Facilitating Regulated Transactions Across Borders

Money Service Businesses (MSBs) play a critical role in the financial services ecosystem, providing essential services such as money transfers, currency exchange, and prepaid access solutions. Operating in the United States and Canada, MSBs are subject to stringent regulatory oversight to ensure compliance and consumer protection.

At Estrella, we specialize in connecting buyers and sellers of licensed MSBs, ensuring seamless transactions that align with strategic objectives. Whether you’re entering this dynamic market or seeking to sell your business, Estrella provides expert guidance every step of the way.

What Is an MSB License?

An MSB license allows businesses to:

  • Conduct money transfers and currency exchanges.
  • Issue and manage prepaid cards and digital payment solutions.
  • Operate within the regulatory frameworks of FINCEN (US) and FINTRAC (Canada) to ensure compliance with anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorist financing (CTF) regulations.

MSBs are essential for businesses seeking to serve individuals and businesses in cross-border and domestic financial transactions.

Why MSBs Are Valuable

Licensed MSBs are highly sought after due to their:

Regulatory Compliance

Licenses build trust and ensure legal operations in highly regulated markets.

Market Demand

Growing reliance on money transfer and payment services drives opportunities for licensed MSBs.

Revenue Potential

Generate income through transaction fees, currency conversion margins, and prepaid services.

Cross-Border Opportunities

Enable seamless international operations, making them attractive to global buyers.

Opportunities for Buyers

Estrella connects buyers with licensed MSBs offering:

  • Established operations compliant with US state-specific and Canadian federal regulations.
  • Active licenses in key states like California, New York, and Texas, or nationwide operations in Canada.
  • Opportunities to expand into the growing digital payments and remittance sectors.

Our tailored approach ensures buyers find businesses that align with their strategic and operational goals.

Opportunities for Sellers

For sellers, Estrella provides:

  • Access to a global network of buyers actively seeking licensed MSBs.
  • Expertise in preparing your business for sale, highlighting its compliance, client base, and revenue streams.
  • A confidential and efficient sales process, ensuring seamless transitions and optimal valuations.

How Estrella Supports MSB Transactions

  • For buyers: Are you entering the regulated money services market or expanding existing capabilities?
  • For sellers: Are you seeking to exit the market or transition to a new venture?
  • Access to vetted MSBs in the US and Canada with active licenses and compliant operations.
  • Detailed Confidential Information Memoranda (CIMs) showcasing financial performance, customer base, and operational metrics.
  • Comprehensive due diligence to ensure compliance with FINCEN (US) and FINTRAC (Canada) regulations.
  • Guidance on jurisdiction-specific licensing, including state-level compliance in the US.
  • Structuring terms to reflect the value of licenses, revenue streams, and operational assets.
  • Ensuring favorable terms and minimizing risks for all parties.
  • Managing license transfers and operational transitions to maintain compliance and continuity.
  • Supporting integration for buyers to maximize business potential post-transaction.

Success Stories in MSB Transactions

US Expansion

A buyer acquired a licensed MSB in California, enabling operations across the state and integration with a digital remittance platform.

Canadian Market Entry

A fintech company purchased a nationwide MSB license in Canada to provide digital payment solutions, leveraging the growing demand for cashless transactions.

Profitable Exit

A licensed MSB operating in multiple US states successfully exited by selling to a larger financial services firm, achieving a premium valuation.

These examples highlight Estrella’s expertise in delivering tailored solutions and maximizing value for clients in the MSB market.

Why Choose Estrella for MSB Transactions?

Regulatory Expertise
We specialize in navigating the complex licensing and compliance requirements for MSBs in the US and Canada, ensuring smooth transactions.
1
Global Network
Our extensive network connects buyers and sellers across North America and beyond, offering exclusive opportunities in the MSB sector.
2
Tailored Solutions
From small niche operators to larger service providers, our process is customized to meet your objectives.
3
Confidentiality First
Strict NDAs, secure Virtual Data Rooms (VDRs), and anonymized engagement protect sensitive information throughout the transaction process.
4

Explore Opportunities in MSB Transactions

Money Service Businesses are integral to the financial services industry, offering significant opportunities for growth and profitability. Whether you’re acquiring an MSB license to expand your services or selling your business to maximize value, Estrella is your trusted partner in navigating this dynamic sector.

Contact Us Today to explore opportunities in MSB acquisitions or sales.