<p>The short (slightly oversimplified) answer is that most consumer protection oriented laws (including Money Services Business and Money Transmitter laws) apply to the <strong>consumers</strong> themselves. So if you serve customers in the US, you must comply with the laws that protect those customers.</p>

<p>IANAL, YMMV, etc. Consult an attorney specializing in MSB/Money Transmitter laws for an more accurate application of the laws to your business model.</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2013-11-21T00:13:32.003Z
Thanks, can Bitstamp legally service US customers then if they don't have a Money Service Business licence?
user9034
CC BY-SA 3.0
2013-11-20T23:50:55.393Z
2013-11-20T23:50:55.393Z
Scrybe
<p>From what I understand, Bitstamp is not registered with FinCEN, whereas Mt.Gox is, does this mean Bitstamp is in danger of being shut down?</p>

<exchanges><mtgox><legal><bitstamp><fincen>
Do bitcoin exchanges based outside of the US who serve US customers have to register with FinCEN as MSBs?
user9034
# Do bitcoin exchanges based outside of the US who serve US customers have to register with FinCEN as MSBs?

(Asked by: username_0 on 2013-11-20)

From what I understand, Bitstamp is not registered with FinCEN, whereas Mt.Gox is, does this mean Bitstamp is in danger of being shut down?

**Tags:** exchanges, mtgox, legal, bitstamp, fincen


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## 1 answers

### Answer by username_1 on 2013-11-20. Score: 1

The short (slightly oversimplified) answer is that most consumer protection oriented laws (including Money Services Business and Money Transmitter laws) apply to the **consumers** themselves. So if you serve customers in the US, you must comply with the laws that protect those customers.

IANAL, YMMV, etc. Consult an attorney specializing in MSB/Money Transmitter laws for an more accurate application of the laws to your business model.

> **Comments:**
> **username_0**: Thanks, can Bitstamp legally service US customers then if they don't have a Money Service Business licence?  

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