Crypto licensing

Crypto licensing & regulatory structuring for exchanges, custodians and Web3 platforms.

We help you choose a realistic licensing route, map requirements to your business model, prepare the compliance pack and application set, and align your operations with regulator expectations.

If you are early-stage, we can start with a phased model: structure now → operate → apply when eligible.

What we typically cover

Fit test: your model vs licensing perimeter (exchange / brokerage / custody / wallet / issuance).
Jurisdiction shortlist with constraints and realistic timing.
Compliance architecture: AML/KYC, sanctions, risk management, governance.
Application deliverables + operational readiness checklist.

Prefer fixed scope? Use Crypto License Pack.

Deliverables

What you get from WCR Legal

The exact set depends on the regulator and your service perimeter, but the structure below is a realistic baseline for most licensing routes.

Step 1

Licensing roadmap

A clear plan aligned with your model, timeline and budget.

Regulatory perimeter mapping.
Jurisdiction shortlist (with constraints).
Phases, timing and prerequisites.
Risk items and mitigation plan.

Useful even before you commit to a jurisdiction.

Step 2

Compliance & governance pack

Policies and procedures that match how you operate.

AML/KYC policy + onboarding and monitoring procedures.
Sanctions screening controls and escalation rules.
Compliance manual and internal reporting lines.
Risk management + business continuity baseline.

Designed to be implementable, not “paper only”.

Step 3

Application documentation

Core submission set and supporting documents for the chosen regulator.

Drafting / review of application forms.
Business plan & operating model narrative.
Role descriptions and governance structure.
Regulator Q&A support and iterations.

We help structure responses to regulator comments.

Process

How we work (typical flow)

Timing depends on readiness: team, compliance roles, operational flows, and whether local substance is required.

Model intake

Clarify services, user type, markets, custody model and transaction flow.

Perimeter & shortlist

Map services to regulatory categories and shortlist feasible jurisdictions.

Structuring

Entity structure, governance roles, outsourcing model and internal controls.

Compliance + submission

Compliance pack, application set, and iterative regulator Q&A until stable.

If you need a fixed-scope entry point, start with Crypto License Pack.

Jurisdictions

Common licensing routes we handle

Each regime has different perimeter, local substance requirements and expectations about governance, AML, safeguarding and technology risk.

EU (MiCA / CASP)

For projects serving EU clients with a harmonized framework.

Typical focus: authorization strategy, outsourcing model, governance readiness, compliance pack and implementation logic.

CASP authorization EU clients Outsourcing

AIFC (Kazakhstan)

A regulated hub with common-law environment.

Typical focus: licensing roadmap, policies/procedures, governance roles, and regulator-facing documentation with strong operational mapping.

FinTech hub Compliance pack Operational model

UAE (Dubai / RAK)

Multi-regime environment with varying perimeters and substance.

Typical focus: choosing correct regulator/zone, substance planning, outsourcing controls, and compliance documentation alignment.

Multi-regime Substance Governance

El Salvador

Often requested for digital asset-focused projects.

Typical focus: scope definition, compliance architecture, documentation alignment and partner onboarding readiness.

Digital asset focus Compliance Partner readiness

See more on the Jurisdictions page.

FAQ

Common questions

Short answers first. For a real route selection we map your exact model to the licensing perimeter.

Is a license always required for a token project?

Not always. It depends on token rights, how it is offered, what services you provide (custody, exchange, brokerage), and where your users are located. We first map the perimeter, then propose a route.

Can we start operating first and apply later?

Often yes — if the operating model stays outside the licensing perimeter (or fits an interim route/sandbox) and the plan avoids future contradictions.

What do regulators usually focus on?

Governance and accountability, AML/KYC and sanctions controls, safeguarding of client assets, outsourcing and technology risk, and whether your operational flows match your written policies.

Do you provide full support until filing?

Yes: route selection, structuring, compliance pack, application documentation, and iterations / Q&A. Final scope depends on jurisdiction and timeline.

Want a realistic licensing roadmap?

Send your model in 8–10 lines: services (exchange/custody/brokerage), target markets, user type (retail/pro), and whether you hold client assets. We will propose a route and first deliverables.

If you already selected a jurisdiction, mention it — we can skip shortlist and move straight to implementation.

Good fit for this service:

Exchanges / brokers / OTC desks.
Custody, wallets, and “arranging custody” models.
Tokenization platforms and RWA projects.
Projects preparing for banks and institutional partners.

We can coordinate with local partners where local substance / officers are required.

Crypto & Web3 Licensing

Crypto licensing & regulatory structuring for exchanges, custodians and Web3 platforms.