Taiwan: fintech & payments regulation

Regulated

Taiwan VASP licensing under 2026 Act; FSC comprehensive oversight

Lead regulator:: Financial Supervisory Commission (FSC)
Key law:: Virtual Asset Service Provider Act (2026)
Last updated:: 2026-07-12

Taiwan has established a comprehensive licensing regime for virtual asset service providers (VASPs) under the Virtual Asset Service Provider Act, passed by the Legislative Yuan on June 30, 2026. This legislation elevates oversight from anti-money laundering compliance to full operational and market order standards. The Financial Supervisory Commission (FSC) serves as the primary regulator for this sector.

The new framework defines seven specific types of virtual asset service activities that require authorization. This marks a significant shift from previous self-regulatory or limited AML-focused approaches to a formalized statutory licensing system. The FSC is responsible for approving business types and ensuring compliance with the new operational standards.

While the Central Bank of the Republic of China (Taiwan) continues to regulate traditional payment systems, interbank transfers, and foreign exchange brokers, the VASP sector now falls squarely under the FSC's purview. The 2026 Act provides the legal basis for supervising these entities, aligning Taiwan's fintech regulation with international best practices for digital asset markets.

Who regulates

Financial Supervisory Commission (FSC)
Primary regulator for VASPs and securities investment trust/consulting enterprises; oversees licensing and market order under the 2026 Act.
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Central Bank of the Republic of China (Taiwan)
Regulates traditional payment systems, interbank transfers, foreign exchange brokers, and foundations.
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Core laws & rules

Virtual Asset Service Provider Act (2026)
Passed on June 30, 2026, this act establishes comprehensive operational and market order standards for VASPs, moving beyond previous AML-only frameworks.
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Standards for the Establishment of Commercial Banks (2026)
Amended on June 30, 2026, to modify provisions governing the formation of commercial banks.
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Regulations Governing Foreign Exchange Brokers (2018)
Establishes licensing, operational, and supervisory requirements for foreign exchange brokers, including capital adequacy and reporting.
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Licensing & registration

VASP License
Required for entities engaging in the seven types of virtual asset service activities defined in the 2026 Act. The FSC oversees the approval process. Timeline: Legislation passed June 30, 2026.
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Foreign Exchange Broker License
Required for foreign exchange brokers under the 2018 regulations, mandating strict compliance and capital adequacy. Timeline: Regulations issued December 14, 2018.
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Restrictions & warnings

The 2026 VASP Act imposes comprehensive operational and market order standards, replacing lighter AML-only oversight. Specific capital floors or activity bans are not detailed in the provided source documents.
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Direction of travel

Taiwan is moving towards a mature, regulated digital asset market with the 2026 VASP Act. The FSC is expected to issue detailed implementation rules for the seven defined VASP activities.
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Sources

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This guide is compiled automatically from 6 primary-source documents published by Taiwan's regulators, reviewed by RegAlert, and refreshed monthly (last updated 2026-07-12). It is not legal advice — always confirm requirements with the regulator or local counsel before acting.