Cryptoasset & Digital Asset Regulatory Experts — UK, EU & International

UK — FCA Cryptoasset Registration

Cryptoasset businesses carrying on relevant activity in the UK must register with the FCA under the Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing and Transfer of Funds (Information on the Payer) Regulations 2017. Relevant activities include cryptoasset exchange, custody, peer-to-peer exchange and operating a cryptoasset ATM. Registration requires a comprehensive AML/CFT risk assessment, policies and procedures, fit and proper assessments for key personnel, and ongoing compliance obligations. The FCA has significantly tightened its assessment process — the rejection rate is high for unprepared applicants. We prepare the full application, draft all AML/CFT documentation and manage FCA engagement through to registration.

EU — MiCA CASP Authorisation

The Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA), in force since December 2024, requires any firm providing crypto-asset services in the EU to obtain a CASP authorisation from its home member state regulator. MiCA covers exchange services, custody and administration, transfer services, placing, reception and transmission of orders, portfolio management and advice. A CASP authorisation passports across all EU27 member states. Minimum capital ranges from EUR 50,000 to EUR 150,000 depending on service type. We support firms through the full CASP application process including regulatory strategy, jurisdiction selection, application preparation and regulator liaison.

UAE — VARA Licence (Dubai)

The Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) licenses and supervises virtual asset service providers operating in or from the Emirate of Dubai. VARA offers licences across seven activity categories including exchange, broker-dealer, custody, lending, management and investment, and transfer and settlement. Minimum capital starts at AED 300,000 and varies by licence category. VARA operates a structured application process with clear milestones. We support firms through VARA licensing including entity setup in Dubai, licence application, compliance framework design and ongoing regulatory obligations.

MiCA & Stablecoins

MiCA CASP Authorisation

MiCA requires any firm providing crypto-asset services in the EU to hold a CASP authorisation. Services covered include exchange, custody, portfolio management, reception and transmission of orders, placing, transfer services and advice. A MiCA CASP authorisation passports across all EU27 member states. Lithuania, France, Ireland and Luxembourg are the most active national competent authorities.

E-Money Tokens (EMT) — Stablecoin Issuers

Firms issuing stablecoins pegged to a single fiat currency must obtain EMT issuer authorisation under MiCA, issued alongside an EMI licence in the chosen EU jurisdiction.

Asset-Referenced Tokens (ART)

ART issuers face the highest regulatory burden under MiCA. Full reserve asset management obligations apply. We advise on ART structuring, authorisation strategy and compliance.