Fastex, a notable player in the cryptocurrency exchange arena, has made significant strides by expanding its operations in the United States. The Dubai-based exchange recently announced the opening of a new office in Los Angeles, California, aimed at catering to both retail and institutional investors in the U.S. This development comes alongside a resurgence of interest in the U.S. cryptocurrency market, facilitated by a shift in regulatory approaches under the current administration.
Fastex’s expansion comes with a promise to offer an array of spot crypto trading services, including popular tokens such as Bitcoin, Ether, Cardano, Solana, and its very own native utility token, Fasttoken. According to Vardan Khachatryan, the Chief Legal Officer and board member of Fastex, the decision to broaden their U.S. presence is largely influenced by a noticeable change in the regulatory landscape facilitated by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Under President Donald Trump’s administration, especially following the tenure of former Chair Gary Gensler, the SEC has pivoted away from a heavy-handed enforcement strategy towards a more accommodating stance on cryptocurrency.
Khachatryan conveyed optimism during an interview at Bitcoin 2025 in Las Vegas, explaining that the policy changes have created an environment that, although still imperfect, presents a comparatively lower risk for crypto companies aiming to operate in the U.S. “There has been enough of a policy change… that allowed us to go for this,” he stated.
Particularly noteworthy is the impact of regulatory policy on major cities like New York. The Big Apple has been working hard to attract crypto companies, presenting itself as an ideal location for businesses that wish to establish a headquarters in the U.S. However, Khachatryan noted that the arduous application process for a BitLicense—a crypto-specific license required in New York—remains a concern for Fastex.
Echoing similar sentiments, New York City Mayor Eric Adams, who calls himself the “Bitcoin Mayor,” has been vocal about the need to reevaluate the BitLicense regime. During his address at the Bitcoin 2025 conference, he advocated for changes to this challenging licensing framework, which many see as a barrier to entry for emerging crypto firms.
Currently, Fastex operates out of the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), where it is also seeking licensing from Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA). The exchange’s strategy extends beyond U.S. shores; it has expressed interest in expanding to Latin America, with Brazil being the first target, followed by potentially Argentina and Mexico.
Fastex’s move to Los Angeles not only underscores its commitment to establishing a significant foothold in the U.S. but also reflects the broader trend of cryptocurrency firms returning to America as regulatory conditions become more favorable. With this in mind, it will be fascinating to observe how these regulatory atmospheres evolve and whether cities like New York can incentivize firms to choose them over other burgeoning tech hubs like Los Angeles.
As the world of cryptocurrency continues to transform, marked by shifts in governmental policy, platforms such as Fastex play an essential role in aiding investors—both retail and institutional—in navigating this fast-paced environment. The expansion highlights the potential for growth within the crypto sector as sophisticated exchanges adapt their strategies to meet the changing regulatory frameworks.
In summary, Fastex is poised to tap into the burgeoning U.S. cryptocurrency market as it expands its operations and offerings. By establishing itself in Los Angeles and aiming for further growth in Latin America, Fastex not only affirms its commitment to innovation in crypto trading but also highlights the changing tides of regulatory acceptance in the United States. The future looks bright for the exchange as it seeks to serve a quickly evolving financial landscape.
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