• bitcoinBitcoin (BTC) $ 42,977.00 0.18%
  • ethereumEthereum (ETH) $ 2,365.53 1.12%
  • tetherTether (USDT) $ 1.00 0.2%
  • bnbBNB (BNB) $ 302.66 0.19%
  • solanaSolana (SOL) $ 95.44 1.28%
  • xrpXRP (XRP) $ 0.501444 0.1%
  • usd-coinUSDC (USDC) $ 0.996294 0.34%
  • staked-etherLido Staked Ether (STETH) $ 2,367.26 1.4%
  • cardanoCardano (ADA) $ 0.481226 2.68%
  • avalanche-2Avalanche (AVAX) $ 34.37 1.19%
  • bitcoinBitcoin (BTC) $ 42,977.00 0.18%
    ethereumEthereum (ETH) $ 2,365.53 1.12%
    tetherTether (USDT) $ 1.00 0.2%
    bnbBNB (BNB) $ 302.66 0.19%
    solanaSolana (SOL) $ 95.44 1.28%
    xrpXRP (XRP) $ 0.501444 0.1%
    usd-coinUSDC (USDC) $ 0.996294 0.34%
    staked-etherLido Staked Ether (STETH) $ 2,367.26 1.4%
    cardanoCardano (ADA) $ 0.481226 2.68%
    avalanche-2Avalanche (AVAX) $ 34.37 1.19%
image-alt-1BTC Dominance: 58.93%
image-alt-2 ETH Dominance: 12.89%
image-alt-3 BTC/ETH Ratio: 26.62%
image-alt-4 Total Market Cap 24h: $2.51T
image-alt-5Volume 24h: $144.96B
image-alt-6 ETH Gas Price: 5.1 Gwei
 

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MoonPay BitLicense approval

MoonPay BitLicense approval unlocks full U.S. operations for crypto payments firm

Adnan Al-Jaziri

MoonPay BitLicense approval is a major milestone in its journey to dominate U.S. crypto payments infrastructure.

The New York State Department of Financial Services has granted MoonPay the highly sought-after BitLicense. This regulatory green light means MoonPay can operate in all 50 U.S. states without third-party help. That gives the company a clear advantage over competitors still stuck in fragmented legal landscapes.

MoonPay now joins an elite group of just 34 firms holding this license, alongside industry giants like Coinbase and Circle. The approval sends a strong message: MoonPay is a credible player in the evolving crypto space. This achievement also follows MoonPay’s recent opening of its U.S. headquarters in Manhattan’s trendy SoHo district.

MoonPay BitLicense approval validates its commitment to compliance and transparency.

Regulatory win fuels MoonPay’s U.S. push

The BitLicense, introduced in 2015, was the first U.S. state-level crypto regulation. It’s notorious for being strict. Only two companies earned it last year. Many applicants abandon the process due to high compliance demands. Despite this, MoonPay succeeded, signaling operational maturity and long-term vision.

Crypto attorney James Murphy, known online as MetaLawMan, noted how the license was used to scare away applicants. Today, it’s seen as a seal of trustworthiness. MoonPay’s entry into this exclusive circle may boost its brand reputation and investor confidence.

As regulation tightens globally, having a New York license is a strategic advantage. MoonPay can now freely provide on-and-off-ramp services for users across the country. This means faster, easier fiat-to-crypto conversions — a vital piece of the Web3 economy.

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MoonPay BitLicense approval boosts future prospects

Beyond regulatory wins, MoonPay is investing in infrastructure. It acquired Helios and Iron, two key payment platforms, to scale its services. These moves support MoonPay’s goal to be the go-to fiat-crypto bridge for individuals and businesses alike.

The company also reported its “strongest financial performance in history” in 2024. This makes the timing of the BitLicense approval even more powerful. With user demand rising and crypto adoption growing, MoonPay is positioned for a strong market grab.

MoonPay BitLicense approval could mark the start of a new chapter in crypto’s mainstream integration. As it sets the bar higher for compliance, MoonPay may also raise industry standards, inspiring other platforms to follow suit.

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What is the BitLicense and why does it matter for MoonPay?

The BitLicense is a regulatory framework established by the New York State Department of Financial Services in 2015. It governs companies that engage in virtual currency activities with New York residents. It’s widely considered one of the most rigorous licenses in the U.S. crypto space due to its strict compliance standards. For MoonPay, securing this license means it can legally operate across the United States without relying on third-party services. This gives it a unique position of trust and operational independence, paving the way for rapid expansion and enhanced user confidence.

How will MoonPay BitLicense approval affect users?

For users, the approval translates to better access and faster service. With full U.S. regulatory clearance, MoonPay can offer its fiat-to-crypto exchange and wallet services directly to users in all 50 states. This ensures fewer delays, reduced friction, and no dependency on intermediaries. Whether you’re buying crypto for the first time or cashing out gains, MoonPay’s compliance ensures peace of mind and a smoother experience. It also suggests future upgrades will be aligned with security and legal standards.

Why did MoonPay set up its headquarters in SoHo, New York?

SoHo’s location is symbolic and strategic. It places MoonPay in the heart of New York City’s innovation hub, aligning with its vision to be a Web3 leader. The move complements its BitLicense win, as it establishes a physical presence in the same jurisdiction granting the license. This allows MoonPay to interact closely with regulators, financial institutions, and tech partners. Plus, it sends a message of commitment to the U.S. market — especially as it eyes broader adoption and growth.

Can MoonPay’s BitLicense inspire other crypto companies?

Yes. MoonPay’s success shows that navigating tough regulations is possible — and even beneficial. Many companies avoided the BitLicense in the past due to its complexity. But as MoonPay demonstrates, obtaining it brings major benefits: legitimacy, expanded market access, and stronger partnerships. The license is becoming a badge of trust. This may encourage more firms to pursue it, which could lead to better practices and higher standards across the crypto industry. MoonPay’s achievement could serve as a blueprint for crypto firms aiming to grow responsibly in the U.S.

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