Ranking of jurisdictions

Carefully selected jurisdictions with coherent regulatory logic and tangible real‑world advantages.

Latvia

Best for: EMI, MiCA,
REGULATORY SANDBOX

Efficient licensing process with clear expectations
Very competitive annual maintenance costs
Predictable supervisory approach within the EU
GW/LEX has its largest team presence here and is well placed to support you

Portugal

Best for: BANKS, MICA
cross-border OPS

Bank of Portugal is very efficient and professional regulator
Longer initial license processing, but easier on-going operations
Strong experience with transatlantic and cross-continental business models
GW/LEX has its team members based in Lisbon and Porto to support you

spain

Best for: EMI, MICA, INSURANCE & brokerage

Licensing process can be lengthy, but we see certain improvements recently
It almost doesn't matter if you are coming from non-EU country or not
Very rare regulatory audits during first years of operations
Flexibility to source of wealth, crypto and more risky business models

malta

Best for: international gambling and high risk

Malta is the only EU jurisdiction we can recommend for high risk businesses
One of the most valuable and respectful licenses on the market
There is a big queue applications, process can take 12-18 months or even longer
GW/LEX has strong relationship with regulators in Malta

Dominica

Best for: INTERNATIONAL BANKS & INSURANCE

Very efficient licensing process with clear expectations
Competitive setup and on-going costs
Good reputation, not anymore a grey list jurisdiction
GW/LEX has long relationship with Dominican authorities and government

United Kingdom

Best for: EMI, BANKS, INSURANCE & BROKERAGE

One of the most respected regulator in the world
If you play by the rules, you stay out of trouble
Many licensed companies, clear and predictable regulation
GW/LEX has office in London and team ready to support you on each step

Zambia

Best for: igaming, access to africa

By far the most efficient and professional regulator on the continent
Higher initial setup, but relatively low on-going costs
Safe and predictable jurisdiction
GW/LEX provides strategic access to the African market through Zambia

Australia

Best for: PAYMENTS,
ACCESS TO AUSTRALIA

Relatively easy to get licensed in Australia for both iGaming and PSPs
Strong international reputation
Predictable costs of regulation
GW/LEX has its team members based in Sydney to support you

Canada

Best for: MSB, EASY ENTRY TO MARKET

Efficient regulatory process with clear expectations
Competitive annual maintenance costs
Strong experience with cross-border payment models
GW/LEX has its team members based in Toronto and Vancouver to support you

USA

Best for: MSB, BANKING, ACCESS TO US MARKET

There is no other choice if you want to access the US market
It is not always easy, not always straighforward, but it is a process
Several easy-going and welcoming regulators within the USA
GW/LEX has its team members based in the USA to support you

GW/LEX is a member of GLOBAL WALLET HOLDING CORP, a holding company incorporated in Delaware, United States. VENTURE STUDIO SIA is responsible for the content published on this website. All services are provided exclusively by partner or affiliated entities in the jurisdictions in which they are duly authorised to operate. Certain services are not available to clients from high‑risk jurisdictions; the relevant list is reviewed and updated on an ongoing basis in line with the decisions and recommendations of the OECD, FATF and OFAC. Enhanced due diligence is conducted as part of the onboarding process for all clients.