# Exchange of crypto-assets for other crypto-assets

Source page: https://protegra.io/licensing/activities/crypto-crypto-exchange/

Exchanging one crypto-asset for another against proprietary capital requires a crypto-asset service provider (CASP) authorisation in the EU under MiCA Article 3(1)(16)(d) and 3(1)(20). In the EEA, authorised providers can passport their swap services across borders. In jurisdictions outside Europe, this dealer activity is regulated under virtual asset service provider (VASP) or money services business frameworks.

## Definition

Concluding contracts with clients to swap one crypto-asset for another using the provider's own capital.

- MiCA, Art. 3(1)(16)(d) and 3(1)(20): [official text](https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2023/1114/oj)

## Which licence you need

Licence families that typically permit this activity:

- [Crypto-asset service provider (MiCA CASP)](https://protegra.io/licensing/licences/casp-mica/)
- [Virtual asset service provider (non-MiCA)](https://protegra.io/licensing/licences/vasp/)

- [CASP · CyprusNotification by financial entities providing crypto-asset services under MiCAR Article 60CySEC](https://protegra.io/licensing/licences/casp-mica/cyprus-art60/)
- [CASP · CyprusCrypto-Asset Service Provider (CASP) authorisation under MiCAR Article 63CySEC](https://protegra.io/licensing/licences/casp-mica/cyprus/)
- [CASP · Czech RepublicCrypto-Asset Service Provider authorisation under MiCA and Act No. 31/2025 Coll. (povolení k činnosti poskytovatele služeb souvisejících s kryptoaktivy)CNB](https://protegra.io/licensing/licences/casp-mica/czech-republic/)
- [VASP · Dubai (VARA)Virtual Asset Broker-Dealer Services LicenceVARA](https://protegra.io/licensing/licences/vasp/dubai-broker-dealer/)
- [CASP · EstoniaAuthorisation to operate as a crypto-asset service provider under MiCAFI](https://protegra.io/licensing/licences/casp-mica/estonia/)
- [CASP · FrancePrestataire de services sur crypto-actifs (PSCA) / Crypto-asset service provider authorization under EU MiCA RegulationAMF](https://protegra.io/licensing/licences/casp-mica/france/)
- [CASP · GermanyCrypto-asset service provider licence (Zulassung als Anbieter von Kryptowerte-Dienstleistungen nach Art. 59 MiCAR / KMAG)BaFin](https://protegra.io/licensing/licences/casp-mica/germany/)
- [CASP · IrelandCrypto-Asset Service Provider AuthorisationCBI](https://protegra.io/licensing/licences/casp-mica/ireland/)
- [CASP · ItalyFornitore di servizi per le cripto-attività / Crypto-asset service provider (CASP) authorizationCONSOB](https://protegra.io/licensing/licences/casp-mica/italy/)
- [CASP · LatviaCrypto-asset service provider licence under MiCALB](https://protegra.io/licensing/licences/casp-mica/latvia/)
- [CASP · LithuaniaCrypto-asset service provider licenceLB](https://protegra.io/licensing/licences/casp-mica/lithuania/)
- [CASP · LuxembourgCrypto-asset service provider authorisation under MiCA RegulationCSSF](https://protegra.io/licensing/licences/casp-mica/luxembourg/)
- [CASP · MaltaCrypto-Asset Service Provider authorisation under Regulation (EU) 2023/1114MFSA](https://protegra.io/licensing/licences/casp-mica/malta/)
- [CASP · NetherlandsCrypto-Asset Service Provider (CASP) authorisation under Regulation (EU) 2023/1114 (MiCA)AFM](https://protegra.io/licensing/licences/casp-mica/netherlands/)
- [CASP · PolandCrypto-Asset Service Provider authorization under MiCA (zezwolenie na świadczenie usług w zakresie kryptoaktywów)KNF](https://protegra.io/licensing/licences/casp-mica/poland/)
- [CASP · SlovakiaCrypto-asset service provider licence under MiCA (povolenie na činnosť poskytovateľa služieb kryptoaktív)NBS](https://protegra.io/licensing/licences/casp-mica/slovakia/)
- [CASP · SpainProveedor de servicios de criptoactivos (PSC) / Crypto-asset service provider authorizationCNMV](https://protegra.io/licensing/licences/casp-mica/spain/)

## Where it can be licensed

| | EU/EEA passport | Domestic |
| --- | --- | --- |
| [Cyprus: Notification by financial entities providing crypto-asset services under MiCAR Article 60](https://protegra.io/licensing/licences/casp-mica/cyprus-art60/) | ✓ | |
| [Cyprus: Crypto-Asset Service Provider (CASP) authorisation under MiCAR Article 63](https://protegra.io/licensing/licences/casp-mica/cyprus/) | ✓ | |
| [Czech Republic: Crypto-Asset Service Provider authorisation under MiCA and Act No. 31/2025 Coll. (povolení k činnosti poskytovatele služeb souvisejících s kryptoaktivy)](https://protegra.io/licensing/licences/casp-mica/czech-republic/) | ✓ | |
| [Dubai (VARA): Virtual Asset Broker-Dealer Services Licence](https://protegra.io/licensing/licences/vasp/dubai-broker-dealer/) | | ✓ |
| [Estonia: Authorisation to operate as a crypto-asset service provider under MiCA](https://protegra.io/licensing/licences/casp-mica/estonia/) | ✓ | |
| [France: Prestataire de services sur crypto-actifs (PSCA) / Crypto-asset service provider authorization under EU MiCA Regulation](https://protegra.io/licensing/licences/casp-mica/france/) | ✓ | |
| [Germany: Crypto-asset service provider licence (Zulassung als Anbieter von Kryptowerte-Dienstleistungen nach Art. 59 MiCAR / KMAG)](https://protegra.io/licensing/licences/casp-mica/germany/) | ✓ | |
| [Ireland: Crypto-Asset Service Provider Authorisation](https://protegra.io/licensing/licences/casp-mica/ireland/) | ✓ | |
| [Italy: Fornitore di servizi per le cripto-attività / Crypto-asset service provider (CASP) authorization](https://protegra.io/licensing/licences/casp-mica/italy/) | ✓ | |
| [Latvia: Crypto-asset service provider licence under MiCA](https://protegra.io/licensing/licences/casp-mica/latvia/) | ✓ | |
| [Lithuania: Crypto-asset service provider licence](https://protegra.io/licensing/licences/casp-mica/lithuania/) | ✓ | |
| [Luxembourg: Crypto-asset service provider authorisation under MiCA Regulation](https://protegra.io/licensing/licences/casp-mica/luxembourg/) | ✓ | |
| [Malta: Crypto-Asset Service Provider authorisation under Regulation (EU) 2023/1114](https://protegra.io/licensing/licences/casp-mica/malta/) | ✓ | |
| [Netherlands: Crypto-Asset Service Provider (CASP) authorisation under Regulation (EU) 2023/1114 (MiCA)](https://protegra.io/licensing/licences/casp-mica/netherlands/) | ✓ | |
| [Poland: Crypto-Asset Service Provider authorization under MiCA (zezwolenie na świadczenie usług w zakresie kryptoaktywów)](https://protegra.io/licensing/licences/casp-mica/poland/) | ✓ | |
| [Slovakia: Crypto-asset service provider licence under MiCA (povolenie na činnosť poskytovateľa služieb kryptoaktív)](https://protegra.io/licensing/licences/casp-mica/slovakia/) | ✓ | |
| [Spain: Proveedor de servicios de criptoactivos (PSC) / Crypto-asset service provider authorization](https://protegra.io/licensing/licences/casp-mica/spain/) | ✓ | |

## Frequently asked questions

### Does an automated market maker or decentralised exchange protocol require a licence?

Purely decentralised protocols with no identifiable operator or intermediary typically fall outside traditional licensing frameworks. However, if a centralised entity, foundation or development team deploys front ends, maintains administrative keys, routes transactions or extracts fees, regulators treat the enterprise as an exchange intermediary requiring authorisation.

### Are crypto-to-crypto swaps subject to the FATF travel rule?

Yes, the FATF travel rule applies to crypto-to-crypto transfers and exchanges executed by regulated providers. Intermediaries must obtain, hold, and securely transmit originator and beneficiary information alongside qualifying token transfers, ensuring traceability between counterparty institutions across different blockchain networks and private wallet endpoints.

## Sources

1. [MiCA Art. 3(1)(16)(d) and 3(1)(20)](https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2023/1114/oj): retrieved 2026-09-24

Last verified 2026-09-24 · Author: Danil Marmysh · Reviewed by Anastasia Sidorenkova · © Protegra. Data: CC BY 4.0, cite "Protegra Licensing Atlas". Not legal advice.