- eToro has launched crypto trading in New York after a multi-year delay following BitLicense approval.
- The platform is starting with a limited token offering, far smaller than in other markets.
- Strict regulation and post-FTX scrutiny slowed rollout, with staking and expansion still pending.
eToro has officially rolled out crypto trading in New York, ending a wait of more than three years since it first obtained regulatory approval. The launch allows residents to access digital assets through the platform’s multi-asset offering, which also includes equities and ETFs. This move represents a key step in expanding eToro’s presence across the United States.
The company is starting with a limited selection of around 20 tokens in New York, with plans to increase the number over time. By comparison, users in other markets have access to a much broader range of approximately 115 cryptoassets. eToro operates across 74 countries and most US states, though some jurisdictions remain excluded.
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Regulatory Pressure Slows Rollout
The prolonged timeline highlights the challenges of operating in New York, where regulatory standards are particularly stringent. Following the collapse of FTX, oversight processes became more intensive, contributing to delays in launching new services. Andrew McCormick, Head of eToro US, stated in an interview with The Block that while an immediate launch was never expected, the extended timeframe exceeded initial expectations.
“New York is the epicenter of financial markets and a hub of innovation. Completing our U.S. footprint here is both a strategic milestone and a reflection of our commitment to broadening responsible access to the next generation of financial markets.”
Future developments include the potential introduction of staking, which remains subject to regulatory clearance. eToro noted that any new products require formal updates to its approved business plan before implementation.
Since its introduction in 2015, the BitLicense framework has approved fewer than 40 companies, reinforcing its reputation as one of the most demanding crypto regulatory regimes in the US.
Related: Chainalysis Unveils AI Agents to Supercharge Crypto Crime Investigations
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