Strike, a bitcoin payments firm, has received a BitLicense and a money transmitter licence from the New York State Department of Financial Services, The Block reported on March 6.
This allows Strike to provide bitcoin financial services to New York residents and businesses.
With the approvals, Strike will offer services in New York including bitcoin brokerage, recurring purchases, converting payroll into bitcoin and bill payments using bitcoin balances.
New York's BitLicense system was introduced by NYDFS in 2015 and is regarded as the toughest cryptocurrency regulatory regime in the United States. To obtain approval, firms must meet broad requirements including anti-money laundering, cybersecurity, capital reserves and ongoing supervision. Without a BitLicense or equivalent trust approval, providing services to New York residents is in principle not possible.
Strike founder and CEO Jack Mallers (잭 맬러스) said, "Obtaining the BitLicense is a decisive milestone for Strike," adding, "We can now realise our vision in New York, the world's financial hub."
Chi-gyu Hwang
delight@d-today.co.kr