Blockchain.com, a major cryptocurrency exchange, announced Tuesday it had received a money transmitter license from the state of Florida. This means Florida residents can now legally buy and sell Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies on its platform.
Blockchain.com announced in early June it would be moving its US headquarters from New York City to Miami, and it was one of the early movers in what has been a movement to form a Crypto Capital in the Magic City. Blockchain.com CEO Peter Smith made the announcement with Miami Mayor Francis Suarez. At the time, Smith said it plans to hire 100 full-time employees by the end of 2021, and about more 200 in 2022.
The London-based company is well on its way to meeting that goal. Here’s an update: Blockchain.com right now is looking to fill more than 70 open roles in the Miami area. A new Florida-specific Careers page is now available on its website.
“While the Miami Movement is all about building a city that lasts forever and works for everyone, it has stretched far beyond Miami,” said Miami Mayor Francis Suarez, in a statement. “I’m thrilled that our movement has encouraged tremendous innovation and investment in the entire state. I commend Blockchain.com for its continued hiring efforts and opening up its products so all 22 million Florida residents can now trade crypto, putting financial independence at our fingertips.”
Blockchain.com has a $5B post-money valuation and has raised nearly $500 million in venture funding. The company has 32 million verified users in over 200 countries using its products, including its popular non-custodial Wallet, the fastest Exchange for trading, a block Explorer to check transactions, and an Institutional Markets business.
Blockchain.com led off a string of announcements about relocations and new offices in the crypto space. Also in June, crypto trading platforms eToro and FTX also announced Miami expansions, and Blockchain-focused venture capital group Borderless Capital said it would be moving its HQ to Miami and launch a $25 million fund. More recently, finance group BlockTower Capital announced it would be moving its entire team from New York to Brickell. And yesterday, Okcoin announced that crypto exchange would be putting one of its seven offices in Miami, and creating 100 jobs.
“As a hub for innovation, cybersecurity and fintech, Miami-Dade is a natural fit for Blockchain.com,” said Michael A. Finney, President and CEO of the Miami-Dade Beacon Council. “Our international business community offers the talent, partners and global connectivity that companies depend on for continued growth. We support Blockchain.com’s efforts to bring more crypto trading availability to Florida residents, and count on the high value, high growth jobs they bring to our community. Supporting job creation and the long-term prosperity of Miami-Dade residents and businesses is at the core of what we do as an organization, and Blockchain.com’s expansion is a valuable part of that growth.”
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