Coinspeaker Anchorage Digital Secures BitLicense for New York Operations

Anchorage Digital, a leading crypto custodian, has announced that it has secured a BitLicense for its subsidiary, Anchorage Digital NY, LLC. This approval was granted by the New York State Department of Financial Services (NYDFS) on November 16.

This license will allow the firm to offer regulated crypto services to institutional clients throughout New York State once full operation starts by early 2025. With BitLicense, Anchorage Digital has joined a select group of companies authorized to operate in highly regulated U.S. markets.

A Major Milestone for Anchorage Digital and Crypto Institutions

BitLicense, first introduced in 2015, is the government’s framework for regulating crypto businesses in New York.

The trading desk it offers will help these targeted institutions trade crypto smoothly by providing enough liquidity. Additionally, the exchange’s services are cost-effective. This makes it an appealing choice for businesses or large investors looking to trade in the crypto market.

We are excited to announce that the New York State Department of Financial Services (@NYDFS) has approved our subsidiary, Anchorage Digital NY, LLC, for a BitLicense.

The addition of BitLicense-regulated trading means Anchorage Digital can offer institutions in New York State (… pic.twitter.com/Ki7Ehn1F1I

— Anchorage Digital (@Anchorage) December 16, 2024

This move establishes Anchorage Digital as a trusted company in the growing and unpredictable world of digital asset regulations. In a recent statement, Nathan McCauley, CEO and Co-Founder of Anchorage Digital, shared his excitement about the approval. He mentioned that bringing regulated and efficient crypto trading to New York clients is a key milestone for the company.

He emphasized that it is part of the firm’s ongoing effort to build the best regulatory and technical infrastructure for institutions in crypto. He also sees it as a significant step for the broader digital asset sector.

Institutional Interest in Crypto Continues to Surge

The BitLicense approval positions Anchorage Digital to partner with various institutions. This includes Registered Investment Advisors (RIAs) and large asset managers. As institutional interest in digital assets grows, companies seek platforms that provide security, liquidity, and regulatory compliance.

This trend is evident as firms like BlackRock Inc (NYSE: BLK), Fidelity Investments, and Goldman Sachs Group Inc (NYSE: GS) have expanded their offerings to include crypto-related services. BlackRock and several other asset managers launched spot Bitcoin Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) in January 2024, which have attracted significant capital since their inception.

Meanwhile, crypto asset manager Fidelity also has functioning crypto custody services for institutional clients. As more institutions venture into crypto, the sector becomes increasingly integrated into mainstream financial markets.

Anchorage Digital’s expansion into Asia and now New York follows a series of strategic initiatives to strengthen its market position. Recently, the firm became the first U.S. federally chartered bank to support liquid staking for Liquid Collective’s Liquid Staked Ethereum (LsETH).

Additionally, Anchorage has partnered with many firms to introduce a new stablecoin network. It has also collaborated with PayPal on a stablecoin rewards program. With these moves, Anchorage Digital strengthens its position as a top player in the digital asset market.

next

Anchorage Digital Secures BitLicense for New York Operations