Many are not aware that the Philippines is a major hub for blockchain and cryptocurrency operators in a world-class center known as the Crypto Valley of Asia.
The building of the hub is a project of the Cagayan Economic Zone Authority (CEZA) in partnership with Northern Star Gaming and Resorts. Located in a 54,119-hectare countryside sprawl of the Cagayan Valley in Northern Luzon, the Crypto Valley of Asia (CVA) provides PAGCOR’s online gambling licensees, offshore fintech companies and crypto exchange and and blockchain operators a complete, world-class facility where they can carry out cryptocurrency transactions.
As a side note, this gives us enlightenment on how PAGCOR-licensed 918kiss, an online casino trusted by Southeast Asians, is able to offer online bitcoin gambling.
As a hub, CVA offers services and amenities, including living spaces to support business incubation, for acceleration and back offices for providers overseas virtual cryptocurrency exchange (OVCEs). CEZA has recently confirmed reports that CVA is now home to 25 Asian and European financial technology (fintech) firms, out of the overall 40 companies licensed by CEZA.
To further attract overseas fintech companies to establish their virtual currency operations in the Philippines, CEZA and Northern Star Gaming and Resorts, have embarked on a project that will see the establishment of an airport dedicated to serving CVA licensees.
Type of Cryptocurrency Licenses Offered by CEZA
CEZA has two types of licenses to offer businesses engage in cryptocurrency operations and services. One is a principal license called “Offshore Virtual Currency Exchange (OVCE)” that permits licensees to bring their offshore fintech operations and cryptocurrency exchange activities companies in the Philippines. The second type of OVCE poses as a regular license as it restricts offshore fintechs to conduct only crypto exchange transactions.
On its part, the Central Bank of the Philippines (Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas) has already granted license to thirteen (13) offshore fintechs to operate in the country as cryptocurrency providers, exchangers and/or blockchain technology operators.
To help the Philippines establish itself as reputable and reliable market for crypto assets, the International Monetary Fund has been providing the BSP with technical knowhow and training about blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies.