HashKey Europe, a subsidiary of the Hong Kong-based cryptocurrency exchange HashKey, has been granted a virtual asset service provider (VASP) license by the Central Bank of Ireland. The approval, announced on Jan. 7 by the HashKey Group, marks the company's expansion into the Irish market. All crypto service providers in Ireland must register with the central bank to comply with Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (CFT) regulations under the Fifth Anti-Money Laundering Directive (AMLD5) of the European Union. With the VASP license, HashKey can now offer various crypto services, including fiat-crypto exchange, custodial wallet services, and digital asset transfers. The Central Bank of Ireland mandates VASP approval for entities involved in offering or selling virtual assets. HashKey views Ireland as a key market for its international presence, alongside operational licenses in Bermuda, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Japan. The deadline for crypto license applications was Dec. 30, 2024, under the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA), giving existing providers three months to apply for VASP registration. The implementation of MiCA in Ireland aims to enhance financial inclusivity and democratize finance through improved coordination, consistency, and industry engagement. Read more AI-generated news on: https://app.chaingpt.org/news