Crypto & virtual assets
US Crypto Exchange & MSB Formation for International Operations
Set up a federal FinCEN-registered money services business in Montana — the compliant, cost-effective US base for OTC desks, Web3 payment gateways and international crypto platforms.
FinCEN-registered entity • No Montana state license required • Crypto AML/CFT program included
Why Montana
Why international crypto operators choose Montana
Federal MSB status
FinCEN treats virtual currency exchangers and administrators as money transmitters under the Bank Secrecy Act. Your Montana company registers directly with FinCEN.
No state licensing roadblock
Montana has no state money transmitter licensing statute — avoiding the bonding, capital requirements and long timelines of state-by-state licensing for Montana-based activity.
Credibility with partners
Liquidity providers, banks and payment partners prefer counterparties registered with a recognized regulator. A US MSB with a documented AML program opens those conversations.
Use cases
Built for these crypto business models
OTC desks & liquidity providers
Block trades and settlement for institutional and high-net-worth clients outside the US.
Web3 payment gateways
Crypto invoicing, merchant acceptance and stablecoin settlement rails.
International exchanges
Exchange platforms serving non-US customers that want a US corporate and compliance base.
Token projects & treasury
Structured handling of treasury, conversions and payouts with a compliant entity.
The package
The complete crypto MSB package — USD 9,500
- Montana company formation and Articles of Organization
- IRS EIN
- FinCEN MSB registration covering money transmission and virtual currency activity
- Crypto-specific AML/CFT/KYC compliance manual — blockchain analytics, Travel Rule considerations and sanctions screening
- Introductions to banking and payment partners
- Ongoing compliance guidance — no annual FinCEN filing fees
MSB formation + banking platform — from USD 12,800 in total
Everything in the formation package, plus your own branded EBANQ core banking platform: multi-currency accounts with crypto wallet accounting, buy/sell and swap flows, on/off-ramp connectors and optional iOS and Android apps.
Request a free demoRegulatory scope
What a Montana crypto MSB covers — and what it doesn't
Well suited for
- International customers outside the US
- Business-to-business crypto settlement and liquidity
- Activity based in Montana
- A US entity for banking and partner onboarding
Requires additional licensing
Serving retail customers resident in other US states generally requires each state's money transmitter license (and in New York, a BitLicense). Requirements in your customers' countries also apply. We explain the scope clearly before you commit.
FAQ
Crypto MSB questions
Is a FinCEN MSB registration a crypto exchange license?
In the US, businesses that exchange or transmit virtual currency are money services businesses and must register with FinCEN. Registration is the federal requirement. Montana has no state money transmitter licensing statute, so a Montana MSB needs no additional state license for activity based in Montana.
Can I serve US retail customers in every state?
Not on the Montana registration alone. Serving retail customers resident in other US states generally requires that state's money transmitter license. A Montana MSB is best suited to international and business-to-business crypto activity.
How long does formation take?
The Montana entity is typically in place within 24 hours allowing you to start operations immediately, followed by the IRS and FinCEN MSB registration and delivery of your crypto AML/CFT compliance program.
Structuring in Europe as well? Swedish Trust provides EU fiduciary custody and digital asset trust structures that pair well with a US FinCEN-registered MSB.
Contact
Ready for the next step?
Tell us about your requirements, geographies involved and other factors. We’ll help identify the correct license and platform options that fit.
Tell us about your project
Share your name, email and project details to receive the full information and demo access details. You will get an instant auto-response with EBANQ Demo Access credentials and general information. A personal response will follow within 24-48 hours.
Our services are available worldwide except for in restricted and sanctioned countries.
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