Key Highlights
- MoonPay wins a New York Trust Charter, enabling regulated custody and OTC trading.
- It now holds both a BitLicense and Trust Charter — a rarity in the crypto sector.
- Approval follows its Arkham fiat-integration deal and continued global licensing expansion.
MoonPay, a financial technology company involved in the transfer of cryptocurrency, has secured one of the most difficult regulatory approvals in the American financial system: a New York Limited Purpose Trust Charter, issued by the New York State Department of Financial Services (NYDFS).
The authorization, confirmed today, allows the company to offer crypto custody and over-the-counter (OTC) trading services in New York, a state long regarded as the toughest jurisdiction for digital-asset firms.
What the New Charter Means
MoonPay said its new status enables the operation of MoonPay Trust Company, allowing it to offer institutional-grade digital-asset custody, NYDFS-supervised OTC trading, and deeper integration with financial institutions seeking regulated crypto infrastructure.
MoonPay received a BitLicense in June 2025 to serve users nationwide, and the new trust charter further boosts its credibility with banks, fintechs, and other institutions. MoonPay’s choice to pursue New York’s stricter state-level review, rather than a federal OCC charter, sets it apart, given NYDFS’ reputation for intensive oversight and detailed due-diligence requirements.
“Receiving our New York Trust Charter reflects our commitment to meeting the highest standards of compliance, security, and governance,” said CEO Ivan Soto-Wright.
Why It Matters for the U.S. Crypto Landscape
New York’s regime remains the toughest U.S. digital-asset framework, with strict AML and cybersecurity rules plus clear custody, capital, and governance requirements recognized by traditional financial institutions.
MoonPay’s ability to meet those thresholds signals its shift toward becoming a full-stack, institution-focused infrastructure provider rather than just a retail on-ramp. The approval also comes as U.S. regulators debate how much oversight crypto firms should face at the federal level.
MoonPay’s Recent Moves
The trust charter follows a month of expansion for MoonPay, including its November 22 partnership with Arkham Exchange to power fiat on- and off-ramps.
The deal lets Arkham users move between cash and crypto through MoonPay using cards, bank transfers, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. The integration is designed to streamline the trading flow for KYC-verified users and reduce friction in converting fiat to digital assets.
What Comes Next
With its BitLicense and new trust charter, MoonPay is now positioned to pursue deeper institutional partnerships and expand its role in U.S. crypto infrastructure.
New York’s trust charter is one of the hardest gates in the crypto industry, and clearing it signals that MoonPay intends to compete in the regulated, institutional tier of the market, not just the retail one.
Also read: Zengo and MoonPay Expand Partnership to Boost Crypto Access
