Applying For A Virtual Financial Asset Licence In Order To Operate A Crypto-Exchange

Malta is the first country in the world to create and implement a fully comprehensive legal and regulatory framework for cryptocurrency and blockchain technology. The stable system and forward approach that Malta offers creates the ideal setting to attract further investment. In fact, Malta has attracted some of the world's largest cryptocurrency exchanges who have relocated or set up offices on the island.

The Maltese legal framework consists of three main pieces of legislation, namely:

i. The Virtual Financial Assets Act (the "Act");

ii. The Malta Digital Innovation Authority Act; &

iii. The Innovative Technology Arrangements and Services Act.

The most important and relevant piece of legislation is the Act, which regulates, inter alia, Initial Virtual Financial Asset Offerings, Virtual Financial Assets ("VFA") and the provision of VFA services. Under the Act, cryptocurrencies are classified as 'Virtual Financial Assets'.