MoonPay Approved to Operate in New York
MoonPay, a company facilitating the purchase and sale of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum, has obtained a crucial licence from New York regulatory authorities. This licence, known as the BitLicense, is necessary for businesses wanting to legally provide crypto services in New York State.
New York has a reputation for tough financial regulations, especially when it comes to virtual currencies. The BitLicense ensures companies operate transparently and securely, protecting customers and reducing risks of illegal activities. For many crypto firms, obtaining this licence has been a significant challenge. MoonPay’s recent success means it can now legally offer its crypto payment services to people living in New York.
Image 1: Source: MoonPay
Full US Coverage Achieved
Securing the BitLicense completes MoonPay’s regulatory approvals across the United States. The company already holds money transmission licences in 46 other states. Now, with the New York licence in hand, MoonPay can provide its services seamlessly in all 50 states.
This means residents in New York can access the company’s full suite of offerings. These include buying and selling cryptocurrencies using major payment methods like credit cards and bank transfers, as well as managing funds through MoonPay Balance, an internal wallet service.
SCOOP: @moonpay has secured its New York BitLicense, clearing the way for the firm to serve customers in all 50 states.
MoonPay joins a short list of crypto-native firms including @coinbase, @Anchorage and @circle that have been approved to operate in the state by the @NYDFS.…
— Eleanor Terrett (@EleanorTerrett) June 4, 2025
Ivan Soto-Wright, MoonPay’s co-founder and CEO, highlighted the significance of having all the necessary licences to operate across the US without interruption. He also noted the company’s pride in being headquartered in New York City and its ongoing commitment to collaborating with regulators to increase crypto accessibility.
The CEO stated:
“With the approval of our New York BitLicense and Money Transmitter Licenses, MoonPay now holds the golden regulatory stack for crypto in the U.S., allowing us to directly serve customers in every single state without gaps in coverage.”
He further added:
“As a U.S.-founded company with a headquarters in New York City, we’re immensely proud of this milestone and look forward to our continued work with regulators nationwide to make crypto accessible to everyone.”
Image 2: MoonPay (Source: Electronic Payments International)
Growth and Global Expansion
MoonPay’s licences aren’t limited to the US market. The company also holds registrations and licences in other countries including the UK, Australia, Canada, Italy, Ireland, and Jersey. In late 2024, it became one of the first crypto businesses authorised under the European Union’s new Markets in Crypto Assets (MiCA) regulations, showcasing its dedication to regulatory compliance on a global scale.
The company recently opened its largest office yet in New York City to support its expanding operations. MoonPay’s financial results for 2024 were its strongest to date, ending the year profitable and generating positive cash flow.
New York’s BitLicense was first introduced in 2015 and has long been viewed as difficult to obtain. However, New York City’s mayor, Eric Adams, who has positioned himself as a supporter of cryptocurrency innovation, has indicated that the city may reconsider the future of the BitLicense to encourage freer crypto activity.
He stated at Bitcoin 2025:
“I want you back in the city of New York, where you won’t be attacked and criminalized. Let’s get rid of the Bitcoin license and allow us to have the free flow of Bitcoin in our city”
Adams has been active in promoting New York as a hub for crypto, hosting industry summits and encouraging companies like MoonPay to grow in the city. MoonPay’s expansion there aligns with the mayor’s vision of making New York a leading global centre for cryptocurrency.
Read Also: BVCI Secures 51% Stake in LuminusFX, Restructures Debt, and Appoints New Director
With MoonPay now fully licensed in New York and across the US, the company is well placed to offer safe, regulated crypto payment services nationwide, reflecting a maturing industry that prioritises both innovation and consumer protection.
