Crypto Asset Service Provider licence (an FSP authorisation category under FAIS, not a MiCA-equivalent regime) (South Africa)
The Crypto Asset Service Provider licence (an FSP authorisation category under FAIS, not a MiCA-equivalent regime) is issued by Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) under Financial Advisory and Intermediary Services Act 37 of 2002. The official register lists 310 current holders. Ownership changes need the regulator's approval before completion.
At a glance
| Official name | Crypto Asset Service Provider licence (an FSP authorisation category under FAIS, not a MiCA-equivalent regime)1 |
|---|---|
| Issued by | Financial Sector Conduct Authority |
| Jurisdiction | South Africa |
| Licence family | Virtual asset service provider (non-MiCA) |
| Legal basis | Financial Advisory and Intermediary Services Act 37 of 20022 |
| Passporting | Domestic only |
| Public register | official register1 |
| Current holders | 3101 |
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
Buying a company that already holds it
Notification only. A 'significant owner' under FSR Act s157 is anyone able to control or materially influence an FSP's business or strategy, presumed at the power to appoint 15% of the governing body or holding a qualifying stake. For an ordinary FSP (not a bank, insurer, market infrastructure or CIS manager), FSR Act s158 prior-approval does not apply; the FSP must instead notify the FSCA of significant ownership. A new key individual, however, needs FSCA fit-and-proper approval (FAIS s8(4)(b), form FSP4D) before acting, and non-compliance must be notified within 30 days.3
Ready-made companies holding this licence: see verified positions.
Laws behind it
- Financial Advisory and Intermediary Services Act, 2002: Act No. 37 of 2002
Sources
- fanews.co.za: 43764 · secondary · retrieved 2026-09-24
- gov.za: financial advisory and intermediary services act · retrieved 2026-09-24
- moonstone.co.za: honesty and integrity requirement now applies to the signifi · secondary · retrieved 2026-09-24
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