Cryptocurrency and MiCA Licensing
Build or acquire a compliant crypto business with a regulatory route designed around the services you actually intend to provide. FintechLex advises founders, investors and financial groups on MiCA authorisation, CASP acquisitions and international licensing structures.
MiCA changed the European market
The EU Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation created a harmonised authorisation framework for crypto-asset service providers. Transitional arrangements are ending across the European market, and legacy national registrations no longer provide a permanent route to EU-wide activity. A serious project must identify the exact regulated services, home member state, governance, capital, safeguarding, technology, outsourcing and substance requirements before choosing a jurisdiction.
Authorisation or Acquisition
Authorisation or Acquisition
A new application provides a clean structure but requires a complete operating model and a realistic regulatory timetable. Acquiring an existing CASP may accelerate market entry, but only if the licence scope, ownership history, compliance record, clients, banking, safeguarding, technology and outsourcing arrangements survive due diligence and change of control.
Our Mandate
We structure the project, compare jurisdictions, prepare the regulatory roadmap, coordinate local counsel, review the business plan and financial model, organise governance and compliance, and support regulator engagement. For acquisitions, we conduct commercial and regulatory due diligence and help negotiate the transaction and transition plan.
Not Every Crypto Business Needs the Same Licence
Custody, exchange, execution, transfer, placement, reception and transmission of orders, advice and portfolio management trigger different obligations. Token issuance, stablecoins and electronic-money tokens require separate analysis. We define the perimeter before the client spends money on a licence that does not fit the model.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a MiCA authorisation passport across the EU?
Generally yes, subject to the applicable notification and regulatory procedures.
Can a non-EU shareholder own the applicant?
Potentially, but regulators examine transparency, control, reputation, governance and effective management.
Is acquisition always faster?
No. A problematic target can take longer and cost more than a clean application.
Request a Licensing Roadmap
Send us the services, target markets, ownership, technology stack and intended launch date. We will identify the appropriate regulatory perimeter and compare formation with acquisition. Contact insight@fintechlex.com.