VASPcode
A free, open identifier for licensed Virtual Asset Service Providers.
What is VASPcode?
VASPcode is a short, human-readable code that uniquely identifies a licensed VASP — the same way an ISIN identifies a security or a BIC code identifies a bank. Every entity in VASPdirectory has one.
It is free to use by anyone. It is published as an open standard on GitHub under a Creative Commons licence. No fees. No sign-up required.
Format
Every VASPcode has three parts, separated by hyphens:
{CC} – {BRAND} – {ROLE}
| Part | What it means | Example values |
|---|---|---|
| CC | ISO country code of the entity's country of incorporation | US, GB, IE, SG, JP |
| BRAND | The entity's recognisable trading name (2–10 characters, uppercase) | BINANCE, COINBASE, KRAKEN |
| ROLE | The entity's primary regulated activity (2 uppercase letters) | EX, CU, PA |
Examples
| VASPcode | Legal Entity | Plain English |
|---|---|---|
| US-BINANCEUS-EX | BAM Trading Services Inc. | United States · Binance.US brand · Exchange |
| IE-COINBASE-CU | Coinbase Custody International Limited | Ireland · Coinbase brand · Custody |
| GB-BITSTAMP-EX | Bitstamp Limited | United Kingdom · Bitstamp brand · Exchange |
| JP-BITFLYER-EX | bitFlyer, Inc. | Japan · bitFlyer brand · Exchange |
Activity Codes (ROLE)
| Code | Activity |
|---|---|
| EX | Exchange / Trading Platform |
| CU | Custody / Safekeeping |
| PA | Payment / Money Services |
| BR | Broker-Dealer |
| AD | Advisory |
| TR | Trust Company |
| IN | Investment / Issuance |
Full Specification
The complete VASPcode specification — including detailed format rules, naming conventions, lifecycle policy, and governance — is published as an open standard on GitHub. It is free to read, use, and integrate into your own products.
View full spec on GitHub →
VASPcode is published under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. Free to use and integrate.