Trusted Legal Solutions for FinTech, Crypto & iGaming
Licensium — Crypto, Gambling & Fintech Licensing Advisory
Licensium is an international regulatory advisory firm specialising in crypto license, gambling license, iGaming license, fintech license, and offshore licensing solutions across Europe, Asia, and recognised international jurisdictions.
We structure regulatory models that meet capital requirements, AML/CFT standards, and supervisory expectations — ensuring that your business is not only licensed, but operationally compliant and bank-ready.
Our Core Services
Crypto License Advisory
Licensing for exchanges, VASP/CASP providers, wallets, and digital asset platforms with full AML, governance, and reporting frameworks.
Gambling & iGaming License
Online casino, sportsbook, B2B gaming and crypto gambling licensing across EU, offshore, and selected Asia-Pacific jurisdictions.
Fintech & Payment Licensing
Payment institution and regulated fintech structuring aligned with regulatory and banking requirements.
Jurisdictional Coverage
- Europe (EU regulatory frameworks)
- Offshore licensing environments
- Select Asia-Pacific jurisdictions
- Dual and multi-jurisdiction structures
Our Approach
We treat each engagement as a structured regulatory project:
- Jurisdiction analysis
- Capital and substance modelling
- Compliance framework design
- Application preparation
- Regulator interaction
- Ongoing compliance support
Build a Defensible Regulatory Structure
If you are planning to obtain a crypto license, gambling license, iGaming license, fintech license, or offshore license in 2026, Licensium provides structured advisory for sustainable international expansion.
Schedule a consultation to evaluate your licensing strategy.
Request a consultation today
Our Services
Europe — MiCA CASP Authorization Framework
With the entry into force of the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA), the European Union introduced a unified regulatory regime for crypto service providers. Any entity offering crypto-asset services within the EU must now obtain authorization as a Crypto-Asset Service Provider (CASP).
Unlike previous national licensing systems, MiCA establishes a single supervisory framework that enables cross-border activity under one authorization.
Who Must Apply for a MiCA License?
Authorization is required for companies engaged in:
- Operating crypto trading platforms
- Executing client orders in crypto-assets
- Providing brokerage or intermediation
- Safekeeping or administering crypto-assets
- Managing crypto portfolios
- Offering crypto-related investment advice
- Transferring crypto-assets on behalf of clients
Unlicensed activity exposes businesses to enforcement measures, including financial sanctions, suspension of operations, and regulatory investigations across the EU.
Financial Thresholds Under MiCA
The regulation introduces tiered capital thresholds depending on the risk profile of services:
- Entry-level advisory/intermediation services — from €50,000
- Trading and execution services — from €125,000
- Custody and wallet infrastructure — from €150,000
Beyond initial capital, CASPs must maintain sufficient own funds relative to operational expenses and demonstrate continuous prudential stability.
Client asset protection mechanisms are not optional — segregation and safeguarding controls must be operational and verifiable.
Structure of the Authorization Procedure
The licensing pathway typically unfolds in distinct phases:
Regulatory Preparation
Before filing, companies must ensure:
- Transparent ownership structure
- Fit & proper management
- Defined governance model
- Clear operational footprint
Application Dossier Development
Supervisors expect a comprehensive compliance package, including:
- Multi-year financial projections
- Detailed service architecture
- Risk identification matrix
- AML/CFT control systems
- ICT security policies
- Internal audit and oversight framework
Supervisory Review
Authorities conduct iterative assessments, often requesting clarifications and structural refinements.
Authorization & EU Expansion
Upon approval, firms may notify other member states and expand activities under the passporting regime.
The overall timeframe generally ranges from several months to nearly one year, depending on complexity.
Strategic Considerations When Choosing Jurisdiction
Although MiCA harmonizes substantive rules, supervisory intensity and administrative practice differ across EU states.
When selecting a country for CASP authorization, businesses typically evaluate:
- Regulatory responsiveness
- Supervisory approach to innovation
- Banking ecosystem compatibility
- Corporate tax framework
- Operational cost structure
The optimal jurisdiction depends on the business model, funding capacity, and target market strategy.
Regulatory Focus Areas in 2026
Supervisors increasingly assess operational reality rather than formal documentation.
Applications may face scrutiny where there is:
- Limited AML depth
- Weak cybersecurity governance
- Insufficient compliance independence
- Nominal directors without operational substance
- Capital structures lacking sustainability
A compliant MiCA setup requires integrated legal, financial, and technological alignment — not just formal registration.
Ready for MiCA Crypto Authorization
Asia Crypto Licensing: VARA, MAS & SFC Frameworks for International Expansion (2026)
Asia has become one of the most strategically important regions for crypto-asset businesses seeking regulatory clarity combined with access to high-growth markets. Unlike the EU’s harmonized MiCA system, Asian jurisdictions operate under independent regulatory models, creating multiple entry strategies for cross-border crypto operations.
Major financial centers in the region now offer structured licensing pathways for exchanges, custodians, token platforms, and digital payment operators.
Core Asian Crypto Regulators
The most established supervisory authorities overseeing digital asset activities include:
- VARA (Dubai Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority)
- ADGM (Abu Dhabi Global Market)
- MAS (Monetary Authority of Singapore)
- SFC (Securities and Futures Commission – Hong Kong)
- FSA (Japan Financial Services Agency)
- Labuan FSA (Malaysia)
- Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (Philippines)
- Thailand SEC
Each regulator applies its own licensing thresholds, capital rules, and compliance intensity.
What Asian Crypto Licensing Typically Covers
Regulatory approval in Asia generally applies to:
- Digital asset exchanges
- Brokerage and dealing services
- Custody and wallet infrastructure
- Token issuance platforms
- Payment token services
- Cross-border crypto settlement models
In addition to authorization, regulators expect operational readiness — not merely formal incorporation.
Baseline Compliance Expectations Across Asia
While requirements vary, most jurisdictions require:
- Minimum paid-up capital (commonly between $50,000 and $250,000+)
- Real-time transaction monitoring systems
- Designated compliance leadership
- Internal audit structures
- Client asset segregation mechanisms
- Governance aligned with FATF standards
- Travel Rule implementation
Banking integration and payment infrastructure readiness are frequently reviewed during the approval process.
UAE Crypto Licensing: VARA & ADGM Structures
The United Arab Emirates has positioned itself as a global digital asset hub through two primary frameworks:
VARA (Dubai)
Designed specifically for virtual asset businesses operating in Dubai mainland.
ADGM (Abu Dhabi)
Operates as a financial free zone with its own regulatory authority and licensing model.
Key Operational Requirements
- Physical office presence
- Local compliance function
- Risk-based AML program
- Ongoing transaction monitoring
- Technology and cybersecurity audit
- Demonstrated capital adequacy
Capital Expectations
Typically range from $100,000 to $250,000 depending on service scope.
Regulatory Considerations
- On-site inspections are common
- Token listing policies undergo detailed scrutiny
- Substance requirements are strictly enforced
Estimated timeframe: approximately 4–8 months.
Singapore Crypto Licensing: MAS Authorization Model
Under the Payment Services Act, businesses providing Digital Payment Token services must obtain authorization from the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS).
Singapore maintains one of the most selective regulatory environments in Asia.
Core Requirements
- Base capital typically starting from $250,000
- Independent compliance officer
- Advanced cybersecurity framework
- Business continuity and risk resilience planning
- Robust AML controls including Travel Rule adherence
Supervisory Reality
- Extensive regulatory Q&A rounds
- Detailed review of business model sustainability
- Historically low approval ratio
Estimated timeframe: 6–12 months.
Hong Kong Crypto Regulation: SFC Licensing Regime
Hong Kong has restructured its virtual asset framework to require full authorization for trading platforms.
The Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) supervises:
- Virtual Asset Trading Platforms
- Custody arrangements
- Market integrity controls
Licensing Criteria
- Locally incorporated entity
- Approved responsible officers
- Client asset segregation
- Cold storage custody standards
- Periodic independent audits
Capital Benchmarks
Generally in the range of $100,000–$200,000 minimum, depending on structure.
Estimated timeframe: 6–10 months.
Emerging Asian Crypto Hubs
Beyond major financial centers, several jurisdictions are attracting crypto businesses:
- Japan — long-established licensing culture with strong investor protection
- Malaysia (Labuan) — flexible structure with offshore characteristics
- Philippines — fintech-supportive regulatory stance
- Taiwan — developing structured crypto guidelines
- Kazakhstan — expanding digital asset ecosystem
- Thailand — progressively formalized crypto framework
Each offers different cost, substance, and supervisory dynamics.
Strategic Risk Considerations in Asia
Regulators across Asia increasingly focus on:
- Operational substance over nominal structures
- Source-of-funds transparency
- Cybersecurity resilience
- Market abuse prevention
- Sustainable capital structure
Approval is no longer documentation-driven — regulators expect demonstrable infrastructure, governance depth, and long-term viability.
Launch Your Crypto Business in Asia
Offshore Crypto License: Flexible Structures for Global Digital Asset & Payment Operations (2026)
Offshore crypto licensing remains a strategic tool for companies targeting international markets without immediate entry into heavily regulated jurisdictions such as the EU or Singapore.
Unlike onshore regulatory regimes, offshore structures focus on operational flexibility, capital efficiency, and global payment integration — while still requiring compliance alignment with international AML standards.
When an Offshore Crypto License Is Used
Offshore authorization is typically chosen for:
- International crypto exchange operations
- Cross-border brokerage models
- Digital asset custody services
- Crypto-fiat gateway infrastructure
- Multi-currency payment processing
- Global token platform launches
These structures are particularly attractive for businesses operating across emerging markets or serving geographically diversified clients.
Strategic Advantages of Offshore Licensing
Compared to major financial centers, offshore jurisdictions often provide:
- Lower minimum capital thresholds
- Faster licensing timelines
- Flexible corporate structuring
- Simplified operational launch procedures
- Reduced local substance requirements (depending on jurisdiction)
However, flexibility does not eliminate compliance — FATF-aligned AML/CFT systems are mandatory in reputable offshore jurisdictions.
Offshore Crypto Licensing Process
A typical offshore crypto setup includes:
1. Jurisdiction Analysis
Selection based on:
- Target markets
- Banking accessibility
- Reputation considerations
- Token model compatibility
2. Corporate Structuring
- Company incorporation
- Shareholder structure planning
- Governance design
3. Licensing Documentation
- Risk management framework
- AML/CFT policies
- Internal compliance procedures
- Operational model description
4. Banking & Payment Integration
- Multi-currency account setup
- PSP integration
- Crypto-fiat bridge configuration
5. Ongoing Compliance & Renewal
- Annual reporting
- Regulatory renewals
- Compliance monitoring
Capital & Regulatory Thresholds
Offshore capital requirements vary significantly depending on jurisdiction and license type.
Typical ranges:
- $10,000 — entry-level models
- $50,000+ — exchange or custody structures
- $100,000+ — higher-risk or hybrid operations
Core requirements usually include:
- Mandatory AML program
- Designated compliance oversight
- Shareholder transparency
- Basic internal governance
Licensing timelines generally range from 1 to 3 months, depending on complexity.
Operational Risks of Offshore Structures
While offshore licensing offers speed and flexibility, businesses must consider:
- Increased banking scrutiny
- Enhanced due diligence from payment providers
- Reputational perception in certain markets
- Potential restrictions when scaling into regulated regions
Offshore licenses are often used as an operational launchpad rather than a final regulatory destination.
Popular Offshore Jurisdictions for Crypto Licensing
Several offshore locations remain active in digital asset licensing:
- Anjouan — cost-efficient and fast authorization
- British Virgin Islands — globally recognized offshore hub
- Cayman Islands — strong asset protection environment
- Panama — stable corporate regime with moderate oversight
- El Salvador — crypto-positive national policy
- Argentina — developing digital asset ecosystem
- Uruguay — stable financial system with moderate entry cost
- Costa Rica — tax-advantaged offshore structure
- Seychelles — scalable global corporate platform
- Mauritius — increasingly structured fintech environment
Jurisdiction selection should balance cost, reputation, banking access, and long-term expansion strategy.
Offshore vs Onshore: Strategic Positioning
Offshore licensing is typically suited for:
- Early-stage international crypto projects
- Payment infrastructure providers
- Token-based ecosystems
- Businesses targeting non-EU / non-US markets
For firms planning institutional partnerships or EU expansion, offshore authorization is often combined with a future onshore licensing roadmap.
Europe Gambling License – Comprehensive EU Gaming Solutions (2026)
Europe provides a robust and structured regulatory framework for online gambling operators. Obtaining an EU gambling license offers both credibility and operational advantages, ensuring long-term stability for gaming businesses.
Benefits of Holding an EU Gambling License
An EU license delivers:
- Enhanced trust and regulatory credibility
- Strict compliance oversight
- Access to EU banking and PSP networks
- Scalability for international operations
- Readiness for institutional partnerships and B2B collaborations
Operator Priorities in 2026
For gambling operators, the main focus areas include:
- Maintaining regulatory reputation and market trust
- Reliable banking and payment service provider access
- Long-term positioning within the European market
- Preparing for institutional investments and partnerships
- Strengthening B2B credibility
Key European Gambling Authorities
- Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) – Internationally recognized for iGaming supervision
- Cyprus Gaming and Casino Supervision Commission – Oversees sports betting and structured EU compliance
- Alderney Gambling Control Commission – Strong B2B and e-gaming regulatory expertise
- Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission – Offers flexible licensing solutions, including crypto and sportsbook operators
Licensing Requirements Across Europe
Common obligations for EU gambling operators include:
- Verified capital adequacy, ranging from €50,000–€500,000 depending on license type
- Transparent ownership and disclosure of Ultimate Beneficial Owners (UBOs)
- Appointment of a Compliance Officer and Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO)
- Implementation of responsible gaming measures, such as self-exclusion and betting limits
- Full AML/CFT compliance and monitoring systems
- Independent compliance audits
- Ongoing regulatory reporting
- Segregation of player funds
- Certification of technical systems
Example: MGA License Requirements
- Minimum capital: €100,000–€500,000
- Submission of detailed business plan and financial forecasts
- Risk-based monitoring framework
- Internal governance and control procedures
- Annual compliance and operational audits
Other Notable European Jurisdictions
- Cyprus – Efficient licensing, EU market access, favorable tax regime
- Alderney – Focus on B2B operators, strong reputation in e-gaming
- Isle of Man – Flexible licensing model, suitable for crypto and sportsbook platforms
Estimated Costs and Timeline
- Capital requirements: €50,000–€500,000 depending on license type
- Licensing duration: 3–9 months, depending on jurisdiction and documentation readiness
Secure Your Gambling License Fast
Asia Gambling License – Philippine POGO Overview (2026)
Asia is one of the fastest-growing regions for online gaming. Among official, regulated licenses, the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) stands out as the primary legal framework for operators targeting the Asia-Pacific market. It enables online casinos, sports betting platforms, and hybrid operators to operate legally while complying with strict local regulations.
Who Should Consider a POGO License?
The Philippine POGO license is suitable for operators that:
- Offer online casino services to players in China, Vietnam, Thailand, South Korea, and other Asia-Pacific countries
- Run sports betting platforms seeking regulatory legitimacy
- Combine land-based casinos with online operations (hybrid model)
- Require stronger oversight than typical offshore licenses (e.g., Curaçao or Anjouan)
Regulatory Authority
The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) governs POGO licenses and ensures operators meet:
- Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (CFT) standards
- Responsible gaming and player protection measures
- Real-time monitoring, reporting, and compliance systems
Key Requirements for Licensing
To obtain a POGO license, operators generally need:
- Local incorporation with a physical office in the Philippines
- Minimum capital: $50,000–$100,000 (up to $300,000 for larger operations)
- License fees: $50,000–$100,000 initially, plus annual renewal fees in the same range
- Office setup and staff expenses: $40,000–$90,000+ (covering IT, AML, and customer support)
- Compliance infrastructure and monitoring: $20,000–$60,000+ per year
- Internal audits, reporting protocols, and responsible gaming procedures
Licensing Timeline
The entire process typically takes 4–8 months, depending on document readiness and the regulatory review cycle.
Advantages of the POGO License
- Legal entry to Asia-Pacific markets without breaching local laws
- High trust and credibility with international players due to PAGCOR oversight
- Supports online-only and hybrid operations, including live casinos and sports betting platforms
- Integrates with secure payment channels, including e-wallets and cryptocurrency, while ensuring anti-fraud compliance
Estimated First-Year Budget
For a typical POGO project, initial-year costs may include:
- Capital and license fees: $100,000–$200,000
- Office and staff expenses: $40,000–$90,000
- Compliance systems and monitoring: $20,000–$60,000
- Total first-year budget: approximately $160,000–$550,000+, depending on scale and platform
Offshore Gambling License – Flexible & Fast Market Entry (2026)
Offshore gambling licenses provide operators with a quick entry to international markets, lower capital requirements, and adaptable corporate structures. They are particularly popular among crypto casinos, global sportsbooks, and early-stage gaming projects.
Leading Offshore Jurisdictions
- Curaçao – capital $15,000–$30,000; timeline 1–3 months; crypto-friendly environment
- Kahnawake – 2–4 months; structured compliance; recognized in North America
- Anjouan – approximately 6 weeks; cost-effective and flexible corporate setup
- Costa Rica – strong asset protection and corporate flexibility
- El Salvador – crypto-friendly regulatory framework with emerging adoption
Licensing Requirements
To obtain an offshore gambling license, operators typically need:
- Certificate of incorporation for the company
- UBO (Ultimate Beneficial Owner) and director KYC
- Comprehensive business plan and detailed operational workflow
- AML/CFT policies aligned with international standards
- Risk management and internal control framework
- Platform and IT documentation
- Agreements with game providers
Banking & Payment Setup
Offshore licenses usually require integration with global financial systems:
- Multi-currency corporate bank accounts
- Payment gateway and PSP integration
- Crypto payment processing
- Segregation of player funds
- Fraud prevention and AML monitoring systems
Estimated Costs & Timeline
- Capital and setup costs: $10,000–$50,000
- Licensing process duration: 1–3 months
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