About Us
Our Track Record
Since 2019, the CryptoLicenses.net team has guided more than 200 clients — from pre-seed startups to established fintech firms — through the complexities of crypto licensing across 40+ jurisdictions. Our Swiss-based team combines deep regulatory expertise with on-the-ground relationships at regulators in the EU, MENA, Asia-Pacific and offshore centres.
Our 94% success rate reflects a rigorous pre-screening process: we only take on engagements where the regulatory pathway is clear and the client meets the threshold requirements. When an application is likely to fail, we tell clients before they spend money — not after.
The case studies below represent a cross-section of our work: different license types, jurisdictions, client backgrounds and business models. Identifying details have been generalised at client request, but timelines and outcomes are accurate.
Client Work
Featured Case Studies
Case Study #1
EU MiCA CASP Authorization — Crypto Exchange (Germany)
Challenge
German startup needed MiCA CASP authorization to operate across the EU without obtaining 27 individual national licenses. Tight Series A timeline required fast regulatory clarity.
Solution
Incorporated French SAS entity in Paris, filed AMF CASP application using France's fast-track digital assets framework, and built a full MiCA-compliant AML/CFT program with Travel Rule procedures.
Outcome
Full CASP authorization granted by AMF. EU passport activated in all 26 remaining member states. Client raised Series A within 60 days of authorization.
Timeline7 months
LicenseAMF CASP
TypeExchange
Case Study #2
UAE VARA License — OTC Desk Expansion (Singapore-based)
Challenge
Singapore-based OTC desk wanted to expand into MENA markets without losing its Singapore operational base or triggering conflicting regulatory obligations.
Solution
Established IFZA free zone company in Dubai, filed VARA OTC Broker license application with tailored AML program. Structured the dual-jurisdiction group to avoid regulatory conflict between MAS and VARA.
Outcome
VARA OTC Broker license granted. Client fully operational in UAE within 9 months of engagement start. Dubai office onboarded three institutional MENA clients in first quarter.
Timeline9 months
LicenseVARA OTC
TypeOTC Broker
Case Study #3
Estonia FIU VASP — Crypto Payment Startup (Ukraine-based)
Challenge
Ukrainian fintech urgently needed an EU-based crypto payment license following 2022 events. Speed was critical — the client had existing B2B contracts requiring an EU-licensed counterparty.
Solution
Fast-track Estonian OÜ formation with pre-approved AML/CFT policy package, tailored beneficial ownership disclosures and a designated compliance officer arrangement. Full FIU VASP application within 3 weeks of engagement.
Outcome
FIU VASP license obtained. EU banking relationships established with two partner banks. Client operational and processing transactions within 5 months of first contact.
Timeline5 months
LicenseFIU VASP
TypePayment
Case Study #4
Singapore MAS DPT License — Institutional Investment Platform (HK)
Challenge
Hong Kong-based crypto investment platform needed a Singapore MAS license to serve institutional clients requiring regulatory assurance. SFC licensing alone was insufficient for their target client base.
Solution
Incorporated Singapore Pte Ltd, filed MAS PSA DPT application with institutional-grade AML program, technology risk management framework, and board governance documentation aligned with MAS expectations.
Outcome
MAS Standard Payment Institution license with DPT services granted. Platform onboarded institutional clients from Japan, Korea and Australia within six months of licensing.
Timeline11 months
LicenseMAS SPI DPT
TypeInvestment
Case Study #5
FCA Crypto Registration — Retail Exchange (Netherlands)
Challenge
Dutch crypto exchange serving UK retail clients needed FCA crypto registration post-Brexit. Previous self-managed application had been rejected for AML deficiencies.
Solution
Established UK Ltd with substantive UK operations, rebuilt entire AML/CTF framework to FCA standards, designed a financial promotions compliance program, and managed the re-application with a dedicated FCA liaison approach.
Outcome
FCA cryptoasset registration granted. Client resumed serving UK retail clients within 8 months. No further remedial actions required post-registration.
Timeline8 months
LicenseFCA Crypto
TypeExchange
Case Study #6
Cayman CIMA VASP — DeFi Protocol Regulatory Wrapper (Global)
Challenge
DeFi protocol with a global user base needed regulatory clarity and institutional investor credibility without disrupting its decentralized architecture or token structure.
Solution
Structured a Cayman Islands foundation company as DAO legal wrapper, filed CIMA VASP registration for the protocol's fiat on/off-ramp component, and delivered a token classification memorandum with US securities law analysis.
Outcome
CIMA VASP registered within 4 months. Three institutional investors (2 VC funds, 1 family office) onboarded. US persons excluded from token distribution per legal advice, eliminating key regulatory risk.
Timeline4 months
LicenseCIMA VASP
TypeDeFi
Sectors
Industries We Serve
Crypto Exchanges
Spot, derivatives and OTC exchanges seeking MiCA CASP, FCA, MAS, VARA or offshore authorizations.
OTC / Brokerage
Institutional and retail OTC desks requiring broker-dealer or VASP registration across key markets.
DeFi Protocols
Decentralized protocols seeking legal wrappers, DAO structures and VASP registration for regulated activities.
Payment Processors
Crypto payment service providers requiring EU EMI, VASP or equivalent authorization in target markets.
Custody Providers
Institutional and retail crypto custodians navigating MiCA CASPy, BaFin, MAS and comparable custody licenses.
Fund Managers
Crypto-focused fund managers requiring AIFMD authorization, MAS CMS license or Cayman Islands registered fund status.
How We Work
Our Licensing Process
Step 01
Discovery & Jurisdiction Analysis
We start with a free consultation to understand your business model, target markets and timeline. We then identify the optimal jurisdiction, estimate costs and provide a realistic timeline — no obligation.
Step 02
Entity Setup & Documentation
We handle company formation, directors and nominee arrangements as needed. We then build the full application pack: AML/CFT policies, governance documents, business plan and financial projections.
Step 03
Regulator Application Management
We submit the application and manage all regulator correspondence on your behalf. We respond to queries, attend hearings if required, and keep you updated at every stage.
Step 04
Post-License Compliance Support
Once licensed, we offer ongoing compliance retainers covering AML program maintenance, regulatory reporting, license renewals, and assistance with regulator queries and examinations.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Timelines vary significantly by jurisdiction. Offshore registrations (Cayman, BVI) can be completed in 4–6 weeks. EU MiCA CASP applications typically take 6–12 months. UAE VARA and Singapore MAS applications usually take 8–12 months. We always provide a realistic timeline estimate before engagement — and we have a strong track record of meeting them.
No responsible advisor can guarantee regulatory approval — that decision rests with the regulator. What we can guarantee is that we only take on engagements where we believe the application has a strong chance of success, and that we will manage the process with the highest possible level of diligence and expertise. Our 94% success rate reflects this approach.
Yes. We handle all aspects of the application process: document preparation, company formation, AML program drafting, application submission, and all regulator correspondence. You remain informed and in control, but we manage the operational burden. Your team's time is better spent building the business.
Yes. We regularly take over partially completed applications, including those that have received a rejection or requests for further information from a regulator. In these cases we begin with a gap analysis to identify weaknesses in the existing application before advising on the best path forward.
We cover 80+ jurisdictions spanning the EU (all MiCA member states), MENA (UAE VARA, ADGM, DIFC), Asia-Pacific (Singapore MAS, Japan JFSA, Hong Kong SFC, Australia AUSTRAC), UK (FCA), Switzerland (FINMA), and major offshore centres (Cayman Islands, BVI, Seychelles, Mauritius, Labuan and others). Contact us if you have a specific jurisdiction in mind.
License application fees in Switzerland typically range from CHF 5,000 to CHF 25,000 depending on the service type and complexity, with additional costs for legal representation, compliance setup, and ongoing regulatory fees. Our advisory package starts at CHF 15,000 for a complete application with documentation preparation. Annual maintenance and compliance reporting costs generally fall between CHF 8,000 and CHF 20,000 once licensed. Keep in mind that banking relationships and capital requirements may add significant expenses depending on your business model.
You will typically need articles of association, shareholder identification documents, proof of address for all beneficial owners, detailed business plans, risk management policies, anti-money laundering procedures, and corporate governance documentation. The Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA) requires demonstration of adequate capitalization and proof of qualified personnel managing compliance. We provide a complete documentation checklist tailored to your specific license type during the initial consultation.
Switzerland remains one of the most crypto-friendly jurisdictions globally, with clear FINMA guidelines established since 2019 and the 2024 updates providing additional clarity on digital asset activities. Compared to jurisdictions like Malta, Liechtenstein, or Singapore, Switzerland offers stronger reputation and banking relationships, though with potentially longer processing timelines of 6-12 months. The cost structure in Switzerland is generally mid-range compared to major financial centers, making it attractive for serious projects seeking regulatory legitimacy in 2026.
Minimum capital requirements in Switzerland are typically CHF 300,000 for smaller operations, though larger exchanges often maintain CHF 1 million to CHF 5 million in liquid assets to demonstrate financial stability. FINMA evaluates capital requirements based on your business volume, customer base size, and market risk exposure. Your bank and FINMA will both review capitalization during the licensing process to ensure you can handle operational losses and customer protection obligations.
If rejected, FINMA provides specific reasons for denial, typically related to inadequate controls, capitalization, or AML procedures. You can remediate issues and reapply, though this extends your timeline by 4-8 months and incurs additional costs. We assess rejection likelihood during pre-application review and help structure applications to minimize this risk, with many clients successfully reapplying within 6 months if initial issues are corrected.
Licensed entities must file quarterly financial reports with FINMA, conduct annual audits by approved auditors, and maintain detailed transaction records for regulatory oversight. You are required to implement ongoing AML/KYC procedures, report suspicious transactions, and maintain current documentation on all beneficial owners and management. Non-compliance can result in fines up to 5% of annual turnover or license revocation, making continuous compliance management essential in 2026.
As a licensed cryptocurrency business, you are subject to standard corporate tax (approximately 12-18% depending on canton), VAT exemption for cryptocurrency exchanges (a significant advantage), and specific reporting of digital assets for beneficial owners. Capital gains on cryptocurrency holdings may be taxable depending on holding periods and business classification. We recommend engaging a Swiss tax advisor specializing in crypto, as cantonal variations and 2026 tax law updates significantly impact your overall tax burden.