Virtual asset service provider (non-MiCA) · Cayman Islands

Virtual Asset Service Provider Registration (Cayman Islands)

The Virtual Asset Service Provider Registration is issued by Cayman Islands Monetary Authority (CIMA) under Virtual Asset (Service Providers) Act (2024 Revision). The official register lists 18 current holders. The application fee is KYD 1,000 initial assessment fee. Ownership changes need the regulator's approval before completion.

Last verified 2026-09-24Regulator CIMAMarkdown · Data (CC BY 4.0)
Virtual Asset Service Provider Registration: licenceVASP

At a glance

Official nameVirtual Asset Service Provider Registration1
Issued byCayman Islands Monetary Authority
JurisdictionCayman Islands
Licence familyVirtual asset service provider (non-MiCA)
Legal basisVirtual Asset (Service Providers) Act (2024 Revision)2
PassportingDomestic only
Application feeKYD 1,000 initial assessment fee3
Public registerofficial register4
Current holders184

What it lets you do

  • Virtual asset exchange (FATF). Exchanging virtual assets for fiat currency or for other virtual assets as a business, as defined in the FATF glossary.
  • Virtual asset transfer (FATF). Conducting transactions that move virtual assets between addresses or accounts on behalf of another person.
  • Virtual asset safekeeping (FATF). Safekeeping or administering virtual assets, or instruments enabling control over them, for another person.

Where it is valid

Cayman Islands licence, domesticCayman Islands
Valid in Cayman Islands.

Cost

Cost components, upper bound total KYD 1,000Application fee: KYD 1,000
Regulatory costs from the official sources above. Professional fees, staff, office and audit come on top and depend on the business model.

Buying a company that already holds it

Prior approval required. Under s.28(1) of the VASP Act, CIMA's prior approval is required before any issue or voluntary transfer of shares/interests reaching 10% or more of a VASP; the acquirer must file a Personal Questionnaire and fitness documentation. Acting without approval is an offence, and CIMA may also take action against the licence. Other CIMA-regulated entities (banks, trust companies, mutual fund administrators, securities licensees) face a stricter 0% threshold: any transfer needs prior approval.5

Ready-made companies holding this licence: see verified positions.

Laws behind it

Last verified 2026-09-24Author Danil Marmysh, Founder & CEO, ProtegraReviewed by Anastasia Sidorenkova, Head of Licensing, ProtegraReport an errorReference information, not legal advice.

Sources

  1. cima.ky: registration requirements · retrieved 2026-09-24
  2. cima.ky: VirtualAssetServiceProvidersAct2024Revision 1716397271 (PDF) · retrieved 2026-09-24
  3. cima.ky: vasp faq · retrieved 2026-09-24
  4. cima.ky: vasp statistics · retrieved 2026-09-24
  5. maples.com: cima change of control process a guide for cayman islands re · secondary · retrieved 2026-09-24

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