Licensing Strategy, Sponsorship and Agent Models
Which licence you need, licence sponsorship, principal and agent models, exemptions, operating unlicensed, licensing costs and timelines
Authorized DelegatesCharters-as-a-ServiceJurisdiction ArbitrageJurisdiction SelectionLicensable ActivitiesLicense Due DiligenceLicense SponsorshipLicense Type Comparisons (MSB vs EMI vs Bank)Licenses for SaleLicensing ApplicationsLicensing CostsLicensing DocumentationLicensing ExemptionsLicensing StrategyOngoing Licensing ObligationsPrincipal and Agent ModelsPrincipal License HoldersSponsorship ModelsUnlicensable ActivitiesUnlicensed Money Transmission
Can a state-chartered bank operate in another state in which it is not licensed?Oct 21, 2025Licensable ActivitiesHow much money do you need for a new banking license in the United States?Apr 3, 2025Licensing CostsAre there any restrictions on MSB licenses that we should know about?Apr 3, 2025Licensable ActivitiesWhat are the state requirements for authorized delegates in terms of managing funds?Nov 18, 2023Authorized DelegatesWhat is the difference between an Authorized Delegate and an Authorized Agent?Oct 14, 2023Authorized DelegatesWe have established a money transfer company in Canada and now we are looking for a bank in the US and want to be its Authorized Delegate in the USA for money transfer services.Feb 16, 2023Authorized DelegatesDo OTC services require a license?Feb 15, 2023Licensable ActivitiesDo Trust Companies provide money transmitter license coverage?Feb 15, 2023License SponsorshipWhat is the difference between an agent and non-agent of an EMI in Europe/UK?Feb 14, 2023Principal and Agent ModelsSince our company is about to obtain a Labuan Money Brokering license, may I know whether it is sufficient to use this license to apply to be a Registered Agent (RA) under an EMI holder?Feb 14, 2023Principal and Agent ModelsIsn’t the idea of ‘renting’ a license considered wrong? Could it have legal ramifications if we rented a license?Feb 13, 2023License SponsorshipWhat does it mean to acquire a Money Transmitter License (sponsorship)?Feb 9, 2023License SponsorshipIf I want to launch a crypto wallet, how can I secure a sponsoring bank for a crypto money transfer license?Feb 2, 2023Licensable ActivitiesCan a money transfer agent outlet legally operate from a consulate or embassy location?Feb 1, 2023Licensable ActivitiesAs a sponsored party which parties do we share our customers’ KYC information with, if any?Jan 16, 2023License SponsorshipWhat is the difference between an agent and non-agent of an EMI in Europe or the UK?Jan 10, 2022Principal and Agent ModelsDo I need my own e-money license or can I start under a leased license?Oct 2, 2021License SponsorshipWhat are the advantages of holding an EU money transmitter license versus operating under a bank’s umbrella?Aug 1, 2021Licensing StrategyCan a fintech startup legally rent a money transmitter license?Jun 5, 2020License SponsorshipWhat is the difference between white-label sponsorship and being an agent of a money transfer company?Jun 1, 2020License SponsorshipCan licensed money transmitters sponsor other companies under their licenses?Jan 10, 2020License SponsorshipCan non-US institutions sponsor US crypto businesses legally?Sep 4, 2019License SponsorshipHow can a cash-strapped startup obtain US money transmitter licenses?Sep 1, 2019License SponsorshipWhy do correspondent payout partners have to maintain reserves with the principal license holder—but not the other way around?Feb 1, 2019Principal License HoldersAfter PreCash, which companies offer authorized delegate or agent status for money transfer services?Feb 6, 2017Authorized DelegatesCan I build an online bank similar to PayPal, and if yes, how?Jan 3, 2017Licensable ActivitiesBanks: How difficult is it to start a bank?Aug 5, 2016Licensable ActivitiesWhat are the benefits of leveraging existing money-transmitter license holders instead of obtaining a full bank charter?May 12, 2016Licensing StrategyWhy doesn’t Pakistan have local payment gateways similar to PayPal?Apr 3, 2016Licensing CostsWhich country is best for launching a small e-wallet business?Feb 12, 2016Jurisdiction SelectionOnline Payments: Why isn’t Airbnb licensed as a money transmitter?Jan 7, 2016Unlicensed Money TransmissionWhat regulatory changes have limited PreCash Inc’s ability to partner with MSBs after TransferWise?Sep 11, 2015Authorized DelegatesIs it legally necessary to be a bank to move money, or can individuals or companies transact money if they build their own system?Aug 4, 2015Licensable ActivitiesIn which U.S. state is it easiest to obtain a state banking license?May 1, 2015Licensing ApplicationsHow and where can I network with companies that rent or lease money-transmitter licenses?Apr 10, 2015Principal and Agent ModelsIf I want to launch an international money-transmission business, do I need licensing in every country?Feb 1, 2015Licensing StrategyWhat is the least expensive jurisdiction for setting up a commercial bank?Jan 3, 2015Jurisdiction SelectionIf we don’t hold U.S. MSB coverage across most states or an EU EMI license, which partner company is best to work with to offer a digital wallet or micropayments solution?Oct 6, 2014Licensing StrategyIf we build a P2P money-transfer app and operate as an agent under a licensed provider like PreCash, what is a rough cost estimate?Apr 11, 2014Licensing CostsWhat are the main steps required to establish a payment processing company?Sep 3, 2013Licensing StrategyWhat are the core steps involved in becoming a payment processing company?Sep 3, 2013Licensing StrategyWhat is the difference between a money transmitter license and an escrow license?Jan 3, 2013Licensable ActivitiesWhat does the regulatory landscape look like for mobile payments?Sep 8, 2012Licensable ActivitiesWhat regulations govern mobile payment systems?Sep 8, 2012Licensable ActivitiesIf you use PayPal’s or Dwolla’s API to build an app linking payer and payee, do you require a Money Transmitter License, or are you covered by their licensing?Jul 8, 2012Licensable ActivitiesDo white-labeled online payment providers in receiving countries also handle regulatory compliance in sending countries?Apr 9, 2012Licensing DocumentationDo white-label payment providers in receiving countries also manage regulatory compliance in sending countries?Apr 9, 2012License Due DiligenceAre telecom companies exempt from money transmission regulations, and why?Aug 3, 2011Licensable ActivitiesDo telecom companies have exemptions from money transmission regulations, and why?Mar 8, 2011Licensable Activities