Avian Labs’ Sling Money gains FCA approval, expanding stablecoin payment access while meeting strict compliance standards amid rising global adoption.
Sling Money, a digital currency payment app by Avian Labs, has secured UK regulatory approval. The license comes as stablecoin payments gain traction around the world. Therefore, the approval is a strategic milestone for the company. Moreover, it is not without an uptick in regulatory involvement with crypto payment platforms.
FCA Approval Expands Sling Money’s Regulatory Footprint
The UK Financial Conduct Authority gave Avian Labs a nod to go into business as a crypto services provider. This approval is a registration of Sling Money as a Virtual Asset Service Provider. As such, the firm is required to comply with strict anti-money laundering and know your customer requirements.
Previously, Avian Labs obtained approval under the European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets framework. The Dutch regulator made that authorization earlier. Therefore, the UK license greatly expands Sling Money’s way into Europe.
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In addition, Sling Money is also regulated as a Money Services Business in the United States. Such layered oversight enhances its compliance profile. As such, the company joins a growing list of regulated crypto payment companies.
The registration under the FCA is covered by the UK Money Laundering Regulations. Accordingly, it is focusing on AML and counter-terrorism financing supervision. However, it does not apply consumer protections through the Financial Ombudsman Service.
In the same way, customers will not be covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme. Therefore, users are still liable to understand associated risks. This distinction is still important to retail participants.
Sling Money’s approval comes as the use of stablecoins is increasing. Industry reports indicate that the stablecoin trade volume is trillions annually. As a result, payment-oriented crypto services are increasingly regulated.
The transactions are supported by Paxos’ USDP stablecoin on the app. It also allows payments using Circle Internet’s euro-backed EURC. Both assets are intended to be price stable.
Notably, Sling Money is based on the Solana blockchain. Solana has high settlement speeds and low transaction costs. Therefore, it is suitable for payment-oriented applications.
Stablecoin Payments Grow as Regulation Tightens
Sling Money is now in closed beta phase in the UK. This way, controlled testing can be performed before a larger release. Consequently, feedback can be used to inform further development.
The FCA approval is indicative of tightening oversight in major jurisdictions. Regulators are demanding more and more transparency from crypto service providers. Therefore, compliance has become a competitive advantage.
Stablecoins have an increasing role to play in digital payments. They are for cross-border transfers and for real-time settlement. In addition, businesses are adopting them more and more for efficiency.
According to industry data, the share of stablecoins in euros and dollars dominates in the market circulation. USDP and EURC are not convertible into free assets. This structure provides for regulatory acceptance.
Furthermore, MiCA seeks to provide harmonisation of crypto rules in Europe. The framework presents standardized requirements for issuers and providers. For this reason, companies try to be compliant as early as possible.
Sling Money’s multi-jurisdictional licensing is in keeping with this trend. It shows a willingness to change regulatory environments. Therefore, the expansion opportunities increase.
In conclusion, Sling Money’s approval of FCA is a significant step forward. It enhances regulatory credibility and access to markets. While protections are still limited, there is clear progress being made in compliance. Ultimately, the move is an indication of the increasing role of stablecoins in regulated financial systems.