- HashKey has secured a VASP license in Ireland.
- The license allows crypto trading and custody services.
- The licensing aligns with the EU’s MiCA regulations requirement.
In a move towards global expansion, Hong Kong-based cryptocurrency exchange HashKey has successfully obtained a Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) license from the Central Bank of Ireland.
This milestone was announced on January 7, 2025, through HashKey Europe Limited, a subsidiary under the HashKey Group umbrella.
This new license allows HashKey to engage in a variety of cryptocurrency-related activities within Ireland, including the facilitation of fiat-to-crypto and crypto-to-crypto trading. Additionally, the company can now provide custodial wallet services and manage the transfer of virtual assets on behalf of its clients.
This regulatory approval marks HashKey’s entry into the European market, expanding its operational reach beyond its established bases in Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan, and Bermuda.
HashKey’s VASP license in Ireland aligns with the EU’s MiCA regulations
The acquisition of the VASP license aligns with the European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) Regulation, which mandates that all crypto service providers operating within the EU must secure such licenses by December 30, 2024. This regulatory framework aims to ensure a standardized approach to crypto operations across the EU, focusing on consumer protection, market integrity, and financial stability.
HashKey’s strategic move into Ireland is viewed by the company as a “critical step toward strengthening its presence in key international markets.” This expansion not only signifies HashKey’s commitment to compliance with international standards but also positions it alongside other notable entities like Ripple, Paysafe, MoonPay, Gemini, and Coinbase, which have also been approved by the Irish Central Bank.
Under MiCA, VASPs are subjected to rigorous checks, including Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (CFT) requirements. They must also demonstrate robust operational resilience, secure protocols, and the integrity of their management teams. Furthermore, exchanges are bound by enhanced reporting obligations, particularly concerning large transactions, to promote transparency and adherence to regulatory norms.
Notably, HashKey’s licensing comes after Irish Central Bank Governor Derville Rowland emphasized Ireland’s dedication to fostering innovation while ensuring security within the crypto sector. Her comments, made in September of the previous year, highlighted Ireland’s ambition to maintain its status as a secure and innovative financial hub in the era of digital assets.
With this license, HashKey not only broadens its service offerings but also strengthens its position as a key player in the global cryptocurrency market, ready to navigate the complexities of the European regulatory landscape.
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