For Crypto, Web3 and Digital-Asset Operators
Licensing, banking and reporting, planned together.
VASP licensing, custody architecture, treasury structuring and DAC8 / CARF readiness. For operators who need to be live.
Our view
Every digital asset business now falls within a regulatory regime.
Between MiCA, DAC8, CARF, the US state MTL patchwork and the maturing of VARA, FINMA, MAS and CIMA, every crypto operator now sits inside someone's regulatory perimeter. The question is which perimeter, and how to structure for it. We work with crypto-native operators, hybrid fintechs and traditional finance entrants on the licensing, banking, custody and reporting architecture that lets a digital-asset business operate at institutional standard.
What we solve for crypto operators
Four questions we work through with operators.
- 01
Which licence regime fits the business?
VARA in Dubai. MFSA crypto in Malta under MiCA. FINMA in Switzerland. CIMA VASP in Cayman. SFC VATP in Hong Kong. MAS in Singapore. We model the regulator-fit before any application is filed.
- 02
Where does the structure bank?
The licence is only useful if the entity can move money. We assess the structure against the requirements of the banks and PSPs we work with that accept crypto businesses before the application is submitted.
- 03
What does the custody architecture look like?
Hot, warm and cold custody. Single-sig vs MPC vs multi-party. Self-custody vs qualified-custodian model. We design the architecture and the operating runbook, not just the legal wrapper.
- 04
Are we ready for DAC8, CARF and MiCA reporting?
Mapped against the actual data points each regime requires, not the slide-deck summary. We build the reporting layer alongside the structure.
Services
The services these clients use most
Each can be engaged on its own, or combined with others as one matter.
- Crypto and digital asset structuringHold and transact crypto through licensed VASPs, foundations and DAO-LLC hybrids.Typically 3 to 8+ weeksTypically 3 to 8+ weeks
- Fintech licensingEMI, PSP, VASP, MSB and crypto licence applications, prepared to each regulator's requirements.Typically 6 to 18+ monthsTypically 6 to 18+ months
- Fiduciary and compliance coordinationIndependent directors, AML programme design, economic substance and middle-office coordination for offshore structures, delivered through licensed counterparties.Live within 2 weeksLive within 2 weeks
- Private and hedge fund set-upPrivate equity, venture and hedge fund vehicles in Cayman, the BVI, the Bahamas, Luxembourg and the UAE, with the manager's licensing, compliance and service providers arranged around them.Typically 6 to 12+ weeks for formationTypically 6 to 12+ weeks for formation
- International bankingIntroductions to 45+ private and corporate banks across the UK, EU, GCC, Asia-Pacific, the Caribbean and the US.Typically 3 to 10+ weeksTypically 3 to 10+ weeks
- Company formationOnshore and offshore companies in the BVI, Cayman, the UAE, Singapore, the UK, Delaware and other jurisdictions, with substance documented and banking considered before formation.Typically 2 to 6+ weeksTypically 2 to 6+ weeks
Where we work
Jurisdictions these clients use most often
We work with formation agents, banks and local counsel in each. We can look at others too.
Questions
Common questions
Will MiCA passporting work for our business?
Can you handle the Travel Rule technology?
Do you take on already-licensed entities for ongoing compliance?
Who we work with
Other clients we advise
Founders
Family offices
Fintech and payments
Professional advisers
iGaming
Real estate
Yachts and aircraftNot listed here?Tell us about your matterWe do not give legal or tax advice in jurisdictions where we are not qualified to do so; where needed, we coordinate local counsel and tax advisers.
Fees agreed in writing before work begins. Where a bank or provider pays us for an introduction, we tell you before the introduction is made.
See also what we will not do and prohibited and restricted matters.
Next step
Tell us about your matter.
A short application tells us what you need. We aim to reply within 48 hours. The first step is a diagnosis of where you stand today.