Money Transmitter Licensing: What Fintechs and Crypto Companies Need to Know
The regulatory landscape shaping financial technology, digital assets, and payment systems.
MSB licensing requirements, multi-state approval timelines, AML controls, and compliance obligations for fintech and crypto companies.
Featured Speakers & Panelists
Featuring 2 practitioners whose combined expertise spans the critical dimensions of this topic.
Attorney with deep regulatory, litigation, real estate, and contracts experience, focused on fintech and blockchain clients. Advises startups and established companies through every stage of business development and regulatory compliance. Active member of the Government Blockchain Association.
Leads Cogent Law's Fintech and Cannabis practice groups. Has guided clients through money-transmitter licensing and MSB registration across all 50 states, helping them develop banking relationships and scale in highly regulated markets. Co-Founder and CEO of the PBC Conference.
Key Takeaways
- What a Money Transmitter License (MTL) is and when it is required.
- The regulatory landscape and how federal and state oversight interact.
- Typical costs, timelines, and requirements — with real examples.
- Common pitfalls for fintech and crypto startups.
- Whether to apply state-by-state or acquire a licensed entity.
- How to align business strategy with compliance obligations.
- How Cogent supports clients with licensing across 50 states, PR, and DC.
Designed For
- Fintech founders and executives.
- Crypto and virtual-currency startups.
- Payment processors and Money Services Businesses (MSBs).
- Banking, compliance, and risk officers.
- Investors in regulated financial services.
Date: Thursday, November 20, 2025
Time: 12:00 – 1:00 PM ET (45-minute discussion + 15-minute Q&A)
Where: Virtual Event — Free to Attend
As regulators tighten oversight of financial technology and virtual-currency markets, money transmitter licensing (MTL) has become a make-or-break issue for fintech and crypto companies. Whether you are launching a new platform, scaling operations, or raising capital, understanding MTL obligations is critical to your growth strategy and investor credibility.
Join Allison Maffitt and Joshua Radbod from Cogent Law for a practical breakdown of what every fintech and crypto founder needs to know about licensing — including costs, timelines, common pitfalls, and proven pathways to multi-state compliance.
Attendees Will Learn
- What a Money Transmitter License is and when it is required.
- The regulatory landscape — federal vs. state oversight.
- Typical costs, timelines, and requirements, illustrated with real examples.
- Common pitfalls for fintech and crypto startups.
- Whether to apply state-by-state or acquire an already-licensed entity.
- How to align business strategy with compliance obligations.
- How Cogent supports clients with licensing across 50 states, Puerto Rico, and DC.
Who Should Attend
- Fintech founders and executives.
- Crypto and virtual-currency startups.
- Payment processors and Money Services Businesses (MSBs).
- Banking, compliance, and risk officers.
- Investors in regulated financial services.
Frequently Asked
Will I receive the recording and slides? Yes. Registrants receive the recording and slides for the session they register for.
Can I submit questions? Yes. You may submit questions during registration or live during the webinar Q&A.
Prefer to talk directly? Contact Cogent Law to discuss licensing strategy, flow-of-funds analysis, or a multi-state rollout plan for your business.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. All Cogent Law webinars are complimentary and open to qualified professionals.
Yes. Registrants receive a link to the recording after the session. Past recordings can also be requested through our site.
Executives, compliance officers, general counsel, and operators in regulated industries — particularly cannabis, banking, and fintech.
Absolutely. You may submit questions during registration or reach us directly at contact@cogentlaw.com.
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Explore Our ServicesKey Takeaways
Attendees will gain actionable insights on the following:
- What a Money Transmitter License (MTL) is and when it is required.
- The regulatory landscape and how federal and state oversight interact.
- Typical costs, timelines, and requirements — with real examples.
- Common pitfalls for fintech and crypto startups.
- Whether to apply state-by-state or acquire a licensed entity.
- How to align business strategy with compliance obligations.
- How Cogent supports clients with licensing across 50 states, PR, and DC.
Designed For
This session is structured for professionals who need to stay ahead of regulatory and strategic developments:
Featured Speakers
This session brings together 2 distinguished practitioners whose combined expertise spans the critical dimensions of this topic.
Attorney with deep regulatory, litigation, real estate, and contracts experience, focused on fintech and blockchain clients. Advises startups and established companies through every stage of business development and regulatory compliance. Active member of the Government Blockchain Association.
Leads Cogent Law's Fintech and Cannabis practice groups. Has guided clients through money-transmitter licensing and MSB registration across all 50 states, helping them develop banking relationships and scale in highly regulated markets. Co-Founder and CEO of the PBC Conference.
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