Coinbase Receives New York BitLicense

The New York State Department of Financial Services (NYDFS) has awarded cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase a formal license to do business in the state. Though Coinbase has been allowed to serve New York customers under a safe-harbor provision while the application process was being conducted, the formal award of the so-called "BitLicense" solidifies the exchange's operating status. Coming at a time when the exchange has been waging what could be an expensive legal battle with the IRS to protect its customer data, the license is being described as a "validation" of....

Coinbase has submitted an application for a BitLicense in New York State, making it one of the leading bitcoin businesses to seek the necessary regulatory approval. Coinbase advised CCN of its action in the wake of plans by other cryptocurrency businesses - such as LocalBitcoins, BitFinex and Kraken - to bolt New York due to the controversial regulation. The law prohibits the sale of bitcoin without a license. "We can confirm that Coinbase has submitted a BitLicense application," a Coinbase spokesman told CCN. "The process was a significant undertaking, but we're fortunate to have the....

The process of getting all of the paperwork and legal documentation together is both time-consuming, and costly. But that is not the biggest concern, as BitLicense requires companies to keep an extensive amount of details on all of their customers. Two more companies are on the brink of obtaining the infamous Bitlicense, which makes Coinbase and Ripple compliant Bitcoin entities in the state of New York. Both companies applied for their license several months ago, but it looks like there is light at the end of the tunnel. According to a source familiar with the matter, both Ripple and....

Circle Internet Financial Ltd., a Boston-based bitcoin startup backed by Goldman Sachs Group Inc., has become the first firm to receive a New York State BitLicense, allowing it to offer digital-currency services in New York. The issuance of the first BitLicense marks a victory for both Circle and the State of New York. The BitLicense is considered the most restrictive state regulation for bitcoin and has caused some bitcoin companies to discontinue serving New York State. The goal of the license is to provide a framework that allows digital-currency firms to build their services, but at....

While the BitLicense has caused many companies to leave New York, those that intend to stay are progressing though the regulatory process. This week, one of the world's largest Bitcoin services and wallet providers Coinbase became the 25thcompany to file for a BitLicense, which is expected to cost more than $100,000 in legal and compliance fees, according to Bitstamp Executive Vice President and chief legal officer George Frost. Since February, Coinbase has continued to work with the New York Department of Financial Services (NYDFS) to improve the regulations and restrictions set on....