EZO OTC: Introducing the FX and Cross-Border MSB Crypto Referral Partner Program

Want to connect with EZO about integrating crypto into your liquidity flow? Our previous article about stablecoin settlement rails for cross-border MSBs was written just for you.

While stablecoin adoption continues to progress into the mainstream, client demand for crypto MSBs grows as well. Whether your client wishes to fund cross-border transfers using stablecoins like USDC or USDT or to acquire them in exchange for CAD, there is now a much more rewarding alternative to simply turning them away. This article introduces the EZO Partner Program, and how Canadian cross-border and FX money services businesses can benefit from partnering with EZO’s crypto OTC desk, even without directly touching clients’ digital assets.

In Sum

• Stablecoins like USDC and USDT are gaining traction in cross-border payments due to 24/7 settlement, lower costs, transparency and growing mainstream and institutional adoption.
• Canadian MSBs can meet rising crypto demand without handling digital assets by referring clients to EZO’s crypto OTC desk.
• EZO’s referral program offers up to 15% recurring revenue on fees generated by referred clients.
• Once onboarded, partners share client details (with consent), EZO manages execution and partners earn ongoing payouts.

Stablecoins: Here to Stay

Stablecoins like USDC and USDT are dominating today’s cross-border liquidity conversation. Operations-wise, the upsides of using stablecoins are clear to see: speed, transparency, global and around-the-clock reach. Yet, hesitation persists. While using stablecoins to optimize payment flows is already widespread and compliant, it is not difficult to see why some prefer to follow the developments to come before including stablecoins as part of their everyday workflow.

Whereas countries like Singapore and Japan boast developed implementation, the stablecoin regulatory framework in Canada is still nascent. For that matter, we wrote an article going over the details of the Canadian Stablecoin Act draft presented as part of Budget 2025.

Why Demand for Stablecoins Will Keep Growing

The demand for stablecoins will keep growing as they continue to prove themselves more useful than traditional alternatives for cross-border transfers and even everyday payments.

Legacy institutions are paying attention too. Some have created their very own internal versions of stablecoins known as tokenized deposits. Many argue these have arisen out of a fear of losing control of the settlement layer to the digital economy.

While tokenized deposits remain tied to banking hours and restricted in use cases and availability, stablecoins like USDC or USDT:

• Are interoperable across multiple blockchains and retail merchants who accept them;
• Settle 24/7 outside of banking hours;
• Can be exchanged on a peer-to-peer basis without relying on intermediaries once funds are on-chain;
• Cost a fraction of traditional banking costs in gas fees, even for large-value transactions;
• Are publicly traceable online, fostering trust and transparency among users;
• Act as an inflation and currency devaluation hedge for many whose local currency is failing them; and
• Combine the unparalleled efficiency of blockchain with the stability of the USD and eventually the CAD as Canadian stablecoin initiatives mature.

Why Join EZO’s Crypto Referral Partner Program: Unique Offer

EZO allows onboarded individuals, MSBs and other kinds of businesses to join its one-of-a-kind crypto referral partner program. EZO values long-term relationships. Rather than offering a one-off premium for referring a set number of clients, we give you the opportunity to gain recurring rewards.

Invite friends and clients to use EZO to purchase, sell and swap crypto like USDC, ETH and BTC, and earn up to 15% of the revenue generated on the transactions you help bring to the platform. Invite once and unlock continuous rewards throughout the year with no additional effort required.

What Would Partnering Up Look Like: Operational Model

FX & Brothers* is a registered MSB specializing in currency exchange. They do not offer crypto as part of their currency options, but have a crypto referral partnership set in place with EZO. Instead of turning clients who inquire about cryptocurrency away, they refer them to EZO. When their clients transact, they accumulate 15% of the fee EZO charges them, with frequent payout. It’s a win for all parties involved.

*This is a fictional example which reflects the reality of many of our MSB and PSP clients.

Once your account has been created and our referral agreement signed, you’ll be able to refer your Canadian clients directly to the EZO crypto OTC desk team.

With your client’s consent, share their contact information with our team,  whether they:

• Want to purchase or sell crypto like BTC, ETH and USDC;
• Wish to send cross-border payment using stablecoins like USDC; 
• Wish to exchange fiat currencies like CAD or USD for cryptocurrencies; and
• Want to inquire about any other crypto services.

Our team will contact them with onboarding instructions. Once their account is ready and they start transacting, you start and keep earning as long as the referral agreement still applies.

You can benefit from the global movement towards cryptocurrency and stablecoin even if your MSB does not currently have internal operational rails and capabilities for them. Join the EZO Crypto Referral Partner Program and start earning on each successful transaction, with frequent payouts.

How to Become a Referral Partner of EZO’s Crypto OTC Desk

To become a crypto referral partner as a MSB, you must be a client of ours with an account. Contact our crypto OTC desk team to receive enterprise onboarding instructions by:

• Completing our contact form;
• Chatting with our agent at the bottom right corner of your screen;
• Booking a meeting;
• Calling us at +1 (581) 700-6265; or
• Writing an email to info@ezo.app.

Let us know at the time of onboarding you would like to become a crypto referral partner. Once your account has successfully been created and the referral agreement has been signed, you are ready to transact and ready to refer clients!

Sell and Buy Crypto as a MSB with EZO’s Crypto OTC Desk

Want to take matters into your own hands, and sell crypto like BTC, ETH or USDC directly to your clients? EZO’s crypto OTC desk can help your MSB acquire stablecoins like USDC at the best rates. You can easily add virtual assets into your payment options by submitting a Change Form to FINTRAC. More details are available in our article outlining what a liquidity partnership with EZO might look like for cross-border money services business.

FINTRAC Regulations

Having added virtual currencies into your MSB activities, you are expected to modify your policies to reflect the change and comply with new FINTRAC regulations, including but not limited to the submissions of Large Virtual Currency Transaction Reports, as well as your usual KYC and KYB procedures.

Not a MSB Yet?

If you are not yet a money services business, we have an article coming up explaining how to start the process of registering your company with FINTRAC. If you are looking to build a long-term partnership, our team is happy to share insights about our firsthand experience over a meeting.

‍

‍
Frequently Asked Questions

Do MSBs need to handle crypto directly to benefit from the program?

No. MSBs can refer clients to EZO’s crypto OTC desk without touching digital assets themselves and still earn recurring revenue.

How does the EZO referral partner program compensate partners?

Partners can earn up to 15% of the revenue generated from the transaction fees of clients they refer, on a recurring basis.

What is required to become a referral partner?

You must have an account with EZO, complete onboarding and sign a referral agreement before referring clients.