In 2025, the volume of global transactions using cryptocurrency exceeded $4 trillion for the first time, and over 60% of international companies made at least one transaction using digital assets. However, behind these impressive figures lies another reality: less than 10% of businesses have integrated cryptocurrency payments into their processes in a way that is truly legal, secure, and efficient. Why? Because the legalization of cryptocurrency as a means of payment is not only a technological issue but also a complex legal, tax, and compliance challenge where the stakes for businesses are particularly high.
I am convinced: now it is essential not just to follow trends, but to deeply understand where and how cryptocurrency becomes a legal and effective tool for business. In this article, I—and the COREDO team—share a practical guide to help you not only understand the nuances of regulation but also build a strategy for the legal and safe use of cryptocurrency as a means of payment. If you are looking for answers and solutions that really work—read to the end: here you will find the latest data, best practices, and proven strategies for your business.
Where cryptocurrency payments are allowed
The legalization of cryptocurrency as a means of payment is one of the key challenges for international companies in 2025. The world is divided into several camps: some jurisdictions officially allow cryptocurrency payments, while others limit them to the status of digital assets, and a third group prohibits them entirely. For businesses, this means the need to understand precisely where and how cryptocurrency can be used for company settlements and where it can only be used for investments or storage.
Cryptocurrency regulation in Europe
In recent years, the European Union has demonstrated a systematic approach to cryptocurrency regulation. With the adoption of the MiCA Regulation (Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation) coming into effect in 2025, the EU has established the status of cryptocurrency as a digital asset but allowed its use for company settlements and payment for services in several countries, subject to strict compliance with AML/KYC standards and obtaining the necessary licenses.
In Estonia, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Cyprus, cryptocurrency is also permitted for corporate settlements but with several restrictions: mandatory Licensing, financial monitoring of crypto operations, regular reporting on cryptocurrency transactions. Solutions developed by COREDO allow clients not only to legally accept cryptocurrency payments in Europe but also to optimize taxation by using corporate wallets and smart contracts for settlements.
Cryptocurrency regulation in Asia
Asian markets are characterized by a dynamic approach to cryptocurrency regulation. Singapore remains one of the most progressive jurisdictions: cryptocurrency is legalized for business, and a crypto license is issued by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS). COREDO’s practice confirms that obtaining a license in Singapore is possible within 3-6 months, provided there is full compliance with AML and KYC requirements and a financial monitoring system for crypto operations.
In Hong Kong, Japan, and South Korea, cryptocurrency is allowed for company settlements, but only with a license and after undergoing regular Due Diligence procedures. Implementing cryptocurrency payments in these countries requires integration with local cryptocurrency payment gateways and adherence to national cryptocompliance standards.
Cryptocurrency in Africa – market prospects
The African continent is becoming one of the fastest-growing markets for cryptocurrency settlements. In South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, and Ghana, cryptocurrency is allowed for international company settlements but requires passing KYC and AML procedures. In South Africa, for example, companies are required to report cryptocurrency operations and integrate corporate wallets with national payment systems.
Countries where cryptocurrency is legalized in 2025
| Country | Status of Cryptocurrency | Can be used for settlements | AML/KYC Requirements | Licensing | Taxation Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Germany | Legalized | Yes | Yes | Yes | Capital gains tax |
| Singapore | Legalized | Yes | Yes | Yes | Friendly taxation |
| UAE | Legalized (ADGM, DMCC) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Exemption for residents |
| Estonia | Legalized | Yes | Yes | Yes | Mandatory reporting |
| South Africa | Partially allowed | Limited | Yes | No | Mandatory reporting |
| Japan | Legalized | Yes | Yes | Yes | Special tax |
| Czech Republic | Legalized | Yes | Yes | Yes | Standard tax |
| Cyprus | Legalized | Yes | Yes | Yes | Friendly taxation |
| United Kingdom | Legalized | Yes | Yes | Yes | Capital gains tax |
| … | … | … | … | … | … |
Requirements for cryptocurrency settlements
Cryptocurrency regulation in 2025 is built on three pillars: compliance with anti-money laundering (AML) laws, client identification (KYC), and business licensing. For businesses, this means setting up processes so that each cryptocurrency payment is transparent and all operations align with international FATF standards and national regulators’ requirements.
AML and KYC for corporate crypto payments
AML and KYC have become obligatory components of any cryptocurrency infrastructure. In the EU and Singapore, companies are required to conduct client identification, analyze the source of funds, and monitor suspicious transactions. COREDO’s practice has shown that implementing automated solutions for financial monitoring of crypto operations not only reduces the risk of account closures but also increases trust from banks and investors.
License for cryptocurrency operations
Obtaining a license for cryptocurrency activities is a crucial step for companies planning to work with cryptocurrency legally. In the EU and Asia, the principle applies: no license means no right to conduct cryptocurrency settlements between companies. In Singapore, for example, licensing takes 3 to 6 months and requires a local office, a local director, and an internal AML/KYC control system.
COREDO’s solution for clients includes selecting the optimal legal form, preparing a complete document package, and supporting all licensing stages: from application to integration with regulatory sandboxes.
Taxes and cryptocurrency reporting
Important nuance: in most European and Asian countries, companies must provide detailed reporting on all cryptocurrency transactions, including cross-border transfers, which requires implementing specialized financial monitoring solutions.
Business risks in cryptocurrency settlements
The key risks for businesses in cryptocurrency settlements include sanction restrictions, transaction block risks, exchange rate volatility, and financial monitoring complexity. COREDO’s practice confirms that minimizing risks is achieved by implementing risk management systems, conducting regular audits of cryptocurrency operations, and using reliable payment gateways with AML/KYC support.
Cryptocurrency for Business: How to Implement?
Integrating cryptocurrency payments into business processes: is not only a technological but also a strategic challenge. Successful integration requires taking into account the specifics of corporate settlements, choosing appropriate tools, and ensuring full compliance with compliance requirements.
Let’s consider the steps necessary to organize the acceptance of digital assets in the company.
How to accept cryptocurrency payments
In practice, implementing cryptocurrency payments for legal entities starts with choosing a jurisdiction and obtaining a license. Next is the integration of corporate wallets and payment gateways, setting up due diligence procedures, and staff training. COREDO’s solutions enable the integration of cryptocurrency payments into companies’ ERP systems, ensuring automatic transaction processing, commission accounting, and payment transparency for investors and auditors.
Particular attention is paid to choosing a payment gateway: it must support necessary AML/KYC standards, be integrated with corporate accounts, and provide protection against sanction risks.
Tools for compliance and transparent settlements
Modern cryptocompliance tools allow for automated financial monitoring, tracking the origin of funds, and generating cryptocurrency transaction reports in accordance with international standards. COREDO’s practice has shown that integrating solutions for compliance and transparent settlements reduces the risk of account closures and increases trust from banks and regulators.
Stablecoin and DeFi in international settlements
Stablecoin and DeFi are becoming key tools for international settlements between companies. Stablecoin helps reduce volatility risks and enable fast cross-border transfers with minimal fees. In several countries (Singapore, UAE, Estonia), stablecoin is officially recognized as a means of corporate settlement, and its regulation is based on transparency and compliance principles.
The COREDO team has implemented projects to integrate DeFi protocols and asset tokenization for corporate clients, optimizing settlements and enhancing the liquidity of digital assets on company balances.
How to choose a jurisdiction for business
Choosing a jurisdiction for registering a crypto company is a strategic decision that determines not only the legality but also the efficiency of using cryptocurrency in business. Here it is important to consider not only the legal status of cryptocurrency but also the requirements for licensing, taxation, AML/KYC, and reporting.
How to choose a jurisdiction for crypto business
COREDO’s practice shows that the best jurisdiction is where cryptocurrency is legalized as a means of payment, where there is transparent regulation, and where the licensing and reporting process is as transparent as possible. It is crucial to consider FATF client identification requirements, the presence of regulatory sandboxes, and the possibility of integration with international payment systems.
Key criteria:
- The status of cryptocurrency as a means of payment
- The availability and transparency of the licensing procedure
- AML/KYC and Due Diligence requirements
- Taxation and reporting features
- The possibility of integrating with corporate wallets and payment gateways
Conditions for business in the EU, Asia, and Africa
| Region | Cryptocurrency legalization | Licensing | AML/KYC | Taxation | Reporting |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EU | Yes (in most countries) | Yes | Yes | Standard/capital gains | Mandatory |
| Asia | In several countries (SG, JP, HK) | Yes | Yes | Friendly/special regimes | Mandatory |
| Africa | Partially (South Africa, Nigeria) | Not always | Yes | Standard/reporting | Mandatory |
Practical recommendations for businesses
Practical steps for business:
- Review current business processes and identify where and how cryptocurrency payments can be integrated.
- Select a jurisdiction with transparent regulation and the ability to obtain a license for cryptocurrency activities.
- Implement AML/KYC and financial monitoring systems for all cryptocurrency operations.
- Integrate corporate wallets and payment gateways that meet international standards.
- Optimize taxation using the possibilities of digital taxation and automated reporting.
- Regularly conduct Due Diligence for partners and counterparties to minimize sanction and compliance risks.
- Prepare for audits of cryptocurrency operations by integrating solutions for transaction transparency and traceability.