Crypto exchange Bullish has obtained both a BitLicense and a Money Transmission License from the New York State Department of Financial Services (NYDFS), marking a major milestone in its U.S. expansion.
The approval allows Bullish to operate in one of the toughest regulatory environments in the world, opening the door to serve institutional clients and advanced traders across New York. The company said the licenses strengthen its global compliance framework and underscore its commitment to providing regulated digital asset services.
New York’s BitLicense is infamous for its red tape and unforgiving standards, long considered the industry’s ultimate stress test. By securing it, Bullish proves it can survive the gauntlet, placing itself among the few exchanges tough enough to win institutional trust and compete on a truly global stage.
Tom Farley, CEO of Bullish and former president of the New York Stock Exchange, called the approval “a testament to Bullish’s commitment to regulatory compliance and our dedication to building trusted, institutional-grade digital asset infrastructure in key global markets,” adding that he looks forward to contributing to New York’s financial ecosystem.
Chris Tyrer, President of Bullish Exchange, echoed the sentiment, describing the BitLicense as “a significant regulatory milestone” that not only advances Bullish’s U.S. growth but also demonstrates its credibility to operate in “the financial capital of the world,” stressing that clear regulation is key to responsible market evolution and deeper institutional engagement.
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