Cryptoasset & Digital Asset Licence in Canada
Securities-based regulation, MSB registration. CSA + FINTRAC regulated. Capital from Varies. Typical timeline 6 to 12 months.
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Tell us the business, the markets and your timing. Every enquiry is answered the same business day, with a written proposal: the licence, the requirements, the cost and the timeline.
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Why Canada for Your Cryptoasset & Digital Asset Licence?
Canada offers access to a developed and growing crypto market with regulatory clarity and proximity to the US market.
Canada regulates crypto trading platforms as securities dealers through the Canadian Securities Administrators (CSA), with FINTRAC registration for AML purposes.
Licence requirements
Detailed requirements
Compliance with securities regulation requirements. FINTRAC MSB registration. Comprehensive AML/CFT frameworks. Custody and insurance requirements.
Application process
Regulatory Strategy
We assess your business model and regulatory position to develop a clear licensing strategy.
Business Plan
We prepare a comprehensive business plan meeting the regulator's expectations.
Programme of Operations
Detailed programme of operations covering governance, compliance, and operational arrangements.
Compliance Framework
Full AML/CFT framework, compliance monitoring programme, and risk management policies.
Application Submission
We compile and submit the complete application package to the regulator.
Regulator Review
We manage all regulator communications and information requests during the review period.
Authorisation
Upon approval, we support your transition to live operations.
Process detail
6 to 12 months for securities registration. FINTRAC registration can be completed in 6 to 8 weeks.
Canada vs United Kingdom
| Criteria | Canada | United Kingdom |
|---|---|---|
| Capital | Varies | No capital floor |
| Timeline | 6 to 12 months | 3 to 12 months |
| Regulator | CSA + FINTRAC | FCA |
| Key Feature | Securities-based regulation, MSB registration | AML registration, rigorous assessment |
Related services
Licensing & Authorisation
Full-service licensing advisory from strategy to authorisation.
Compliance Support
Ongoing compliance frameworks tailored to your regulatory obligations.
Financial Crime
AML, KYC and financial crime prevention programmes.
Ready to get started?
Every enquiry is answered the same business day, with a written proposal.
Speak to a licensing expertFrequently asked questions
The capital requirement for a cryptoasset & digital asset licence in Canada is Varies. Compliance with securities regulation requirements. FINTRAC MSB registration. Comprehensive AML/CFT frameworks. Custody and insurance requirements.
The typical timeline for a cryptoasset & digital asset licence in Canada is 6 to 12 months. 6 to 12 months for securities registration. FINTRAC registration can be completed in 6 to 8 weeks.
Canada offers access to a developed and growing crypto market with regulatory clarity and proximity to the US market.
After receiving your cryptoasset & digital asset licence in Canada, you must maintain ongoing compliance with regulatory requirements including safeguarding of customer funds, regular regulatory reporting, maintaining adequate capital, updating AML and compliance frameworks, and cooperating with supervisory reviews and inspections.
Most jurisdictions require local substance for a cryptoasset & digital asset licence. In Canada, you will typically need a registered office, at least one locally resident director, and potentially additional operational staff. We can advise on the exact requirements and help you establish the minimum viable local presence.
A cryptoasset & digital asset licence in Canada provides access to the domestic market. Securities-based regulation, MSB registration. Separate authorisation may be required for other jurisdictions.