryptocurrency businesses need a money transmitter license?
Do I need a license to operate a crypto company in the US?
Do I need a license to operate a crypto company in the US?
Does my crypto business need to register with FinCEN?
Does my crypto business need to register with FinCEN?
How do I know which regulators apply to my business?
How do I know which regulators apply to my business?
Start Your Crypto Licensing Process With Us
Start Your Crypto Licensing Process With Us
Who We Serve
Compliance Services
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Licensing Services
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About InnReg
The content provided on this website is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, investment, tax, or other professional advice. InnReg LLC is not a law firm, tax advisor, or regulated financial institution. Viewing this site or contacting InnReg does not create a client relationship. Results described in case studies or testimonials may not be typical and do not guarantee future outcomes. Tools, spreadsheets, or guides available on this site are provided for illustrative purposes only and should not be relied upon without professional guidance. Any links to third-party websites are provided for convenience and do not constitute endorsement or responsibility for their content. The information on this site may not be applicable in all jurisdictions. While we strive to provide accurate content, we make no representations as to its completeness or timeliness. Some visual assets on this site are sourced from Freepik.
Who We Serve
Compliance Services
Compliance Consulting
Compliance Operations
Licensing Services
Resources
About InnReg
The content provided on this website is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, investment, tax, or other professional advice. InnReg LLC is not a law firm, tax advisor, or regulated financial institution. Viewing this site or contacting InnReg does not create a client relationship. Results described in case studies or testimonials may not be typical and do not guarantee future outcomes. Tools, spreadsheets, or guides available on this site are provided for illustrative purposes only and should not be relied upon without professional guidance. Any links to third-party websites are provided for convenience and do not constitute endorsement or responsibility for their content. The information on this site may not be applicable in all jurisdictions. While we strive to provide accurate content, we make no representations as to its completeness or timeliness. Some visual assets on this site are sourced from Freepik.
Who We Serve
Compliance Services
Compliance Consulting
Compliance Operations
Licensing Services
Resources
About InnReg
The content provided on this website is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, investment, tax, or other professional advice. InnReg LLC is not a law firm, tax advisor, or regulated financial institution. Viewing this site or contacting InnReg does not create a client relationship. Results described in case studies or testimonials may not be typical and do not guarantee future outcomes. Tools, spreadsheets, or guides available on this site are provided for illustrative purposes only and should not be relied upon without professional guidance. Any links to third-party websites are provided for convenience and do not constitute endorsement or responsibility for their content. The information on this site may not be applicable in all jurisdictions. While we strive to provide accurate content, we make no representations as to its completeness or timeliness. Some visual assets on this site are sourced from Freepik.