When dealing with Licensing Requirements, the legal, financial and operational conditions a crypto exchange must satisfy to operate lawfully. Also known as Regulatory Licensing, these requirements vary by jurisdiction but share common pillars such as capital thresholds, AML/KYC compliance and technical standards. Licensing requirements are the backbone of a safe market, and they directly shape how exchanges design their platforms.
One of the most frequent sub‑entities is the Crypto Exchange License, a permit issued by a national regulator allowing digital asset trading services. This license usually demands a minimum paid‑in capital, robust cybersecurity measures, and a clear governance framework. Another key concept is International Exchange Licensing, the process of obtaining permission to operate across multiple borders, often involving foreign exchange approvals. Operators must align with both home‑country rules and the standards of each target market, which can double the compliance workload. For those targeting Southeast Asia, the Thai Crypto Exchange License, issued by Thailand's Securities and Exchange Commission, mandates a specific capital reserve, a local headquarters, and strict AML procedures – a concrete example of how local nuance changes the checklist.
Licensing requirements encompass capital requirements, meaning that without the mandated reserve an exchange cannot even apply. They require AML/KYC systems, so every user onboarding step must be backed by verification tools. Regulatory bodies influence the shape of a license, setting the bar for security audits and reporting frequency. Moreover, international exchange licensing includes foreign exchange licenses, which adds a layer of cross‑border currency control. Finally, the Thai crypto exchange license mandates a dedicated compliance officer, linking human resources directly to the legal framework.
Below you’ll find a curated list of articles that walk through each of these angles: from a deep dive into Indonesia’s 2025 crypto licensing framework, to a step‑by‑step guide for obtaining a Thai license, and a comparison of international business versus foreign exchange licensing. Whether you’re a founder sketching a new DEX or an investor checking the legitimacy of a platform, the posts give actionable insight into the practical side of meeting licensing requirements.
Learn what International Exchange Licensing (forex license) involves, step‑by‑step application, key requirements, pitfalls, and a ready‑to‑use compliance checklist.