In 2015, the New York Department of Financial Services (NYDFS) finalized rules creating the BitLicense for virtual currency exchanges operating in New York state. New York is currently the only state to have a licensing regime specifically for virtual currency exchanges.

The industry has bemoaned the BitLicense since it was proposed. Critics say that the process for obtaining the bit license, which is similar to the process for creating a bank, is too onerous.  Nevertheless, over the last five years the DFS has granted about two dozen BitLicenses. Most of the largest crypto-fiat exchanges have one. Still, it serves as a barrier to entry to the New York marketplace.

The original BitLicense regulation created a registration category called “conditional licensees.”  However, there were no guidelines for how conditional licenses would be granted until now. At the end of June 2020 DFS issued the Request for Comments on a Proposed Framework for a Conditional BitLicense. The DFS conditional license proposal would permit a new entrant to operate under the supervision of an existing BitLicense holder during the term of a conditional BitLicense. Under the proposed framework, a conditional licensee would collaborate and engage with an existing BitLicense holder for services and support, including structure, capital, systems, personnel. The conditional licensee is meant to serve as an on-ramp for new industry entrants that hope to obtain a BitLicense in the future.

Under the proposal, the DFS maintains regulatory oversight of conditional licensees. Applicants for conditional licenses have to submit a copy of a service level agreement with an existing Bitlicensee holder to the DFS for approval and agree to DFS supervision before DFS will grant a conditional license.

Comments to the DFS’ conditional BitLicense proposal must be submitted by Aug. 10, 2020.

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Photo of William Mack William Mack

William B. Mack is a co-chair of the Financial Regulatory and Compliance Practice. He is experienced in advising companies on regulatory and compliance matters relating to the Securities and Exchange Commission regulations, the Exchange Act, Anti-Money Laundering laws and Financial Industry Regulatory Authority

William B. Mack is a co-chair of the Financial Regulatory and Compliance Practice. He is experienced in advising companies on regulatory and compliance matters relating to the Securities and Exchange Commission regulations, the Exchange Act, Anti-Money Laundering laws and Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) rules.

William’s practice involves all aspects of broker-dealer regulation, including Self-Regulatory Organization (SRO) membership, supervision, employment, research, soft dollar arrangements, chaperoning of foreign broker-dealers, social media, use of foreign finders, anti-money laundering rules, alternative trading systems (ATS), exchanges, and market making issues. He also provides regulatory guidance to investment banking clients in connection with securities offerings and related trading issues.

Photo of India L. Sneed India L. Sneed

India L. Sneed advises clients on matters pertaining to government law and policy, election law, and investigations.

India has vast experience as a leader in governmental and legislative roles, having served as Deputy Director of the New York City Mayor’s Action Plan where…

India L. Sneed advises clients on matters pertaining to government law and policy, election law, and investigations.

India has vast experience as a leader in governmental and legislative roles, having served as Deputy Director of the New York City Mayor’s Action Plan where she was responsible for interagency coordination of citywide programs and managing a multimillion dollar budget; Chief of Staff and Legislative & Budget Director for two City Council Members where she led bill drafting and negotiations and allocated funds to community partners; and as Executive Director of the New York State BLAC Caucus engaging legislators statewide on a wide variety of matters. India also served as a Prosecutor in the Kings County District Attorneys’ Office, leading investigations into officer misconduct and hate crimes and conducting bench and jury trials. India continues to maintain and grow her vast network of agency decision makers and legislators.