Crypto license
in Canada
BUILD A CANADIAN MSB STRUCTURE FOR YOUR CRYPTO BUSINESS
Canada is a practical choice for crypto teams that want to look credible from the first conversation with banks, partners and payment providers.
AMS sets up the full structure around your business model: Canadian company formation, FINTRAC MSB or Foreign MSB registration, AML/CTF documentation, KYC rules, Travel Rule procedures, banking preparation and compliance support after launch.
This setup may suit crypto exchanges, OTC desks, virtual-currency payment services, wallet infrastructure providers, crypto ATM networks and fintech platforms that need a recognised North American base without a statutory minimum-capital requirement.
WHY CANADA FOR A CRYPTO MSB STRUCTURE
Canada works well for crypto projects that need more than an offshore company, but do not want to begin with a heavy banking licence.
Credibility from day one
A Canadian company is easier to present to banks, payment providers and international partners than a low-recognition offshore vehicle.
A known AML pathway
Virtual-currency businesses can enter the Canadian regulatory perimeter through FINTRAC as a Money Services Business or Foreign MSB.
No statutory capital lock
FINTRAC does not set a fixed minimum share capital for MSB registration, which helps founders keep the launch structure flexible.
Designed for real operations
The process is built around the full launch: company, compliance file, registration, banking preparation and ongoing controls.
AMS Crypto Licensing Services & Plans
Our goal is to simplify and accelerate the licensing process, minimize bureaucratic hurdles, and ensure full compliance with all applicable regulatory requirements in Canada
Package price starting from:
€25,000
A new Canadian company prepared specifically for your crypto activity.
Includes:
- Canadian corporation formation
- Federal or provincial incorporation
- Ownership and corporate structure setup
- FINTRAC MSB or Foreign MSB registration
- AML/CTF policy documents
- KYC and onboarding procedures
- Enhanced due diligence rules
- Travel Rule workflow
- Transaction monitoring setup
- Business model risk assessment
- Compliance officer assistance
- Bank / EMI onboarding support
- Compliance support after registration
Package price starting from:
€40,000
A faster route for clients who want an existing Canadian company already registered with FINTRAC.
Includes:
- Existing Canadian corporation
- Active FINTRAC MSB registration
- AML/CTF documentation
- Internal compliance rules
- Review of the current company file
- Adaptation to your planned activity
- Operational onboarding
- Bank / EMI account support
- Accounting and audit assistance
- FINTRAC reporting support
- Ongoing compliance after transfer
Additional services for crypto businesses
A Canadian crypto company should be ready for banks, reporting and daily work — not only for registration.
Banking preparation
AMS helps prepare the ownership file, business description, compliance documents and transaction-flow explanation for banks and EMI providers.
Compliance maintenance
Support with AML/CTF updates, KYC processes, Travel Rule controls, monitoring logic, reporting workflows and periodic reviews.
Securities-risk check
We review whether the model may touch Canadian securities regulation because of custody, crypto contracts, platform balances, token features or derivatives exposure.
Accounting and reporting
Bookkeeping, tax coordination, management reporting, audit preparation and ongoing financial administration for Canadian crypto companies.
AMS APPROACH TO CANADIAN CRYPTO REGISTRATION
We begin with how the product works
Before preparing forms, we look at the real service: who uses it, how assets move, where money enters and exits, and whether the company touches client funds.
The compliance file is not generic
Your AML/CTF documents are built around your users, transaction sizes, jurisdictions, risk levels and operating model.
FINTRAC is only one part of the map
Some projects stay within the MSB perimeter. Others may need securities-law review. AMS checks this before the company structure is finalised.
Banking is planned early
Many crypto companies fail not at registration, but at account opening. We prepare the file so the activity can be explained clearly to banking partners.
The setup is handled as one project
Company formation, FINTRAC filing, AML documents, banking preparation and post-registration support are coordinated together.
Support continues after launch
AMS can assist with reporting, renewals, AML monitoring, accounting, audit preparation and compliance-effectiveness reviews.
STEP-BY-STEP PROCESS FOR OBTAINING CRYPTO MSB REGISTRATION IN CANADA
Business model review
AMS reviews the planned services, client markets, transaction flows, shareholders, directors, beneficial owners, IT setup and financial plan.
We identify whether the company should be structured as a Canadian MSB, Foreign MSB, or whether an additional securities-law review is needed.
Canadian company formation
We create the Canadian corporation, prepare the corporate documents, organise the shareholder and director structure, and arrange the registered office where required.
Most steps can usually be completed remotely with a Power of Attorney.
AML/CTF file
AMS prepares the documents needed for registration and practical operation.
This includes:
- AML/CTF compliance program
- KYC and EDD procedures
- Travel Rule workflow
- Transaction-monitoring process
- Risk assessment
- Record-keeping rules
- Reporting procedures
- Compliance officer documents
FINTRAC registration
AMS prepares the registration file, submits the required information and supports communication with FINTRAC if additional clarification is requested.
If the business includes custody, crypto contracts, platform balances, tokenised products or trading-platform functionality, we also review the securities-regulation angle.
Launch and ongoing support
After registration, the company must keep its compliance system active.
AMS supports AML monitoring, reporting, accounting, tax coordination, renewal, compliance-effectiveness review and audit preparation.
CORE REQUIREMENTS FOR CRYPTO MSB REGISTRATION IN CANADA
A Canadian crypto MSB needs a structure that can be explained to FINTRAC, banks and future partners.
Legal structure
A domestic MSB usually works through a Canadian corporation. A foreign company targeting Canadian clients may register as a Foreign MSB.
Share capital
There is no statutory minimum share capital for FINTRAC MSB registration.
Compliance officer
The company must appoint a responsible person to manage AML/CTF controls and internal procedures.
AML/CTF program
The company needs tailored policies for client checks, risk assessment, Travel Rule, monitoring, reporting and record keeping.
Background checks
Directors and persons owning or controlling 20% or more of the company may need recent criminal record checks.
Ongoing duties
The company must keep records, monitor transactions, submit required reports, renew registration every two years and complete periodic compliance reviews.
WHY CANADIAN MSB APPLICATIONS
GET STUCK
Most problems appear before FINTRAC even reviews the file. The structure is often unclear, the activity is described too broadly, or the compliance documents do not match the real product.
Prepare the structure before submission.
AMS builds the company, compliance package and registration file so the Canadian setup is ready for real operation, not only for filing.
FAQ: CRYPTO LICENSE IN CANADA
Why do crypto companies use Canada?
Canada gives crypto businesses a recognised North American jurisdiction, clear AML rules and no statutory minimum capital requirement for MSB registration.
Is this a traditional crypto licence?
Not exactly. For many crypto activities, Canada uses FINTRAC registration as a Money Services Business or Foreign MSB instead of a classic crypto-licence model.
Which business models can fit this route?
The route may suit crypto exchange, OTC, payment gateway, value transfer, crypto ATM, crypto-fiat conversion and some wallet-related models.
Can a Canadian MSB handle crypto and fiat flows?
Yes, if the model is structured within the relevant MSB and virtual-currency activity scope. Banking and AML controls must be prepared carefully.
Does the company need paid-up capital?
No statutory minimum share capital is required for FINTRAC MSB registration. The company still needs enough resources for operations, compliance and banking.
Is there a FINTRAC state fee?
FINTRAC does not charge a government registration fee. Costs usually relate to incorporation, compliance documents, professional support, banking preparation and ongoing maintenance.
When can securities regulation become an issue?
Securities questions may arise if the business involves custody, crypto contracts, securities-like tokens, derivatives, managed exposure or trading-platform functionality.
Can AMS handle the setup remotely?
Yes, in most cases. Canadian incorporation and FINTRAC registration can usually be handled remotely with a Power of Attorney. Banking may involve additional verification.
What does the company do after registration?
The company must maintain AML/CTF controls, identify clients, monitor transactions, apply the Travel Rule, keep records, file reports, renew registration and complete compliance reviews.
How long does the full setup take?
FINTRAC registration may be completed within a few weeks if the file is ready. A full launch-ready structure usually takes around 4–6 months because company formation, AML documents, banking and operational setup also take time.