Wiki
Payment License and Cross-Border Payment Wiki
Cross-border payment basics, plus requirements, procedures, fees and official application portals for the major payment and crypto licenses worldwide. Every figure cites the regulator's own publications; where nothing is published, we say so rather than guess.
Core concepts
SWIFT / BIC Code
SWIFT is the interbank messaging network; a BIC is the 8 or 11 character code (ISO 9362) that identifies each institution. Structure, lookup, and what happens if you get it wrong.
IBAN Account Number
An IBAN is the ISO 13616 account number format, up to 34 characters with a country code and check digits. Structure, validation, which countries use it, and how it pairs with BIC.
License guides
Grouped by jurisdiction. License registers and license numbers can be cross-checked in the institution directory.
Hong Kong
Hong Kong MSO Licence
Customs and Excise Department (C&ED)
Running a remittance or money changing business in Hong Kong requires an MSO licence from Customs. Covers scope, fit and proper tests, the MSOS online process, and 2026 fees.
Hong Kong SVF Licence
Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA)
Issuing e-wallets or multi-purpose prepaid cards in Hong Kong requires an HKMA SVF licence with paid-up capital of at least HKD 25 million. Scope, criteria and register.
Hong Kong VASP Licence
Securities and Futures Commission (SFC)
Operating a centralized virtual asset trading platform in Hong Kong requires an SFC VATP licence. Capital and cold storage rules, WINGS filing, and licensed platform lists.
Hong Kong Stablecoin Licence
Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA)
Hong Kong's Stablecoins Ordinance took effect 1 August 2025: issuing fiat-referenced or HKD-pegged stablecoins needs an HKMA licence, HKD 25 million in financial resources, fully segregated reserves.
European Union
EU EMI / PI License
National competent authorities (NCAs) of member states; EBA maintains the register
EMI and PI are the EU's two core non-bank payment licenses; one national license passports across the EEA. Covers capital (EUR 350,000 for EMI), the EBA register and PSD3.
EU MiCA / CASP
Member state NCAs license, coordinated by ESMA/EBA
MiCA is the EU's unified crypto regulation: CASPs are licensed under three capital tiers (EUR 50,000 to 150,000) with EU passporting. Transition ended 2026-07-01.
This site is an information aggregator, not a regulator, and this article is not legal advice. License requirements, fees and timelines change as regulation evolves. Before applying, rely on the regulator's official publications and consult licensed counsel in the relevant jurisdiction.