Moonpay, a prominent provider of Web3 infrastructure solutions, has secured a significant regulatory milestone with the approval of both the Bitlicense and Money Transmitter License from the New York State Department of Financial Services (NYDFS). This achievement marks a strategic advancement for the company, granting it the authority to offer fiat-to-crypto services across all 50 U.S. states, including New York—a jurisdiction known for its rigorous regulatory environment.
With these approvals, Moonpay is now positioned to facilitate direct cryptocurrency transactions, expanding access to a wide range of digital assets including those on the Solana blockchain. The licenses bolster the company’s efforts to enhance user experience by enabling seamless crypto onboarding through regulated channels.
Expanding Footprint in the U.S. Market
Founded in 2019 by Ivan Soto-Wright and Victor Faramond, Moonpay is headquartered in Miami and has recently established an office in New York City, signaling its long-term commitment to the American market. The company’s platform supports over 80 digital currencies such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana-based assets including Moonpig Crypto. Serving over 20 million users in 160 countries, Moonpay is increasingly recognized for simplifying the complex process of cryptocurrency transactions through its fiat-to-crypto conversion services.
The NYDFS Bitlicense, introduced in 2015, is regarded as a benchmark for regulatory compliance in the crypto industry due to its stringent requirements around cybersecurity, consumer protection, and anti-money laundering practices. With only 35 companies having received this approval to date, including well-known names like Coinbase and Circle, Moonpay’s inclusion reflects its strong adherence to regulatory standards.
A Trusted Infrastructure Amidst Regulatory Debate
The Money Transmitter License further authorizes Moonpay to handle money transfers, including fiat-to-crypto transactions, within New York. When combined with licenses already secured in 46 other states, this approval allows Moonpay to operate a fully compliant network nationwide. The absence of regulatory gaps ensures that users across the United States can access Moonpay’s services without encountering legal or operational obstacles, a critical factor in scaling decentralized financial products.
This expanded operational capacity allows users to buy, sell, and manage digital assets more efficiently. It also facilitates the growth of community-driven tokens, including Solana-based meme coins like Moonpig Crypto, by removing barriers to direct purchase.
Despite the broader industry significance of the Bitlicense, it remains a contentious issue. Critics, including New York City Mayor Eric Adams, have argued that the framework imposes excessive compliance burdens that may hinder innovation. Nonetheless, NYDFS Superintendent Adrienne Harris has defended the license, emphasizing its role in consumer protection and noting that certain high-profile firms, such as FTX and Voyager, failed to meet its standards.
A Pivotal Step Toward Broader Adoption
Moonpay’s successful navigation of the NYDFS regulatory process is seen as a turning point for its operations in the United States. This development not only enhances its credibility but also underscores its long-term focus on compliance and trustworthiness in an industry that continues to face scrutiny. By securing both the Bitlicense and the Money Transmitter License, Moonpay has positioned itself as a key infrastructure provider in the evolving digital asset space.
While the approval opens the door for broader crypto adoption and expands access to speculative tokens like Moonpig, investors are reminded of the inherent risks associated with such assets. Even as regulation creates a more stable foundation for growth, due diligence remains essential for all participants in the Web3 ecosystem.