Payment & Fintech Licensing

Montana MSB License: Requirements, Costs and FinCEN Registration

Montana can be a strategic U.S. structuring option for international MSBs, offering a lighter state-level licensing environment for fintech, payments, FX, remittance, and crypto businesses focused on non-U.S. markets.

Who Needs an MSB Registration, and When a State Money Transmitter License Applies

Moving funds for others makes a business an MSB, whatever the amount. Learn who must register with FinCEN, who is exempt, and when a state money transmitter license applies, including for foreign companies, crypto platforms, and Montana MSBs.

AFSL Application: What ASIC Assesses and Why Applications Stall

ASIC assesses an AFSL application on responsible managers, proof documents and financial resources. What each test means and where applications stall.

FSPR Registration or an FMA Licence: What a Financial Service Provider Needs in New Zealand

New Zealand financial service providers may need FSPR registration, an FMA license or both. The required route depends on the services offered and clients served.

Small Payment Institution (SPI) in Poland: How the Regime Works and When to Upgrade

Poland's SPI regime caps monthly payment volume at EUR 1.5 million and works only inside Poland. How a small payment institution operates and when KIP or EMI replaces it.

RPAA Registration in Canada: Who Must Register, Costs and Annual Reporting

Payment service providers serving Canadian users must register with the Bank of Canada under the RPAA before starting operations. This guide covers who is in scope, the CAD 2,500 fee, the two mandatory frameworks, annual reporting by March 31, and penalties for non-compliance.

MSO License in Hong Kong: Requirements, Fees and Application Process

An MSO license from Hong Kong Customs and Excise covers money changing and remittance. Who needs one, the government fees, requirements and timelines in 2026.

Payment Licensing Guide: What a Payment License Is and Which One You Need

This payment licensing guide explains how PI, EMI, MSB, MSO and other regimes differ based on client funds, payment activities and target markets.

SRO License in Switzerland: Requirements, Costs and Process for Crypto Businesses

Swiss SRO membership places financial intermediaries under AML supervision. This guide covers the requirements, fees, process and limits for crypto businesses in 2026.

EMI License in Malta: Requirements, Costs and MFSA Application in 2026

A Malta EMI license is an authorization issued by the Malta Financial Services Authority under the Financial Institutions Act (Cap. 376) that allows the holder to issue electronic money, operate payment accounts and provide payment services across the European Economic Area.

Mauritius PIS License: Requirements, Capital and Application Process

The Mauritius PIS License provides a regulated framework for companies handling cross-border payments across Africa and other international markets. It supports payment processing, merchant acquiring, and fintech operations within a compliant and globally recognized financial environment.

MSB License in the USA: FinCEN Registration, State Licensing, and Compliance Requirements

US MSB registration is only the first step. What payment businesses need to know about FinCEN, state licenses, costs and compliance.

PSD3: What Happens to EMI and Payment Institution Licenses in the EU

The EU's PSD3 reform will fundamentally reshape payment licensing by integrating EMI licenses into the Payment Institution regime. Learn how the transition works, key compliance deadlines, and what existing and new applicants should prepare for.

Best Countries to Get a Payment License in 2026

Compare the best countries for obtaining a payment licence in 2026, including costs, timelines and regulatory requirements.

MSB License Cost in 2026: Full Breakdown for the US and Canada

Compare MSB registration in Canada and the US, including costs, licensing requirements, timelines, and the best option for your market entry.

Québec MSB Licence: Requirements, Registry and Renewal

Money services businesses operating in Québec may need a provincial MSB licence from Revenu Québec in addition to FINTRAC registration, with ongoing renewal, reporting, and compliance duties.

Malta Payment Institution License: Capital and Scope

Malta Payment Institution licensing under the MFSA covers three capital tiers, a defined scope of payment services, and EU passporting. This guide explains the requirements, permitted activities, and how PSD3 will reshape the PI framework.

EMI License in Malta: Electronic Money Institution Requirements and Benefits

A practical overview of Malta EMI licensing, including MFSA requirements, capital rules, permitted activities, EU passporting, and benefits for e-money businesses.

MSB/fMSB Enrollment in Canada: FINTRAC Registration for Financial and Crypto Businesses

A practical overview of Estonia’s gambling license requirements, operator obligations, compliance rules, and application process.

PSP in Lithuania: Payment Institution Licensing for EU Fintech Businesses

A brief guide to payment institution licensing in Lithuania, covering key requirements, EU fintech opportunities, compliance duties, and the application process.

FinTech in Poland: Key Insights, Regulations and Opportunities

An overview of the FinTech industry in Poland, covering key regulations, licensing types, and the roles of APIs and SPIs.

Bank of Canada PSP Reporting Requirements Under the Retail Payment Activities Act

Key insights into Bank of Canada PSP reporting requirements, deadlines, and RPAA compliance obligations.

MSB vs PSP Registration in Canada: Costs & Guide

Quebec adds its own MSB licence with published fees, and the Bank of Canada's RPAA regime carries an application fee plus a still-unfinalized annual charge.

Ripple Aims to Support Australian Payments by Targeting AFSL

The acquisition of BC Payments Australia by blockchain giant Ripple will combine traditional rails with digital asset infrastructure.

Gate Lands Malta Payments License for EU Fiat and Stablecoin Expansion