Fastex, a prominent Dubai-based cryptocurrency exchange, has announced its strategic expansion into the U.S. market with a new office in Los Angeles, California. This move, unveiled on Thursday, aims to cater to both retail and institutional investors by offering spot trading services in popular tokens such as Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Cardano (ADA), Solana (SOL), and Fastex’s own Fasttoken (FTN).
Navigating the Regulatory Landscape
Fastex’s decision to establish a foothold in the U.S. is significantly influenced by the recent shifts in the regulatory environment under President Donald Trump’s administration. Since taking office in January, the administration has steered the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) away from its previous regulation-by-enforcement approach. This pivot has seen the SEC drop numerous investigations and litigation cases against crypto exchanges, fostering a more hospitable climate for crypto enterprises. For a deeper dive into the regulatory implications, see our coverage of the SEC’s latest guidance.
Vardan Khachatryan, Fastex’s Chief Legal Officer and board member, discussed the strategy behind the expansion during an interview at Bitcoin 2025 in Las Vegas. “There has been enough of a policy change, at least in terms of [how the U.S. government is] viewing things, that allowed us to go for this,” Khachatryan shared. He acknowledged, however, the absence of a definitive legal framework for crypto operations in the U.S., admitting that while the risk has lessened, it hasn’t been entirely eliminated.
The Lure of Los Angeles
While New York City has long been a hub for financial endeavors, Fastex opted for Los Angeles as its initial U.S. base due to the complexities surrounding New York’s regulatory requirements—most notably, the BitLicense. This licensing framework, administered by the New York Department of Financial Services (NYDFS), has been deemed excessively cumbersome by many in the crypto industry. Khachatryan expressed hope for a regulatory evolution in New York, suggesting that easing these requirements could make the city a more viable option in the future.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams, known for his pro-crypto stance, has vocally opposed the current BitLicense regime. During a speech at Bitcoin 2025, Adams advocated for its abolition and proposed a new approach, dubbed BitBond, to attract crypto businesses to the city.
A Global Perspective
Fastex’s ambitions do not stop at the U.S. border. With its headquarters nestled within the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), the exchange is also seeking licensing from Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA). Khachatryan hinted at further expansion plans beyond the U.S., with an eye on the burgeoning Latin American markets. Brazil, followed by Argentina and Mexico, stands at the forefront of Fastex’s next wave of international ventures.
The exchange’s move into the U.S. comes at a time when crypto markets are witnessing a resurgence of interest, fueled by regulatory clarity and growing institutional adoption. This follows a pattern of institutional adoption, which we detailed in our analysis of corporate treasury investments. However, the path ahead is not without its challenges. As Fastex navigates this new terrain, questions remain about how sustainable these regulatory shifts will be in the long term. Moreover, the competitive landscape in the U.S. crypto market is fierce, with well-established players and emerging startups vying for dominance.
In conclusion, Fastex’s entry into the U.S. market marks a bold step in its global expansion strategy, one that reflects both the opportunities and uncertainties inherent in the evolving crypto regulatory landscape. As the exchange sets its sights on further growth, the industry will be watching closely to see how these regulatory dynamics unfold, shaping the future of crypto both in the U.S. and beyond.
Source
This article is based on: Fastex Expands U.S. Presence With Los Angeles Office
Further Reading
Deepen your understanding with these related articles:
- U.S. Congress Braces for Intense Debate Over Crypto Legislation This Summer (openai)
- Morgan Stanley Eyes Launching Crypto Trading Through E*Trade: Bloomberg
- UK’s FCA Seeks Public and Industry Views on Crypto Regulation
Steve Gregory is a lawyer in the United States who specializes in licensing for cryptocurrency companies and products. Steve began his career as an attorney in 2015 but made the switch to working in cryptocurrency full time shortly after joining the original team at Gemini Trust Company, an early cryptocurrency exchange based in New York City. Steve then joined CEX.io and was able to launch their regulated US-based cryptocurrency. Steve then went on to become the CEO at currency.com when he ran for four years and was able to lead currency.com to being fully acquired in 2025.
