The Supervision Committee of Latvijas Banka issued crypto-asset service licences to Bleap SIA and Hodleris SIA, allowing both companies to operate under the European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA).
Bleap SIA has been authorised to:
- exchange crypto-assets for funds; and
- exchange crypto-assets for other crypto-assets.
Hodleris SIA has received a broader licence authorising it to:
- provide custody and administration of crypto-assets on behalf of clients;
- exchange crypto-assets for funds;
- exchange crypto-assets for other crypto-assets; and
- provide transfer services for crypto-assets on behalf of clients.
Both companies obtained their licences in accordance with MiCA requirements and may provide their services throughout the European Union under the cross-border notification mechanism.
Since the introduction of the EU’s unified legal framework for the crypto-asset sector, nine companies have now received authorisation from Latvijas Banka to provide crypto-asset services. The list of licensed companies is available on the Latvijas Banka website, while the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) maintains an EU-wide register of authorised crypto-asset service providers.
Latvijas Banka encourages companies seeking authorisation to make use of its licensing guides, which provide detailed information on the licensing process, application requirements, required documentation, and review timelines.
To facilitate a smooth licensing process, the central bank also offers pre-licensing consultations. During these consultations, Latvijas Banka’s experts provide guidance on the applicable regulatory framework and conduct an initial assessment of a company’s readiness to meet the relevant requirements. According to the central bank, cooperation at the pre-licensing stage helps companies prepare high-quality licence applications and contributes to a more efficient licensing process.
Companies interested in obtaining a crypto-asset service licence may submit consultation requests through the Latvijas Banka website.
