US money services business registration
FinCEN registration gives fintech and crypto businesses a federally recognised framework for money transmission, virtual currency exchange, and digital asset services, without the capital requirements of a traditional financial license.
What this enables
Permitted
MSB activities
This structure is suited to:
Crypto exchanges and OTC brokerage desks requiring a US regulatory footprint
Fintech payment platforms processing cross-border or domestic US transactions
Digital asset payment gateways serving US-based clients or counterparties
Companies requiring a recognised US entity for banking and PSP relationships
This is not the right fit if:
You require state-level money transmitter licenses to operate in specific US states — FinCEN registration is a federal framework and does not replace state MTL requirements in most states
Your business model involves activities requiring a banking charter or broker-dealer registration
You are not prepared to maintain the ongoing AML/CTF compliance obligations required under the Bank Secrecy Act
Registration process
Service Packages
Professional package
Corporate Setup
UBO / executive director due diligence
Up to 3 persons
Shareholders as physical persons
Company name verification
US company incorporation
Employer Identification Number (EIN) Application (IRS)
Corporate Infrastructure
Legal registered address (1 year)
Corporate secretarial Support
Compliance documentation
MSB compliance documentation:
Standard
Business plan outline
MSB Registration with FinCEN
Listing in FinCEN MSB Public Registry
Full operational
Corporate Setup
UBO / executive director due diligence
Unlimited
Shareholders as physical persons
Holding ownership structure accepted
Company name verification
US company incorporation
Employer Identification Number (EIN) Application (IRS)
Notarized corporate documents
Regulatory structuring consultation
Corporate Infrastructure
Legal registered address (1 year)
Corporate secretarial Support
Mail forwarding support (1 year)
Digital infrastructure
Legal entity identifier (LEI)
Non-connected SWIFT code
Domain name registration
Website development
Corporate email setup
Virtual U.S. mobile number (eSIM)
Compliance documentation
MSB compliance documentation:
Advanced
Tailored business plan
MSB Registration with FinCEN
Listing in FinCEN MSB Public Registry
Banking & Operational Support
Assistance with Operational Bank Account Opening
Introduction to Payment Providers / EMIs
Payment infrastructure advisory
Crypto payment infrastructure advisory
Correspondent banking support
SWIFT Connectivity via Partner Banks
Not included in either tier: FinCEN filing fees, state filing fees, bank fees, third-party software costs.
What is included
Service packages
Not included in either tier: FinCEN filing fees, state filing fees, bank fees, third-party software costs.
Costs and regulatory requirements
Frequently asked questions
Does FinCEN registration allow me to operate in all US states?
FinCEN registration is a federal framework. Most states require a separate state-level money transmitter license to operate locally. A Montana-based structure avoids this in certain configurations. Each project is assessed individually to determine the right structure for your operational model.
Is there a capital requirement?
No. Unlike EMI or banking licenses, US MSB registration does not require minimum paid-in capital. The main financial commitment is the compliance infrastructure required under the Bank Secrecy Act.
What are the ongoing compliance obligations?
Registered MSBs must maintain a written AML/CTF compliance program, KYC/KYB procedures, transaction monitoring, suspicious activity reporting, and recordkeeping. Registration must be renewed every two years.
How does the Montana structure work?
Montana does not require a state-level money transmitter license for most MSB operations. Incorporating in Montana allows businesses to operate under the federal FinCEN framework without the additional cost and complexity of state MTL licensing. Eligibility depends on your operational model and is confirmed at the assessment stage.
Understand your regulatory path before starting
The initial call covers your business model, the appropriate tier, and whether a Montana structure is the right configuration for your situation.
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