Blockchain.com secures definitive Cayman VASP licence

Blockchain.com has received a definitive Virtual Asset Service Provider custody licence from the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority, the company said Thursday. The approval, dated July 22, converts the conditional authorisation CIMA granted in December 2025 into a full licence.

The licence covers custody services for virtual assets, exchange between fiat currencies and virtual assets, and exchange between different virtual assets. It also authorises staking infrastructure for institutional clients and eligible retail users. “Our VASP custody services licence builds on the regulatory momentum we’ve established with our recent MiCA and FCA approvals," co-CEO Lane Kasselman said in the announcement. “We believe strong regulation is essential to the long-term development of digital assets."

Blockchain.com had operated under a VASP registration in the Cayman Islands since May 2022. The company said it satisfied all of CIMA’s conditions before receiving the definitive licence. The approval adds to a string of regulatory milestones over the past year: a Markets in Crypto-Assets licence in Europe and registration with the UK Financial Conduct Authority.

With the licence in place, the company can offer regulated custody, exchange, and staking services from the Cayman Islands. Institutional custody is a core offering, the company said, providing secure storage for organisations managing crypto holdings. The staking infrastructure lets organisations participate in blockchain network validation and earn rewards.

Blockchain.com is also building a physical presence in the territory. In June, it announced a partnership with TechCayman, an organisation that helps international technology companies set up operations there. The arrangement will support the company’s first local employee, who will join the Cayman Islands operations. TechCayman will provide sponsorship, operational support, and access to its local business network.