Licensing
Crypto Licensing &
Regulatory Structuring
Artlex Consult supports crypto and digital asset businesses with licensing advisory, VASP and CASP preparation, regulatory structuring and licensing coordination across multiple jurisdictions.
Discuss your licensing needsLicensing is a Process, Not a Product
Obtaining a crypto licence is not simply submitting an application. It requires a correctly structured business model, compliant AML/CFT framework, adequate governance, appropriate documentation and a clear understanding of what the regulator expects — before the application is even filed.
Most licensing failures happen not because the business is unsuitable, but because the preparation was incomplete, the structure did not match the licence type, or the AML/CFT and governance framework was not regulator-ready.
Artlex Consult focuses on building the foundations correctly — so that the licensing process is structured, evidence-based and aligned with regulatory expectations from the start.
Our Crypto Licensing Services
End-to-end licensing support — from initial business model review through to application coordination and post-licence compliance.
Business Model & Licence Assessment
We analyse the business model, crypto-asset services, client flow and operational structure to identify which licence type applies, which jurisdiction is appropriate and what the regulatory perimeter looks like.
MiCA & CASP Readiness
Full MiCA readiness support for EU-based CASPs — including CASP classification, white paper advisory, AML/CFT compliance, governance frameworks and application document preparation.
VASP Licensing Support
Licensing preparation and coordination for VASP licences across selected jurisdictions — corporate structure, AML/CFT framework, business plan, financial documentation and regulator coordination.
AML/CFT Licensing Framework
Development of the AML/CFT programme required for licensing — policies, risk assessment, CDD/EDD, transaction monitoring, governance and suspicious activity reporting tailored to the regulator's expectations.
Corporate Structure & Governance
Review and preparation of the corporate structure, shareholder and director arrangements, governance framework and internal control documentation required for a licensing application.
Post-Licence Compliance Support
Ongoing compliance support after licence approval — AML/CFT maintenance, regulatory reporting, governance updates, regulatory change monitoring and MLRO support function.
A Licence is a Business Enabler — If the Preparation is Right
For crypto and digital asset businesses, a licence is not just a regulatory requirement. It determines access to banking, payment infrastructure, institutional clients and regulated markets.
Banks require regulatory substance
Most banks and EMIs require a regulated VASP or CASP structure before opening accounts for crypto businesses. A correctly structured and licensed entity significantly improves banking access.
Investors and partners assess regulatory status
Institutional investors, payment partners and enterprise clients conduct regulatory due diligence. A proper licence structure and compliant framework reduces friction and builds credibility.
Operating without a licence creates risk
Operating a crypto-asset service without the required authorisation creates regulatory, criminal and reputational risk — including enforcement action, fines and banking termination.
Regulation opens regulated markets
MiCA passporting allows EU-licensed CASPs to operate across all 27 EU member states. A single licence can unlock significant market access that would otherwise require multiple national authorisations.
Compliance protects the business
A properly licensed and compliant crypto business is more resilient — better positioned for banking, less exposed to regulatory intervention, and more sustainable in the long term.
Licensing and AML/CFT are inseparable
Every VASP and CASP licence requires a functional AML/CFT programme. Licensing without a properly built compliance framework results in enforcement risk even after the licence is granted.
Our Licensing Process
A structured five-step approach from initial assessment through to post-licence support.
Initial Assessment
We review the business model, services, client types, asset flows and jurisdictions to identify licensing requirements and regulatory exposure.
Licence & Jurisdiction Selection
We identify the appropriate licence type and jurisdiction based on the business model, target markets, timeline and commercial requirements.
Preparation & Documentation
We build the corporate structure, AML/CFT framework, governance documentation and application materials required by the regulator.
Application & Coordination
We coordinate the application process — regulator communication, document submission, response to queries and coordination with local providers.
Post-Licence Support
After licence approval — AML/CFT maintenance, regulatory reporting, governance updates and ongoing compliance support.
Who We Support
Our licensing advisory is designed for crypto and digital asset businesses at every stage — from pre-launch through to post-licence compliance.
Licensing Built on Compliance — Not Just Documentation
Artlex Consult brings together legal, AML/CFT and regulatory expertise across the crypto licensing process. We do not treat licensing as a document preparation exercise.
We build licensing applications that work — because the business model is correctly structured, the AML/CFT programme is operationally sound, the governance framework is regulator-ready, and the documentation reflects how the business actually operates.
-
Operational AML/CFT experience
Experience in MLRO and compliance functions within regulated financial and digital asset businesses
-
MiCA & CASP expertise
Deep understanding of MiCA requirements, CASP classification and EU crypto regulatory framework
-
Cross-border licensing experience
Licensing coordination across EU and international jurisdictions
-
ACAMS certified · CySEC AML certified
PhD-qualified legal and compliance professionals with recognised AML/CFT credentials
-
Integrated legal & compliance approach
Legal structuring, AML/CFT programme and governance built together — not separately
Discuss Your Licensing Requirements
Whether you are preparing a first licensing application, reviewing an existing structure or building a cross-border licensing strategy — we can assess your business model and identify the right approach.