- New Regulations in Hawaii
- Attraction of Major Crypto Firms
- Business and Crypto Ecosystem Prospects
Hawaii's new crypto regulations are making the state increasingly attractive to cryptocurrency companies. Firms like MetaMask and Transak are now setting up offices in this region.
New Regulations in Hawaii
In June, regulators jointly announced that the business activities of crypto companies should not be classified as money transmission under Hawaii law. As of July 1, 2024, cryptocurrency exchanges and firms are no longer required to obtain a money transmitter license to operate in the state, which is in stark contrast with most US states.
Attraction of Major Crypto Firms
This step could attract many notable crypto firms back into the state, according to Bryan Keane, the US compliance officer at Transak. The compliance expert told Cointelegraph: “Hawaii’s recent regulatory decision creates the potential for it to emerge as a significant crypto hub. The state’s interpretation of money transmission in regards to cryptocurrency sets the stage for broader adoption, aligning well with the enthusiastic and growing Web3 community in the region.”
Business and Crypto Ecosystem Prospects
The new regulatory development is a welcome sign for companies like Transak, which can now offer more comprehensive crypto payment services in the state without relying on third-party solutions. This regulatory shift has already attracted numerous notable Web3 firms including MetaMask, Transak, BitPay and Trust Wallet. Hawaii is expected to become a key part of the wider crypto economy, as Keane described: “With the regulatory landscape now aligned with our operational strengths, we see it becoming a pivotal market not just for Transak, but for the broader crypto ecosystem.”
Thanks to the regulatory change, Hawaii is becoming a more attractive place for cryptocurrency companies, which could, in turn, contribute to the overall adoption and development of the crypto ecosystem in the region and beyond.
