Blockchain.com has secured a VASP custody license from the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority. The license lets the company offer regulated crypto custody services in the jurisdiction. It's the latest in a string of approvals for the firm, which already holds licenses under MiCA and from the UK's FCA.
What the license covers
The VASP (Virtual Asset Service Provider) custody license authorizes Blockchain.com to hold and safeguard digital assets for clients in the Cayman Islands. Custody is a core service for institutional investors who need regulated storage. The Cayman Islands Monetary Authority oversees the license, meaning Blockchain.com must comply with local anti-money laundering and capital requirements.
This isn't a trading license. It's specifically for custody — safekeeping crypto on behalf of others. That distinction matters for firms looking to park assets in a regulated environment.
Building a regulatory stack
Before the Cayman Islands license, Blockchain.com had already obtained approvals under the European Union's Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation and from the UK's Financial Conduct Authority. Each jurisdiction imposes its own standards. The company now has regulated footholds in three major crypto-friendly regions.
The timing is notable. Regulators globally are tightening rules around crypto custody, and having multiple licenses gives Blockchain.com a broader base to serve institutional clients.
Why the Cayman Islands
The Cayman Islands is a well-known financial hub, particularly for hedge funds and investment vehicles. By securing a local VASP license, Blockchain.com can directly serve clients based there or those who prefer the jurisdiction's legal environment. The move also signals that the company is willing to work with regulators in smaller but significant financial centers.
Blockchain.com now holds regulatory approvals in the EU, the UK, and the Cayman Islands. The company hasn't said whether it will pursue additional licenses elsewhere.
