Legend Trading secures Central Bank of Ireland VASP approval, expands European footprint

Global leader in institutional crypto trading strengthens European presence with new VASP registration, pursuing MiCA CASP authorization to enhance digital asset services across the European Economic Area
Global leader in institutional crypto trading strengthens European presence with new VASP registration, pursuing MiCA CASP authorization to enhance digital asset services across the European Economic Area

Global leader in institutional crypto trading strengthens European presence with new VASP registration, pursuing MiCA CASP authorization to enhance digital asset services across the European Economic Area.

November 25, 2024 – Legend Trading, a global leader in institutional crypto trading, today announced that its subsidiary, Legend Financial Ireland Limited, has been approved by the Central Bank of Ireland as a Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP). This milestone reinforces Legend Trading's commitment to the European market and positions the company at the forefront of regulated digital asset services in the region.

Ireland has emerged as a prominent hub for virtual assets, offering regulatory clarity that instills confidence in the digital assets, payments, and fintech sectors. The country's reputation has attracted some of the crypto industry's most influential companies, including Coinbase and Ripple, to establish operations there. Legend Trading's decision to choose Ireland as its European headquarters underscores its dedication to operating within robust regulatory frameworks and providing secure, reliable digital asset services across the European Economic Area (EEA).

Following this registration, Legend Trading is actively seeking authorization as a Crypto Asset Service Provider (CASP) under the Markets in Crypto Assets Regulation (MiCA). In Ireland, VASPs registered and operational before December 30, 2024, can continue their operations under transitional measures while they apply for CASP authorization as required by MiCA regulations.

“The Central Bank of Ireland’s addition of Legend Trading to its list of registered virtual asset service providers is a significant step forward for our business in the region,” said Hao Chen, CEO of Legend Trading. “Ireland’s favorable regulatory environment and strategic location within the EEA make it an ideal base for our European operations. As we pursue CASP authorization under MiCA, we look forward to further enhancing our offerings and contributing to the growth of the digital asset ecosystem across the region.”

Global Leadership and Expansion

Legend Trading's VASP registration in Ireland bolsters its global leadership in providing regulatory-compliant crypto services. Serving nearly a thousand institutions worldwide, the company's OTC business offers deep liquidity and competitive pricing across major digital assets. Its innovative fiat-to-crypto gateway, Legend Pay, has been integrated by leading crypto exchanges and wallets, including MetaMask, Deribit, KuCoin, and Cobo, enabling millions of users to transition seamlessly between fiat and cryptocurrencies.

In collaboration with Circle, the global fintech firm and issuer of USDC, Legend Trading is expanding rapid, user-friendly access to USDC for institutional customers in Latin America (LATAM) and Asia-Pacific (APAC), two rapidly growing markets. This partnership enhances the accessibility and utility of digital dollars, facilitating smoother cross-border transactions and financial inclusion.

Commitment to Compliance

Legend Trading’s robust compliance framework establishes it as a trusted partner for institutions seeking secure and regulated crypto services. This milestone reinforces the company’s mission to bridge traditional finance and digital assets while adhering to the highest regulatory standards.

Legend Trading’s dedication to compliance is complemented by cutting-edge technology that ensures secure, efficient, and transparent services. With a global reach and a local presence in Europe, the company remains at the forefront of innovation and trust in the digital asset industry.

In addition to entering the European market, Legend Trading has significantly expanded its global presence this year through strategic acquisitions in countries such as South Africa, Singapore, and other locations yet to be disclosed. These acquisitions position the firm with licensed subsidiaries and affiliates to drive its global growth. Legend Trading is committed to connecting global liquidity and establishing a strong foundation for a comprehensive stablecoin-based cross-border payment infrastructure.

About Legend Trading

Legend Trading is a leading crypto trading and financial services company specializing in institutional-grade OTC trading, fiat on-ramp/off-ramp solutions, and liquidity provision. Serving nearly a thousand institutions globally, Legend Trading is known for its deep liquidity, regulatory compliance, and seamless integrations with major crypto platforms. With its European headquarters in Ireland, Legend Trading continues to set the standard for excellence in the digital asset industry.