Exchange Licensing & Compliance

Navigate complex regulatory requirements with confidence. We help exchanges, ATMs, and brokers achieve full compliance.

  • FinCEN MSB registration and compliance
  • State money transmitter licensing nationwide
  • AML/KYC program development and implementation
  • Ongoing general counsel services
Exchange Licensing & Compliance

What We Offer

MSB Registration

Complete money services business registration with FinCEN, ensuring federal compliance for your cryptocurrency operations.

State Licensing

Obtain money transmitter licenses and no-action letters across all states for exchanges, ATMs, brokers, and OTC desks.

Compliance Programs

Development of comprehensive AML/KYC compliance programs tailored to your business model and risk profile.

General Counsel

Ongoing legal advisory services to ensure continued compliance and strategic business guidance.

Our Process

1

Compliance Assessment

Comprehensive review of your business model and operations to determine licensing requirements.

2

Application Preparation

Preparation and filing of all necessary federal and state licensing applications.

3

Program Development

Creation of customized compliance policies, procedures, and training materials.

4

Ongoing Support

Continuous monitoring and updates to ensure ongoing compliance with evolving regulations.

Frequently Asked Questions

The timeline varies by state, typically ranging from 3-12 months. Some states process applications faster than others. We help prioritize applications based on your business needs and can often obtain temporary authorizations to begin operations while full licenses are pending.

It depends on your business model and where your customers are located. Some states require licenses for any business touching their residents' money, while others have exemptions. We'll analyze your specific situation and recommend the most efficient licensing strategy.

A comprehensive program includes written policies and procedures, customer identification programs (CIP), transaction monitoring systems, suspicious activity reporting (SAR) procedures, training materials, and independent testing protocols. We customize each element to your specific business needs.

Operating a cryptocurrency exchange, ATM, or brokerage requires navigating a complex web of federal and state regulations. The Crypto Lawyers provide comprehensive licensing and compliance services to ensure your business operates legally and efficiently across all jurisdictions.

Comprehensive Licensing Solutions

Our licensing services cover:

Federal Requirements

  • FinCEN MSB registration
  • BSA compliance programs
  • SAR and CTR filing procedures
  • OFAC sanctions compliance
  • Federal tax compliance

State Licensing

  • Money transmitter licenses (MTL)
  • Money services licenses
  • Virtual currency licenses (e.g., BitLicense)
  • No-action letter applications
  • Exemption analyses

International Compliance

  • Cross-border transaction compliance
  • International AML standards
  • FATF recommendations implementation
  • Multi-jurisdictional coordination

Industry-Leading Compliance Programs

We don’t just help you get licensed—we ensure you stay compliant. Our comprehensive compliance programs include:

Risk Assessment: Detailed analysis of your business model, customer base, and transaction patterns to identify and mitigate compliance risks.

Policy Development: Custom-written policies and procedures that meet regulatory requirements while supporting your business operations.

Technology Integration: Guidance on selecting and implementing compliance technology solutions, including KYC/AML software and blockchain analytics tools.

Training Programs: Comprehensive training for your team on compliance requirements, red flags, and reporting obligations.

Specialized Services

Bitcoin ATM Compliance

  • State-by-state licensing strategy
  • Operator agreements and contracts
  • Location compliance assessments
  • Transaction limit structuring

OTC Desk Operations

  • Regulatory framework development
  • Counterparty due diligence procedures
  • Trade documentation standards
  • Compliance monitoring systems

Exchange Platform Launch

  • Pre-launch regulatory planning
  • Terms of service and user agreements
  • Banking relationship facilitation
  • Operational compliance setup

Why Choose The Crypto Lawyers?

Regulatory Expertise: Our attorneys have decades of combined experience in financial services regulation and deep knowledge of cryptocurrency-specific requirements.

Nationwide Coverage: We’re licensed to practice in multiple states and maintain relationships with local counsel nationwide, ensuring seamless multi-state licensing.

Efficiency Focus: We’ve developed streamlined processes and templates that reduce time and cost while maintaining the highest compliance standards.

Ongoing Support: Regulations change rapidly in the crypto space. We provide continuous updates and support to keep your business compliant.

Success Stories

Our clients include:

  • Major cryptocurrency exchanges processing billions in volume
  • Bitcoin ATM networks with hundreds of locations
  • OTC desks serving institutional clients
  • Cryptocurrency brokers and market makers
  • DeFi platforms navigating traditional regulations

Start Your Compliance Journey

Don’t let regulatory uncertainty hold your business back. Whether you’re launching a new exchange or need to bring an existing operation into compliance, The Crypto Lawyers have the expertise to guide you through the process efficiently and effectively.

Contact us today for a compliance assessment and licensing strategy tailored to your business needs.

Ready to Get Started?

Don't navigate complex crypto regulations alone. Our experienced attorneys are ready to help you with exchange licensing & compliance.