United

April

Update April 4, 14:00UTC: This article has been updated to include quotes from Coinbase.
The United States-based cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase has secured restricted dealer licenses in Canada, doubling down on global expansion amid regulatory crackdown at home.
Coinbase has obtained a new license in Canada, becoming registered in Ontario as a restricted dealer under the Canadian Securities Administrators (CSA), the firm officially <a href="https://www.coinbase.com/blog/coinbase-obtains-registration-as-a-restricted-dealer-in-canada" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">announced</a> on April 3.
The new authorization officially established Coinbase as a legally operating cryptocurrency firm in Canada. "The registration is the culmination of months of hard work, starting in March 2023 when we signed an Enhanced Pre-Registration Undertaking that signified our dedication to regulatory compliance and operational excellence," the announcement notes
According to CSA’s national registration data, there are two Coinbase-related entities <a href="https://info.securities-administrators.ca/nrsmobile/nrssearch.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">registered</a> in Canada, including Coinbase Incorporated, which is registered as a restricted dealer. The other one, Coinbase Canada, is registered as an international dealer.
<figure>
 <img src="https://s3.cointelegraph.com/uploads/2024-04/0ee88fb5-75c9-4f52-a2d7-1414a236eea0.png">
 <figcaption style="text-align: center;">
 Coinbase Canada and Coinbase Inc national registration data. Source: CSA
 </figcaption>
</figure>
<a href="https://www.securities-administrators.ca/uploadedFiles/General/pdfs/UnderstandingRegistration_EN.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">According</a> to CSA, restricted dealer registration is “a special kind of dealing registration used for firms that do not quite fit under any other category.” Regulators establish individual requirements for firms with this status.
International dealers are not allowed to trade with Canadian customers in equity or debt securities of Canadian issuers other than government issuers, <a href="https://www.jdsupra.com/legalnews/csa-start-allowing-international-58214/" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">according</a> to legal intelligence source JD Supra.
Coinbase’s new license in Canada is not the first big move by the crypto exchange in the country. The exchange officially <a href="https://cointelegraph.com/news/coinbase-vp-says-canada-can-be-a-global-leader-in-crypto">launched in Canada in August 2023</a> and subsequently expanded its services to Canadians through a partnership with the local financial services firm Peoples Trust Company.
Related:&nbsp;<a href="https://cointelegraph.com/news/coinbase-wallet-beats-sec-broker-claim-positive-for-defi">Coinbase Wallet triumph over SEC allegations is a ‘giant win’ for DeFi</a>
As of April 2024, Coinbase has a tech hub located in Canada with nearly 200 full-time local employees, the company said in the new announcement.
Some rival exchanges like Kraken have been taking steps to receive registered dealer registration in Canada. <a href="https://cointelegraph.com/news/kraken-aims-for-restricted-dealer-registration-in-canada-to-comply-with-new-rules">Kraken filed in March 2023 a pre-registration</a> undertaking with the Ontario Securities Commission in Canada seeking restricted dealer status as well.
The move aimed to help Kraken comply with the CSA’s new guidance for crypto asset trading platforms issued in February 2023. 
According to the new requirements, local crypto trading platforms <a href="https://cointelegraph.com/news/new-canadian-rules-for-crypto-trading-platforms-leave-little-room-for-stablecoins">should comply with stricter custody standards</a>, restrictions on the use of leverage and a ban on trading stablecoins without prior written consent from the CSA.
Magazine:&nbsp;<a href="https://cointelegraph.com/magazine/sbf-gets-25-years-in-prison-fidelity-eyes-eth-staking-and-coinbases-court-loss-hodlers-digest-march-24-30/">SBF gets 25 years in prison, Fidelity eyes ETH staking, and Coinbase’s court loss: Hodler’s Digest, March 24-30</a>

Coinbase secures restricted dealer license in Canada

Cointelegraph

Other articles published on Apr 4, 2024

Best Crypto to Buy Now April 4 – Maker, IoTeX, Ethena

Breaking: Ripple Announces a Multichain Fiat-backed Stablecoin to Improve XRP’s Liquidity

Ripple enters stablecoin market; Will it unlock XRP?

Ripple Vs. SEC: Debates Erupt Over Hinman’s Ethical Conduct

Near Protocol’s Price Surge Attracts Attention in Crypto Market

Investor Alert: Is WIF's Current Dip a Buying Opportunity or a Red Flag?

Join our free newsletter for daily crypto updates!