Crypto-asset service providers
A crypto-asset service provider (CASP) provides crypto-asset services (exchange, execution, custody, etc.) to customers in the Netherlands or the EU.
Crypto-asset services include:
- providing custody and administration of crypto-assets on behalf of clients;
- operation of a trading platform for crypto-assets;
- exchange of crypto-assets for funds;
- exchange of crypto-assets for other crypto-assets
- execution of orders for crypto-assets on behalf of clients;
- placing of crypto-assets
- reception and transmission of orders for crypto-assets on behalf of clients;
- providing advice on crypto-assets;
- providing portfolio management on crypto-assets;
- providing transfer services for crypto-assets on behalf of clients.
If a company provides one or more of these services, it must hold a license from the Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets (AFM) or another supervisory authority within the EU. With this license, a CASP may conduct these activities in the Netherlands.
Download the Register of Crypto-Asset Service Providers (xlsx, 200 kB)
How can you tell if a company needs a license?
Simple step-by-step guide:- Does the company engage in buying, trading, safeguarding, or advising on crypto-assets? (See the list above for a complete overview of the services).
- Is the company targeting you as an EU customer? For example, does it market its services to you or in your country?
- Is the company listed in the AFM register?
Not listed in the register? → Be extra cautious and carefully consider whether you want to do business with that company.
Short examples:
- An app through which you buy crypto-assets → License required
- A platform that stores your crypto-assets → License required
- A website that only publishes news articles about crypto-assets → (Probably) no license required