Canada (MSB) vs Panama for a Crypto License: Which Should You Choose?
Should you license in Canada (MSB) or Panama? The right answer depends entirely on who your customers are. Here is the decision framework we use with clients. CRYPTO LICENSE GUIDE · 2026 Canada (MSB) vs Panama crypto license Crypto licensing across 15+ jurisdictions CONSULTING24.CO The Core Trade-off Canada (MSB) works through a FINTRAC money-services-business (MSB) registration (FINTRAC), costs about $8,000–$25,000, and takes 3–6 weeks. Panama uses a Sociedad Anónima with no dedicated VASP regime, costs $15,000–$45,000, and takes 6–12 weeks. In short: Canada (MSB) typically buys you regulatory standing in North America; Panama buys you speed, low cost and 0% tax on foreign-source income. The 4 stages of getting licensed 1 Choose jurisdiction match your customers 2 Incorporate set up the entity 3 AML / KYC program the banking key 4 Open banking fiat on/off-ramps When Canada (MSB) Wins Pick Canada (MSB) if your priority is crypto-to-fiat exchanges that need North Amer...