U.S. MSB Registration
for Global Crypto & Fintech Projects
A legal alternative to MiCA for international operations.
Launch a Money Services Business (MSB) in the United States, Montana or Wyoming, and operate internationally without obtaining an EU CASP license.
What Is an MSB and Why It Matters
Launch regulated businesses without waiting
A Money Services Business (MSB) is a federally regulated category
of companies supervised by FinCEN (U.S. Department of the Treasury).
MSB registration is mandatory for businesses involved in:
- crypto to fiat exchange
- crypto to crypto exchange
- crypto payment processing
- money transmission and transfers
MSB registration:
- grants federal regulatory recognition in the U.S.
- ensures compliance with the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA)
- requires AML, KYC, SAR and CTR procedures
- is widely accepted by banks and payment providers worldwide
For crypto projects, MSB is not a limitation.
It is a gateway to global legitimacy.
Who This Is For
It is a gateway to global legitimacy.
Crypto exchanges and brokers
Payment processors
Web3 and DeFi platforms
Crypto wallets and on-ramps
Fintech startups seeking global reach
Founders looking for a MiCA alternative
Why Montana and Wyoming
Two U.S. states. One strategic advantage.
We help clients structure U.S. MSB registrations in jurisdictions
that allow international operations
without the burden of state-level licensing.
The U.S. regulatory framework operates on two levels:
- Montana and Wyoming are unique in that they do not require a state-level MTL, allowing businesses to operate solely under MSB registration. This makes them particularly suitable for internationally focused crypto and fintech projects.
- federal MSB registration with FinCEN and state-level Money Transmitter Licenses (MTL).
Montana
MSB without state MTL
The corporate income tax rate of 6.75 percent applies only to Montana-sourced income.
No state sales tax.
Montana is well-suited for crypto and fintech businesses with international transaction flows and a limited U.S. nexus.
Wyoming
MSB without state MTL
Zero corporate income tax.
No franchise tax.
Wyoming is one of the most crypto-friendly states in the U.S., offering support for innovative business models, including DAO LLC structures and blockchain-based projects.
Legal Architecture of an International Crypto Business
We show how to operate in the EU and other regions through a U.S. MSB structure, without unnecessary licenses, regulatory risks, or double taxation
MSB vs MTL. When a License
Is Required
Understanding the regulatory boundary
- MSB registration is always required
- MTL is required only if you serve U.S. residents
If your business:
- does not provide services to U.S. clients
- focuses on the EU, Latin America, Africa or Switzerland
- does not create a U.S. tax nexus
Then:
- MSB registration is sufficient
- no state-by-state MTL licenses are required
- U.S. federal and state taxes typically do not apply to foreign income
This makes Montana and Wyoming one of the most efficient entry points for global crypto businesses.
Reverse Solicitation.
The MiCA-Compliant Path
How MSB structures interact with the EU legally
MiCA prohibits active marketing of crypto services in the EU by companies without CASP authorization.
However, MiCA explicitly allows reverse solicitation.
Reverse solicitation means:
- the initiative comes from the client
- no targeted advertising toward EU residents
- services are provided after client-initiated contact
A U.S. MSB structure fits perfectly into this framework.
What we implement:
- legally compliant disclaimers under Article 61 MiCA
- internal evidence and logging of voluntary client access
- non-EU targeted marketing strategy
- multilingual positioning (English, Spanish, French, German) without EU targeting
Result:
- lawful access to EU clients
- no CASP license
- no violation of MiCA marketing restrictions
Tax Efficiency
and International Operations
Global business without unnecessary taxation
If your MSB:
- has no employees or offices in the U.S.
- does not serve U.S. residents
- focuses on international markets
Then:
- no U.S. federal income tax on foreign profits
- no state-bno state tax in Wyoming or limited exposure in Montanay-state MTL licenses are required
- no double taxation
This structure allows:
- tax-efficient international operations
- regulatory clarity
- scalability without forced relocation
MSB setup and legal structuring under one roof
U.S. Company Formation
We register an LLC in Montana or Wyoming, selected based on your business model, transaction flows, and international focus.
AML and KYC Framework
We develop AML and KYC programs aligned with the U.S. Bank Secrecy Act, tailored to crypto and fintech risk profiles.
Legal Positioning and Documentation
We prepare reverse solicitation positioning, website disclaimers, and Terms of Service to support compliant international operations.
MSB Registration with FinCEN
We handle MSB registration at the federal level, ensuring correct scope of activities and regulatory positioning from day one.
SAR and CTR Reporting Structure
We design internal procedures for Suspicious Activity Reports and Currency Transaction Reports in line with regulatory expectations.
Banking and Payment Advisory
We advise on banking, payment providers, and operational setup for crypto and high risk business models.
Request Your MSB Structure Assessment
We will analyze your business model and design a compliant, scalable and bank-ready MSB structure.
Get free consultationFAQ
Yes. MSB registration and reverse solicitation are explicitly recognized under U.S. and EU law when implemented correctly.
Yes, provided advertising is not targeted at EU residents. We design compliant marketing strategies.
No, if you do not serve U.S. clients.
Yes. Crypto and fintech activities are core MSB use cases.
Timelines depend on business complexity but typically range from several weeks.
No. When structured correctly, this is a stable long-term regulatory model.