DRC Law · Crypto law 2026

Fast-track launch
of a regulated
crypto exchange

Countries take different approaches to regulating crypto assets: some build their own national regimes, others integrate crypto assets into the existing financial system or set up dedicated financial free zones. Our offering covers both launching a regulated crypto exchange within the Russian legal framework and building international infrastructure in line with foreign legislation. We know how to operate under either regime.

Turnkey national crypto licence or free-zone licence
Bank onboarding and integration of secure payment systems via SWIFT, SEPA and others
Outsourced AML with dedicated legal support and compliance teams
Full compliance with AML legislation, including MiCA
Stronger customer loyalty and legally compliant operations
An unprecedentedly affordable start – from USD 15,000
Jurisdiction comparison

Choose a jurisdiction for your exchange

10 jurisdictions – from fast free zones to top-tier international licences. We compare the key parameters.

🇬🇪
Georgia
KFZ Kutaisi
★ Free zone
Corp. tax0%
Licence timeline2–3 days
Setup costfrom $20,000
Russian UBOs✓ No restrictions
🇰🇬
Kyrgyzstan
Tamchy FEZ
★ Free zone
Corp. tax0% / 49 years
Licence timelineUnder development
Setup costfrom $15,000
Russian UBOs✓ Favourable
🇰🇿
Kazakhstan
AIFC / AFSA
Corp. tax0% until 2066
Licence timeline3–6 mo.
Setup cost$20–50k
Russian UBOs✓ EAEU
🇷🇺
Russia
Bank of Russia
Corp. tax25%
Licence timelineTo be confirmed
Setup cost$50–100k
Russian UBOs✓ Russian residents
🇨🇷
Costa Rica
SUGEF
Corp. tax30%
Licence timeline1–3 mo.
Setup costfrom $15,000
Russian UBOs✓ Neutral
🇦🇪
UAE
VARA / DIFC
Corp. tax9% / 0% free zone
Licence timeline3–9 mo.
Setup cost$30–100k+
Russian UBOs⚠ Moderate restrictions
🇭🇰
Hong Kong
SFC (VASP)
Corp. tax16.5%
Licence timeline6–12 mo.
Setup cost$50–150k+
Russian UBOs⚠ Difficult
🇨🇦
Canada
MSB FINTRAC
Corp. tax26.5%
Licence timeline1–3 mo.
Setup costfrom $15,000
Russian UBOs✕ Critical restrictions
🇬🇧
United Kingdom
FCA
Corp. tax25%
Licence timeline6–24 mo.
Setup cost£20–50k+
Russian UBOs⚠ Difficult
🇪🇺
European Union
MiCA (CASP)
Corp. tax9–25%
Licence timeline3–18 mo.
Setup cost€30–100k+
Russian UBOs✕ Critical restrictions

★ Free zone – Georgia (KFZ) and Kyrgyzstan (Tamchy FEZ) operate under a free economic zone regime. National licences on standard terms are also available. Data current as of August 2026.

Target audience

Who it’s for

Our solutions cover the full spectrum of virtual asset market participants – from startups to large payment platforms.

Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP)Payment Service Provider (PSP)OTC Crypto ExchangeCrypto exchange servicesBlockchain projectsWeb3 companiesTokenization projectsFinTech companiesInternational payment servicesDigital Asset PlatformCrypto BrokerageCustody Services
Regulatory compliance

What a crypto exchange needs to operate legally

Six mandatory conditions – from the permit itself to the financial reserve.

1
Obtaining a licence / entry in a register
This is the authorisation without which any virtual asset exchange activity is illegal. Depending on the jurisdiction, this may be notification-based registration in a VASP register or a full licence requiring a fit & proper test. Timelines range from 3 business days to 18 months.
2
Membership in a self-regulatory organisation
This is membership in a self-regulatory organisation that sets industry standards and is accountable to the regulator for compliance with them. In Russia, it is mandatory for inclusion in the Bank of Russia register; in other jurisdictions, it can significantly strengthen a bank account application.
3
Certified software
This is a technology platform that has passed an independent security audit. The regulator assesses six areas: the custody solution (MPC / multisig), the trading engine, transaction monitoring, cybersecurity, data storage and automated regulatory reporting.
4
AML system integration
This is integration with blockchain analytics to screen every transaction against sanctions lists and databases of high-risk addresses in real time. It also includes Travel Rule compliance for cross-border transfers and the filing of suspicious activity reports.
5
KYC and customer compliance policies
These are documented procedures for identifying and verifying customers at three levels: simplified (SDD), standard (CDD) and enhanced (EDD) checks. The procedures include PEP screening, source-of-funds checks, periodic profile reviews and a process for terminating the relationship when EDD cannot be completed.
6
Financial safeguards for operations
This is evidence of financial soundness provided to the regulator: the minimum share capital required by the jurisdiction, an operating liquidity reserve covering at least six months, segregation of client assets, cyber-risk insurance and an annual audit of the financial statements.
Our services

What our services include

End-to-end support – from company incorporation to bank account opening and AML compliance.

Company incorporation
from 24 hours*
Guaranteed licence acquisition
from 48 hours*
Bank account opening
USD · EUR · GBP · GEL · RUB · CNY · AED · TRL · KZT
AML support for your company
Outsourced MLRO and Compliance Officer
Corporate document preparation
Full set of documents
Licensing support
Liaison with the regulator
Legal support
Legal review at every stage
Representation services
When in-person filing is not possible
* provided the document package is complete
DRC Law · Crypto practice

We support the entire lifecycle

Jurisdiction selection, incorporation, licensing, AML policies and banking – all delivered on a turnkey basis.