For Fintech & Crypto Operators
Licensing and banking, planned together.
EMI, PSP, VASP, MSB, MGA and iGaming: drafted, applied for and operated, with banking considered before the application is filed.
Our view
Banking is considered alongside the licence.
We have worked on Malta MGA, Cayman VASP, Curaçao iGaming, UAE EMI and Lithuania PSP licences. In most cases the bottleneck was banking, not the licence itself. We assess the structure against the requirements of the banks we work with before we file, not after. The aim is to avoid a licence that cannot be banked.
What we solve for operators
Four questions we answer before an application is filed.
- 01
Which jurisdiction suits our model and our banking?
Malta MGA banks easily; Anjouan crypto-gaming banks selectively. UAE payment and stored-value licences come from the Central Bank of the UAE (VARA covers virtual assets), and need a local bank relationship. We map your model to the right regulator first.
- 02
How realistic is the timeline?
Fintech licences in 2026 take 6 to 14+ months. iGaming 3 to 9+ months. Crypto-VASP 6 to 12+ months. We give you a realistic timeline before you sign anything.
- 03
Will our beneficial owners pass fit-and-proper?
We pre-screen UBOs against the regulator's exact criteria before submission. If there's a problem, we'll tell you in the diagnosis, not after six months of review.
- 04
What does ongoing compliance cost?
MLRO, board, audit, tech-controls, transaction monitoring. We quote ongoing operating cost in the engagement letter, not just the licence application.
Services
The services these clients use most
Each can be engaged on its own, or combined with others as one matter.
- Fintech licensingEMI, PSP, VASP, MSB and crypto licence applications, prepared to each regulator's requirements.Typically 6 to 18+ monthsTypically 6 to 18+ months
- iGaming licensingB2C casino, sportsbook, poker, lottery and B2B platform / supplier iGaming licences. Available in MGA, Curaçao, Isle of Man, Anjouan, Gibraltar and more.Typically 3 to 9+ monthsTypically 3 to 9+ months
- 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
- 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
- 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
Can you take a licence from kick-off to live banking?
We're crypto-native. Can we still get fiat banking?
Can you arrange MLRO and Compliance Officer appointments?
Who we work with
Other clients we advise
Founders
Family offices
Professional advisers
Crypto and Web3
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.