Blockchain.com has obtained a definitive Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) custody services license from the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority (CIMA), strengthening its regulatory footprint and expanding its ability to offer compliant digital asset services.
Regulatory Approval Strengthens Global Expansion
Blockchain.com has secured a definitive Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) custody services license from the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority (CIMA) through its Cayman Islands subsidiary, marking a major regulatory milestone for the cryptocurrency company. The approval transitions the firm’s operations in the jurisdiction from conditional authorization to a fully licensed status, reinforcing its strategy of expanding regulated digital asset services across key global markets.
The latest approval follows a series of regulatory achievements over the past year, including obtaining a Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) license in Europe and registration with the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). According to the company, these regulatory approvals strengthen its ability to provide compliant services while supporting the long-term growth of the digital asset industry.
Lane Kasselman, Co-Chief Executive Officer of Blockchain.com, indicated that the Cayman Islands license builds on the company’s recent regulatory momentum. He stated that the organization views robust regulation as a critical foundation for the sustainable development of digital assets and that the latest approvals enhance its capability to serve customers across multiple regions.
Expanded Regulated Crypto Services
The CIMA license enables Blockchain.com to provide a broader portfolio of regulated virtual asset services, including institutional custody, institutional staking, retail staking, and virtual asset exchange services involving both fiat currencies and other digital assets.
The company’s institutional custody platform is designed to offer enterprise-grade security for organizations managing digital assets. Its institutional staking service allows enterprises to participate in blockchain network validation while generating staking rewards. In addition, retail users will gain access to compliant staking services intended to provide opportunities for earning yield within a regulated framework.
The Cayman Islands regulator has also authorized Blockchain.com to facilitate exchanges between virtual assets and fiat currencies, as well as exchanges involving multiple forms of convertible virtual assets, significantly expanding the company’s regulated operational capabilities in the jurisdiction.
Commitment to the Cayman Islands
Alongside its regulatory expansion, Blockchain.com is increasing its presence in the Cayman Islands through a partnership with TechCayman, an organization that assists international technology companies establishing operations in the region.
The collaboration includes plans to recruit the company’s first employee based in the Cayman Islands, while TechCayman will provide operational support, sponsorship, and access to the local technology ecosystem to facilitate Blockchain.com’s long-term regional presence.
The company said the initiative reflects its commitment to supporting the local technology community while building infrastructure for future growth.
Compliance Strategy Continues
Blockchain.com reported that it has supported more than 94 million cryptocurrency wallets, serves over 43 million verified users, and has facilitated more than $1.1 trillion in cryptocurrency transactions since launching in 2011. Operating across more than 70 jurisdictions, the company offers self-custody products, institutional solutions, and additional digital asset services aligned with evolving global regulatory and privacy standards.
CIMA had initially granted Blockchain.com conditional approval for its license application in December 2025. The company confirmed that all regulatory conditions were satisfied by July 22, 2026, resulting in the issuance of the definitive VASP license. Before receiving the full license, Blockchain.com had operated under a VASP registration in the Cayman Islands since May 2022.
The company said the transition to a fully licensed status represents an important step in its regulatory strategy, positioning its Cayman Islands operations within one of the world’s leading international financial centers while supporting broader institutional and retail adoption of regulated digital asset services.
