In Payhound’s experience, where has this increasing shift towards crypto payments come from and how should providers be looking to accommodate this change?
The growing demand for cryptocurrency payments is largely driven by the need for faster, borderless transactions, particularly in industries that operate across multiple jurisdictions. Traditional banking systems often introduce inefficiencies, such as long settlement times, high fees, and regulatory complexities that can make cross-border transactions cumbersome. Crypto payments provide a solution that is instant, cost-effective, and accessible, which is why sectors like iGaming, affiliate marketing and high-value industries such as luxury goods and real estate are increasingly integrating digital assets into their payment systems.
Payhound has seen this shift firsthand, particularly in iGaming, where players demand immediate deposits and withdrawals without the delays associated with conventional banking methods. Gaming operators also benefit from the ability to receive payments in crypto while instantly converting to fiat (standard currency), ensuring seamless operations without exposure to market fluctuations.
To accommodate this change, payment providers must prioritise regulatory compliance, security, and integration flexibility. Further, they must ensure they are fully licensed as a VFA Class 3 service provider under the MFSA and operate, as we do, within a compliant framework that ensures transparency and safeguards for businesses accepting crypto payments. Our instant crypto-to-fiat conversion services also allow operators to settle transactions in their preferred currency without the need to hold digital assets. Secure API integration, allowing businesses to integrate crypto payments seamlessly into their platforms while ensuring compliance with evolving regulations such as MiCA are all essentials.
Can you please explain to us what MiCA is, how it is changing crypto payments and what this means for the gaming industry?
The Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) Regulation represents the European Union’s first comprehensive legal framework governing digital assets. It establishes a unified set of standards for cryptocurrency service providers, removing the need for fragmented, country-specific regulatory approvals across the EU.
MiCA introduces clear licensing requirements for crypto-asset service providers (CASPs), ensuring that companies handling digital asset payments, custodial services, and exchanges operate under similar compliance rules as traditional financial institutions. One of the key changes is increased oversight of transactions, capital requirements, and reporting obligations, ensuring greater transparency and reducing risks associated with unregulated crypto platforms.
For the gaming industry, MiCA is a significant development
Operators that integrate crypto payments will need to work exclusively with fully regulated providers to ensure compliance. This eliminates regulatory grey areas, making it easier for businesses to adopt crypto within a structured, legally recognised framework.From our perspective, Payhound is already operating under Malta’s VFA framework, and is in the final stages of MiCA compliance. An often-cited doubt around crypto is its security/stability - however, MiCA could help to tackle that negative perception of the industry going forward.
Do you think stablecoins provide enhanced stability and why is their presence increasing on a global scale?
Building on our last point concerns around cryptocurrency security and stability are often linked to market volatility. Unlike traditional payment methods, crypto transactions are irreversible and, in the case of some digital assets, subject to price fluctuations. However, the industry has matured significantly, with licensed providers like Payhound ensuring improved security and compliance standards.
Stablecoins provide a layer of stability by pegging their value to a fiat currency, reducing volatility for businesses and consumers using crypto for transactions. Their presence is increasing due to their ability to offer the benefits of blockchain-based payments while maintaining a fixed value, making them a practical choice for businesses looking to manage revenue with greater predictability.
Stability in crypto transactions comes not just from the choice of digital asset but also from the infrastructure supporting the transaction. At Payhound, our platform ensures that businesses can accept a variety of cryptocurrencies while instantly converting them to fiat, eliminating exposure to price fluctuations. Additionally, our ISO 27001-certified security framework ensures that transactions are processed securely.
How do you expect crypto’s role to continue evolving in the affiliate sector? What are the biggest changes you have already observed in this area?
Crypto’s role in the affiliate sector is becoming increasingly significant, particularly as businesses seek faster, more cost-effective and borderless payout solutions. Traditional bank transfers often involve delays, high fees, and regional restrictions, making them inefficient for global affiliate networks. Cryptocurrency eliminates many of these barriers, allowing affiliates to receive payments instantly, regardless of their location.
One of the biggest changes observed in the sector is the growing adoption of crypto-based payout systems by operators looking to streamline their financial processes. Many affiliates now prefer to be paid in crypto due to its speed, accessibility, and lower transaction costs compared to conventional banking methods. This shift has been particularly evident in industries such as iGaming and digital marketing, where high-frequency, cross-border payments are the norm.
At Payhound, we have seen increasing demand from businesses looking to automate and simplify their affiliate payments while ensuring full compliance with financial regulations. Our platform enables operators to send crypto payments instantly while offering real-time conversion to fiat. As regulatory frameworks like MiCA introduce clearer rules for crypto transactions, the adoption of licensed and compliant crypto payment providers will continue to grow, giving businesses and affiliates greater confidence in using digital assets for payouts.
Looking ahead, we believe that crypto is set to become a standard payment method in affiliate marketing, particularly as more operators recognise its advantages over traditional banking
How do you reflect on Payhound’s integration of crypto payments and adaptation to cryptocurrencies in the gambling sector over the past few years?
Payhound has played a key role in enabling gaming operators to integrate crypto payments seamlessly and securely. Since obtaining our VFA Class 3 license in 2021, we have expanded our services to support iGaming operators with instant crypto deposits, real-time conversion to fiat, and automated payment reconciliation.
The gambling sector requires fast, reliable, and compliant payment solutions, and crypto has become a natural fit. However, one of the biggest challenges has been ensuring that transactions are fully compliant with AML and KYC regulations, which vary across different jurisdictions. We have tried to tackle this by developing strong internal compliance procedures.
Over the years, we have expanded our crypto payment infrastructure, improved security protocols, and obtained ISO 27001 certification, ensuring that all transactions are processed with the highest level of security and regulatory oversight. With MiCA now shaping the future of crypto payments in Europe, Payhound is at the forefront of ensuring that gaming operators can continue to offer crypto transactions within a structured, compliant environment. Our ability to instantly convert crypto deposits into fiat, support multi-currency transactions, and provide seamless API integration has, we think, positioned Payhound as a trusted payment provider in the gaming sector and beyond.
What can you tell us about your plans in crypto and the wider gaming payments space over the next year and beyond?
Over the next year, Payhound’s focus will be on expanding our crypto payment solutions to more operators and industries, ensuring businesses can transact in digital assets with full regulatory certainty and security. The MiCA licence will allow us to provide a fully regulated solution across the EU, reinforcing our position as a trusted partner for gaming operators and other businesses.
Beyond iGaming, we are seeing increased demand for crypto payments in luxury services, real estate, and cross-border B2B transactions, and we are adapting our solutions to meet these growing needs. Our goal is to ensure that businesses can send, receive, and convert crypto payments instantly and securely, with the same level of compliance and peace of mind that traditional financial systems may provide.
