Virtual Currency

Virtual Currency Businesses: Main Page

Virtual Currency Businesses: Main Page
SHARE

Introduction

Virtual Currency Business Activity

In June of 2015, DFS issued virtual currency regulation 23 NYCRR Part 200 under the New York Financial Services Law. Since then under that “BitLicense” regulation or the limited purpose trust company provisions of the New York Banking Law, DFS has granted numerous virtual currency licenses and charters to ensure that New Yorkers have a well-regulated way to access the virtual currency marketplace and that New York remains at the center of technological innovation and forward-looking regulation.

Quick Links

Questions

Questions regarding virtual currency business activity in New York State may be referred to DFS at [email protected] and should include your full contact information.

About VOLT

To address delays in regulatory processes and ensure operational excellence across the Virtual Currency unit, DFS has implemented and supported a series of measures under Superintendent Harris’s supervision, known as VOLT:

  • Vision: Continue as the preeminent regulator of virtual currency
  • Operations: Achieve operational excellence through new processes and process management; greater communications and transparency; and commitment to constant improvement to keep pace with the market we regulate. It is critical that we make these improvements without sacrificing regulatory rigor.
  • Leadership: Continue to lead through greater engagement, new policy, and a robust hiring initiative to ensure we have the expertise to be a forward-looking regulator. Our goal is to triple the size of DFS's virtual currency team in 2022 to strengthen capacity to quickly license and effectively supervise entities.
  • Technology: Leverage technology to streamline communications, increase transparency, and create enhanced supervision.

Information for Applicants

To conduct virtual currency business activity in New York State, entities can either apply for a BitLicense or for a charter under the New York Banking Law (for example, as a New York State limited purpose trust company or New York State bank) with approval to conduct virtual currency business. While these forms of authorization are similar, a New York State limited purpose trust company charter may provide some additional benefits. For example, a limited purpose trust company can exercise fiduciary powers, while a BitLicensee cannot. In addition, a limited purpose trust company can engage in money transmission in New York without obtaining a separate New York money transmitter license. For more information about applying for a limited purpose trust charter, visit Commercial Banks & Trusts.

BitLicense Application and License Management

The Department of Financial Services uses the Nationwide Multistate Licensing System and Registry (NMLS) to manage the BitLicense. NMLS is a secure web-based system created by state regulators to provide efficiencies in the processing of state licenses and improve supervision of state-regulated industries. Through NMLS, companies maintain a single record to apply for, amend, surrender and change license authorities in one or more states, and make reports conveniently and safely online.

Access to NMLS

To enter information into NMLS, you must first complete a Company Account Request Form and identify a Primary Account Administrator and a Secondary Account Administrator. This form can be submitted electronically through the NMLS website in the “Getting Started” section. This form needs to be submitted only once per company, regardless of the number of NMLS participating states in which you are licensed.

Within three days of completing and submitting the Company Account Request Form, the Primary Account Administrator will receive NMLS login information. The Primary Account Administrator will have full rights to access the system, submit information to this agency and other participating state regulators, and set up other company users in the system. Instructions and tutorials on how to access and use the system are also available in the NMLS Resource Center.

Managing Your License on NMLS

Each company holding a BitLicense that wishes to manage its license on NMLS must create a company record in the system (see above). Current New York State BitLicensees whose applications were submitted before the integration of the BitLicense into NMLS may transition their licenses to NMLS.  See the NY Virtual Currency Business Activity Company License Transition Checklist on the NMLS website for more information.

Submitting a Substantially Complete Application

To submit an application, please follow the instructions on the NY Virtual Currency Business Activity License New Application Checklist (the “BitLicense Application Checklist”). You can view the BitLicense Application Checklist any time, even before you have an NMLS account. The BitLicense Application Checklist is a critically important guide for anyone considering applying for a BitLicense. Before submitting a BitLicense application, please read the BitLicense Application Checklist carefully. BitLicense applications must generally contain all items described in the BitLicense Application Checklist. Failure to submit all of these items, as described, is the most common reason for delays in the application process.

Please note: An application will not be deemed ready for substantive review until the Department has received all required information, documents, and fees, as described in detail in the BitLicense Application Checklist, and the required documents appear to be facially adequate in terms of organization and level of detail. (Exceptions may be made if deemed appropriate by DFS in light of specific circumstances.) Applications that are not ready for substantive review generally will not receive detailed expert review by DFS staff. Thus, the processing of an application that does not contain all items as described in the BitLicense Application Checklist may be delayed indefinitely, and ultimately the application may be denied for insufficiency. For more information on the Department’s application review process, please see DFS’s Notice of Virtual Currency Business Activity License Application Procedures.

Please also note that, in the process of considering an application, DFS may request additional information and supporting documents, beyond those found in the BitLicense Application Checklist.

Prospective applicants who have questions about the application process can send their questions to the DFS Virtual Currency Unit staff, at [email protected]. If it appears that an applicant would benefit from a more interactive dialogue, DFS staff may recommend a pre-application call or meeting (virtual or in person), at the appropriate time.

The Application Process

In the application process, an NMLS Identification Number will be assigned to your application. Please maintain a record of this NMLS Identification Number, as it will be used as your application reference number throughout the remainder of the process. The applicant’s NMLS Identification Number must be included on every hard-copy document submitted to the Department.

Note: If the applicant has already submitted Forms MU1 and MU2 through NMLS for another state, the applicant does not need to re-enter the company record into NMLS. However, the applicant is required to provide jurisdiction-specific information to support its New York State application.

Useful Links and Forms

Guidance and Notices

Regulated Entities

Updated: April 25, 2023

Entity

Licensure

Date Granted

Apex Crypto LLC

Virtual Currency License 2022-04

Bakkt Marketplace, LLC

Virtual Currency and Money Transmitter Licenses

2021-03

Bakkt Trust Company LLC

Limited Purpose Trust Charter

2019-08

bitFlyer USA, Inc. 

Virtual Currency License

2017-11

BitGo New York Trust Company LLC

Limited Purpose Trust Charter

2021-03

BitOoda Digital, LLC

Virtual Currency License 2022-02

Bitpay, Inc.

Virtual Currency License

2018-07

Bitstamp USA, Inc.

Virtual Currency License

2019-04

Block, Inc., f/k/a Square, Inc.

Virtual Currency and Money Transmitter Licenses 2018-06

Cboe Clear Digital, LLC

Virtual Currency and Money Transmitter Licenses

2020-05

Circle Internet Financial, LLC

Virtual Currency and Money Transmitter Licenses

2015-09

Coin Cafe

Virtual Currency License

2023-01

Coinbase Custody Trust

Limited Purpose Trust Charter

2018-10

Coinbase, Inc.

Virtual Currency and Money Transmitter Licenses

2017-01

Coinsource

Virtual Currency License

2018-11

Cottonwood Vending

Virtual Currency License

2019-01

eToro NY LLC

Virtual Currency License

2023-02

Fidelity Digital Asset Services, LLC

Limited Purpose Trust Charter

2019-11

Gemini Trust Company, LLC

Limited Purpose Trust Charter

2015-10

Genesis Global Trading, Inc.

Virtual Currency License

2018-05

GMO-Z.com Trust Company, Inc.

Limited Purpose Trust Charter 2020-12

LibertyX/Moon Inc.

Virtual Currency License

2019-01

NYDIG Execution LLC

Virtual Currency and Money Transmitter Licenses

2018-11

NYDIG Trust Company LLC

Limited Purpose Trust Charter

2018-11

Paxos Trust Company, LLC (f/k/a itBit Trust Company, LLC)

Limited Purpose Trust Charter

2015-05

PayPal, Inc.

Virtual Currency and Money Transmitter Licenses

2022-06*

Provenance Technologies, Inc.

Virtual Currency and Money Transmitter Licenses 2022-02**

Ripple Markets DE LLC (f/k/a XRP II LLC)

Virtual Currency License 2016-06

Robinhood Crypto

Virtual Currency and Money Transmitter Licenses

2019-01

SoFi Digital Assets

Virtual Currency and Money Transmitter Licenses

2019-11

Standard Custody & Trust Company, LLC

Limited Purpose Trust Charter 2021-05

Zero Hash Liquidity Services, LLC

(FKA Seed Digital Commodity Market, LLC)

Virtual Currency License 2019-07

Zero Hash LLC

Virtual Currency and Money Transmitter Licenses

2019-07

*The Department granted PayPal, Inc. a conditional virtual currency license in October 2020 and a money transmitter license in October 2013.

**The Department granted Provenance Technologies, Inc. a money transmitter license in October 2021 and the virtual currency license in February 2022.

Virtual Currency Adoption, Listing, and Self-Certification

There are multiple paths virtual currency businesses can take to adopt or list virtual currencies:

  • Approval of a specific application to DFS for a material change of business
  • Self-certification of a coin listing policy approved by DFS
  • Use of virtual currencies already on the Greenlist.

For more information, please see Guidance Regarding Adoption or Listing of Virtual Currencies and Coin-Listing Process infographic.

Self-Certification

Regulated entities engaged in Virtual Currency Business Activity may submit to DFS a self-certification policy, pursuant to guidance DFS issued in June 2020. Once DFS approves such a policy and the entity seeks to self-certify a coin for listing or custody, it must submit a self-certification form. Certifications should be submitted via the secure DFS Portal. To access the DFS Portal you will need to create a portal account.

When you first log in, click on Ask for Apps to request access to the Virtual Self-Certification application, for the company(ies) you will be filing for. When this is approved, you will be able to access this application in the My Apps menu.

Greenlisted Coins/Tokens

Any entity licensed by DFS to conduct virtual currency business activity in New York may use coins on the Greenlist for their approved purpose(s). Note that if a licensed entity decides to use a coin on the Greenlist, it must inform DFS prior to beginning its use.

Updated: June 3, 2022

Digital Asset Symbol Approved for Custody Approved for Listing

0x

ZRX X  

Aave

AAVE X X

Bancor Network Token

BNT X X

Basic Attention Token

BAT X X

Binance USD

BUSD

X

X

Bitcoin

BTC

X

X

Bitcoin Cash

BCH

X

X

Chainlink

LINK

X

X

Dogecoin

DOGE

X

 

Ethereum Classic

ETC

X

 

Ethereum

ETH

X

X

Gemini Dollar*

GUSD

X

X

GMO JPY

GYEN

X

X

Kyber Network

KNC

X

 

Litecoin

LTC

X

X

Livepeer

LPT

 

X

Lumens

XLM

X

 

OmiseGO

OMG

X

 

Pax Gold

PAXG

X

X

Pax Dollar*

USDP

X

X

Ripple

XRP

X

 

Synthetix

SNX

 

X

Wrapped Bitcoin

wBTC

X

 

Z.com USD*

ZUSD

X

X

* denotes USD-backed stablecoins issued by DFS-regulated entities that have been approved for issuance.


The Department tracks those coins for which it has given individual entities approval to custody and list, as well as those coins individual entities have self-certified to the Department.  For a complete list of those coins, click here.

Disclaimer: DFS may, at any time and in its sole discretion, prohibit or otherwise limit a coin’s use before or after a VC Entity begins using a coin; require that any VC Entity delist, halt, or otherwise limit or curtail activity with respect to any coin; remove any coin from the Greenlist; refrain from placing any coin on the Greenlist; or discontinue the Greenlist process entirely.

BitLicense FAQs

1) Who needs a BitLicense?
+
  1. A person (whether an individual or a company) that engages in Virtual Currency Business Activity requires a BitLicense. Under 23 NYCRR 200.2(q), Virtual Currency Business Activity can fall into one of five types of activities involving New York or New Yorkers:
    1. receiving Virtual Currency for transmission or transmitting Virtual Currency;
    2. storing, holding, or maintaining custody or control of Virtual Currency on behalf of others;
    3. buying and selling Virtual Currency as a customer business;
    4. performing exchange services as a customer business; or
    5. controlling, administering, or issuing a Virtual Currency.
2) I am a consumer who wants to invest in a Virtual Currency like Bitcoin. Do I need a BitLicense?
+
  1. No. A consumer who uses Virtual Currency solely for investment purposes does not require a BitLicense. 23 NYCRR 200.3(c).
3) Does my store need a BitLicense to accept Virtual Currency as payment for goods or services?
+
  1. No.  Merchants and consumers that use Virtual Currency solely for the purchase or sale of goods or services are exempt from the licensing requirement.  23 NYCRR 200.3(c).
4) Are charitable organizations exempt from the BitLicense requirements?
+
  1. No. Charitable organizations are not exempt.
5) Does a charitable organization need a BitLicense merely to accept donations of Virtual Currency?
+
  1. No. Merely accepting donations of Virtual Currency does not require a BitLicense.
6) I am interested in mining Virtual Currency by myself or through a company I want to form. Does this require a BitLicense?
+
  1. In itself, Virtual Currency mining does not require a BitLicense. However, other Virtual Currency-related activities in which a miner engages may require a BitLicense.
7) Do I need a BitLicense to sell the coins that I have mined for my own account?
+
  1. Merely selling the coins you have mined, in a private, non-commercial transaction, does not require a BitLicense. However, other Virtual Currency-related activities that a miner engages in may require a BitLicense.
8) I write code and build tools for the Virtual Currency space.  Do I need a BitLicense for this?
+
  1. Under the regulation, the development and dissemination of software (as a purely technical service) in and of itself does not require a BitLicense. 23 NYCRR 200.2(q). The use of your product or service, however, may involve licensable Virtual Currency Business Activity.

    As an example, writing software that allows customers to self-custody Virtual Currency in a wallet would not, in and of itself, require a BitLicense. However, building a wallet service in which you kept custody of other people’s funds on their behalf likely would require a BitLicense.

9) I am a financial advisor and want to give my clients advice on buying or selling Virtual Currency. Do I need a BitLicense?
+
  1. No. Merely providing advice on buying or selling Virtual Currency does not require a BitLicense.
10) Will my company need any New York license other than a BitLicense?
+
  1. In some cases, it may. The BitLicense allows a company to conduct Virtual Currency Business Activity involving New York or a New York Resident, but it does not replace any other licenses required under New York law. For example, many BitLicensees engage in the transmission of fiat currency (e.g., U.S. dollars), which requires them to hold a money transmission license under New York Banking Law Article 13-B.
11) If my company is registered with FinCEN, does it still need a BitLicense in order to engage in Virtual Currency Business Activity?
+
  1. Yes. The fact that a company is registered with FinCEN does not affect whether the company requires a BitLicense.
12) Are there any alternatives to getting a BitLicense?
+
  1. Yes. A business that is chartered under the New York Banking Law (for example, a New York State limited purpose trust company or a New York State bank) can engage in Virtual Currency Business Activity without a BitLicense if it has received the Superintendent’s approval to do so. Further information about limited purpose trust companies can be found here.
13) How does a New York state limited purpose trust company charter differ from a BitLicense?
+
  1. While these forms of authorization are similar in many respects, a New York state limited purpose trust company charter may provide some additional benefits. For example, a limited purpose trust company can exercise fiduciary powers, while a BitLicensee cannot. 23 NYCRR 200.3(a).  In addition, a limited purpose trust company can engage in money transmission in New York without obtaining a separate New York money transmitter license.
14) How do I submit a BitLicense application to DFS?
+
  1. BitLicense applications are submitted through the Nationwide Multistate Licensing System, or NMLS. Please see the application instructions at the NMLS website, on the “NY Virtual Currency Business Activity License New Application Checklist (Company).”
15) How long will the application process take?
+
  1. Completion times vary, but DFS has observed that most delays are a result of submitting an application with one or more elements missing. DFS has published guidance for applicants on the specific documents and information required for an application to be ready for substantive review.  DFS will not begin its substantive review of an application until it is informationally complete – all documents and information must have been submitted or provided and must appear to be responsive and comprehensive in terms of organization, clarity, level of detail, and tailoring based on the applicant’s specific business and operations.
16) What are the capital requirements for a BitLicensee?
+
  1. The BitLicense regulation lays out the requirements for capitalization. See 23 NYCRR 200.8.  The capitalization determination may vary depending on business model and risk.
17) Is there a surety bond or similar requirement?
+
  1. Yes. There is a requirement to either obtain a surety bond, or to fund an account, for the protection of the BitLicensee’s customers. 23 NYCRR 200.9(a).  Generally, the minimum amount of this bond or account is $500,000, although that figure can increase based upon the specifics of the BitLicensee’s business model.
18) Which coins can a BitLicensee adopt or list for offering or usage?
+
  1. A BitLicensee may offer or use any of the following coins:
    1. Coins that DFS has specifically approved for the BitLicensee;
    2. Coins for which the BitLicensee has self-certified to DFS that their use is in compliance with the BitLicensee’s DFS-approved coin listing policy; and
    3. Coins that are on the DFS Greenlist, which can be found here.
19) How does the Greenlisting Process Work?
+
20) Are “stablecoins” considered Virtual Currencies under the BitLicense regulation?
+
  1. While the answer will depend on the specifics of the coin, many coins that are commonly referred to as “stablecoins” are considered to be Virtual Currencies under 23 NYCRR Part 200, and therefore their use would require licensure and self-certification, Greenlisting, or specific DFS approval with respect to any Virtual Currency Business Activity.
21) Is an out-of-state business required to obtain a BitLicense to engage in Virtual Currency Business Activity in New York State or with New York State residents?
+
  1. Yes. A business must obtain a BitLicense if it engages in Virtual Currency Business Activity involving New York State or any person that resides, is located, has a place of business, or is conducting business in New York State.

Coin-Listing Process

Coin Listing Infographic

This chart is for illustrative purposes only. For more information Refer to the coin-listing guidance issued June 24, 2020. DFS retains the discretion to deny a coin’s use or addition to the Greenlist.

Print-friendly version (PDF)

Number of Entities Approved to Use Coins

Updated: February 14, 2022

Digital Asset

Symbol

#
Listing

#
Custody

1Inch

1INCH

1

1

0x 

ZRX

2

Greenlisted

Aave 

AAVE

Greenlisted

Greenlisted

Algorand 

ALGO

1

2

Amp

AMP

2

2

Ankr

ANKR

1

1

Aragon

ANT

1

0

Audius

AUDS

0

1

Balancer 

BAL

2

2

Bancor Network Token 

BNT

Greenlisted

Greenlisted

Band Protocol 

BAND

1

1

Barnbridge

BOND

1

1

Basic Attention Token 

BAT

Greenlisted

Greenlisted

BCAP 

BCAP

0

1

Bitcarbon Bar 

BCB

0

1

Bitcarbon Coin 

BCC

0

1

Bitcoin Gold

BTG

0

1

Bitcoin SV 

BSV

0

1

Bread 

BRD

0

1

Cardano 

ADA

1

1

Caspian 

CSP

0

2

Celo

CELO

1

1

Celo Dollar

CUSD 

1

1

Chainlink 

LINK

Greenlisted

Greenlisted

Civic 

CVC

1

1

Compound 

COMP

1

2

Compound 0x 

cZRX

0

2

Compound Basic Attention Token 

cBAT

0

2

Compound Compound

cCOMP

0

1

Compound Dai 

cDAI

0

2

Compound Ethereum 

cETH

0

2

Compound USD Coin 

cUSDC

0

1

Compound Wrapped Bitcoin

cWBTC

0

1

Cosmos 

ATOM

1

1

CryptoPing

PING

0

1

Cube

AUTO

1

1

Curve 

CRV

1

2

Dai 

DAI

2

2

Decentraland 

MANA

2

2

Division Network

DVI

0

1

Dogecoin 

DOGE

2

Greenlisted

Elrond

EGLD

0

1

Enjin Coin 

ENJ

1

1

Ethereum Classic

ETC

2

Greenlisted

EOS

EOS

0

2

Ferrum Network

FRM

0

1

Fetch.ai

FET

1

0

Filecoin 

FIL

2

0

Flexacoin 

FXC

0

1

FOAM 

FOAM

1

1

FTX

FTX

0

1

Golem 

GNT

1

2

The Graph

GRT

2

2

Handshake

HNS

1

1

Horizen 

ZEN

0

1

Injective Protocol

INJ

1

2

Keep Network 

KEEP

1

1

Kin 

KIN

0

1

Kyber Network

KNC

2

Greenlisted

Livepeer

LPT

Greenlisted

2

Loom Network 

LOOM

1

2

Loopring

LRC

1

1

Lumens 

XLM

2

Greenlisted

Maker 

MKR

2

2

Meta

MTC

1

0

NKN

NKN

1

1

Numeraire 

NMR

0

2

Ocean Protocol

OCEAN

0

1

OmiseGO 

OMG

1

Greenlisted

Ontology

ONT

1

1

Orbs 

ORBS

1

1

Orchid 

OXT

2

2

Origin Protocol

OGN

1

1

Polygon

MATIC

2

2

Polymath 

POLY

1

1

Props 

PROPS

0

1

Refereum 

RFR

0

1

Ren

REN

2

2

Request

REQ

0

1

Reserve

RSR

1

1

Ripple

XLM

2

Greenlisted

The Sandbox

SAND

1

1

Serum

SRM

0

1

Siacoin

SC

1

1

Skale

SKL

2

2

Spice

SPICE

0

1

Stacks 

STX

0

1

Storj 

STORJ

1

2

SUKU

SUKU

1

1

SushiSwap

SUSHI

1

1

Synthetix 

SNX

Greenlisted

2

tBTC

tBTC

1

2

Tezos 

XTZ

0

1

Unibright

UBT

0

1

Uniswap 

UNI

2

2

Universal Market Access

UMA

2

2

Unstoppable Domains

 

0

1

USD Coin 

USDC

2

2

Utrust

UTK

0

1

Wrapped Bitcoin

wBTC

1

Greenlisted

Wrapped Nexus Mutual 

wNXM

1

2

XYO 

XYO

0

1

Yearn Finance 

YFI

2

2

YFII Gold

YFII

1

1

Zilliqa 

ZIL

0

1

Regulation and History

Virtual Currency Business Activity (BitLicense)

As stated in 23 NYCRR 200.3(a), “No Person shall, without a license obtained from the superintendent …, engage in any Virtual Currency Business Activity.”

23 NYCRR 200.2(q) provides, in part: "Virtual Currency Business Activity means the conduct of any one of the following types of activities involving New York or a New York Resident:

  1. receiving Virtual Currency for Transmission or Transmitting Virtual Currency, except where the transaction is undertaken for non-financial purposes and does not involve the transfer of more than a nominal amount of Virtual Currency;
  2. storing, holding, or maintaining custody or control of Virtual Currency on behalf of others;
  3. buying and selling Virtual Currency as a customer business;
  4. performing Exchange Services as a customer business; or
  5. controlling, administering or issuing a Virtual Currency.”

For licensing requirements see 23 NYCRR Part 200.


History

The virtual currency landscape has evolved substantially since the first bitcoin launched in 2009. In New York, DFS has been regulating virtual currency business activity since 2013. A brief timeline of events leading to and following the BitLicense regulation in June 2015 follows:

  • 2020 – Upon the 5-year anniversary of the BitLicense regulation, DFS releases new guidance and resources for virtual currency applicants and current licensed entities
  • 2019 – DFS releases the proposed coin-listing policy framework to enhance efficiency of coin-listing process and opens public comment period
  • 2015 – DFS revises draft BitLicense regulations and on June 24, the BitLicense regulation goes into effect
  • 2014 – DFS holds public hearings on virtual currency; begins considering virtual currency applications for limited purpose trust company charters; publishes proposed BitLicense regulation and opens public comment period
  • 2013 – DFS begins receiving virtual currency applications for Money Transmitter Licenses