Tuesday

04-29-2025 Vol 1945

MoonPay Expands New York Presence as Crypto Landscape Evolves

MoonPay, the global leader in crypto payments, is establishing a new headquarters in SoHo, NYC, covering over 5,000 square feet. This move marks the latest commitment by a digital currency firm to strengthen its presence in New York City, reinforcing the area’s importance in the evolving crypto landscape.

Keith A. Grossman, the President of Enterprise at MoonPay and a lifelong New Yorker, emphasized the myriad opportunities New York offers. He stated that the city combines a progressive regulatory framework, a vibrant business atmosphere, and access to an unparalleled talent pool.

With these advantageous conditions, coupled with President Trump’s deregulation efforts, it is expected that more digital asset firms will take root in the city in the foreseeable future.

Grossman highlighted the significant role the crypto industry plays in boosting New York City’s economy, particularly in job creation, innovation acceleration, and attracting investments. Currently, over 130 crypto firms are operating within the city limits, solidifying New York’s status as a premier financial hub and a center for financial technology transformation.

This trend marks a significant departure from the previous decade when many crypto firms steered clear of New York due to the stringent regulations imposed by the BitLicense, which went into effect in 2015. Intended to protect consumers, the regulations were perceived as excessively burdensome by many businesses, prompting them to relocate to friendlier locales. At that time, MoonPay’s founders chose Miami as their base when they launched in 2019.

However, the landscape began to change around 2021 with the election of Mayor Eric Adams, who has openly supported the growth of the crypto sector, aiming to position NYC as the “center of bitcoins.” While the BitLicense regulations remain intact, the Adams administration has shifted the focus towards innovation and economic opportunities instead of strict compliance and protections.

In recent years, New York has witnessed the arrival and expansion of major firms such as Coinbase, Gemini, Consensys, and Chainalysis, aligning with this more welcoming climate.

Grossman declared, “It’s an ideal hub for companies like MoonPay to scale and help shape the future of crypto innovation in the U.S.”

Earlier this year, CEO Ivan Soto-Wright participated in discussions with crypto executives at the Commodity Futures Trading Commission’s Crypto CEO Forum in Washington, DC, to outline the future of federal crypto oversight. Furthermore, in mid-April, Soto-Wright communicated with Congress to advocate for amendments to the STABLE and GENIUS Acts, pushing for state-level regulation for stablecoin issuers and cautioning against legislation that might undermine local innovation.

The crypto markets have experienced notable growth during the early months of Donald Trump’s presidency, with MoonPay reporting a remarkable 123% surge in transaction volume and nearly a 50% increase in net revenue in the first quarter of 2025. Grossman expressed his enthusiasm about establishing their U.S. headquarters in New York during this critical time of regulatory clarity and growth in the crypto ecosystem.

image source from:https://nypost.com/2025/04/28/business/moonpay-to-put-down-roots-in-nyc-with-new-us-headquarters-leading-to-predicted-crypto-real-estate-boom/

Abigail Harper