No Wallet No Waiting Crypto Superyacht Transactions

No Wallet, No Waiting: How Crypto Is Quietly Transforming Superyacht Transactions - Journal By Yatco Home > No Wallet, No Waiting: How Crypto Is Quietly Transforming Superyacht Transactions No Wallet, No Waiting: How Crypto Is Quietly Transforming Superyacht Transactions Written by James Smith We speak to crypto expert Ivar Jaanus from Swapin about how his company is experiencing a new wave of interest from the superyacht sector. Jan 10, 2026 There is a quiet shift happening in superyachting. Charters confirmed in hours, not days. Deposits sent without chasing banking windows. Shipyards receiving funds instantly. Clients are paying in crypto and businesses are receiving euros, dollars, or pounds. "We've seen a clear shift from interest to active adoption," says Ivar Jaanus, Head of Business Development at Swapin. "Crypto payments are no longer a curiosity – for some they've become a client expectation." The Swapin solution bridges the two worlds: the client pays in digital assets, but the receiving company gets immediate currency settlement into its business account with no crypto wallets or concerns over volatility, just a smooth transaction. The biggest hurdle, Jaanus says, has always been perception."Some still associate crypto with volatility or complexity," he notes. "Our role is to show that using it simply as a currency has no exposure to price swings, no wallets to manage, and most importantly – instant settlement." In a world where owners may decide at breakfast that they want to be in Capri by sunset, speed isn't a luxury — it's essential. A captain can confirm a multi-day charter the same morning the client requests it, effectively meaning there are no bank cut-offs, no weekend delays and no rushing paperwork. Not Just Charters — Entire Yachts Originally, Swapin expected most crypto use to be charter-focused — agile, spontaneous, time-sensitive. But 2025 brought a surprise."We were somewhat surprised by the number of yacht sale transactions processed through Swapin," Jaanus says. "It shows how comfortable high-net-worth clients have become using digital assets for high-value purchases." It is possible to settle seven- or eight-figure transactions in a few hours, making even yacht sales quicker and much more efficient. Compliance Is the Quiet Superpower Crypto's reputation in the past has often been tied to risk. These days, any operators to be taken seriously are fully licensed and adhere strictly to licensing regulations, such as those in Europe. "That gives partners confidence – they're operating within a transparent and compliant environment," he explains. All transfers follow KYC (Know Your Customer) and AML (Anti-Money Laundering) standards — ensuring the discretion UHNWIs expect is backed by the regulatory rigour the industry demands. "Clarity and consistency always win," he says. "Explaining complex things in a simple way builds trust faster than anything else." The New Normal Arrives Quietly For Jaanus, this isn't innovation for novelty's sake. It's responding to how wealth actually exists today: fast, mobile, global. "As the word spreads that crypto payments are fast, cost-efficient, and effortless, adoption will accelerate rapidly," he says. "It's about meeting modern expectations for speed, privacy, and simplicity." His ambition is clear: "We want crypto payments in luxury to feel as natural and trusted as any other method." For superyachting it seems a natural fit – dynamic, trusted, global and quick. Compliance Is the Quiet Superpower Crypto's reputation in the past has often been tied to risk. These days, any operators to be taken seriously are fully licensed and adhere strictly to licensing regulations, such as those in Europe. "That gives partners confidence – they're operating within a transparent and compliant environment," he explains. All transfers follow KYC (Know Your Customer) and AML (Anti-Money Laundering) standards — ensuring the discretion UHNWIs expect is backed by the regulatory rigour the industry demands. "Clarity and consistency always win," he says. "Explaining complex things in a simple way builds trust faster than anything else." The New Normal Arrives Quietly For Jaanus, this isn't innovation for novelty's sake. It's responding to how wealth actually exists today: fast, mobile, global. "As the word spreads that crypto payments are fast, cost-efficient, and effortless, adoption will accelerate rapidly," he says. "It's about meeting modern expectations for speed, privacy, and simplicity." His ambition is clear: "We want crypto payments in luxury to feel as natural and trusted as any other method." For superyachting it seems a natural fit – dynamic, trusted, global and quick. How It Actually Works Crypto-to-Fiat Payments in 3 Simple Steps (Fiat = government-issued currency, e.g. US dollars) Step 1: Client pays in crypto BTC, ETH, or stablecoins — whatever they already hold. Secure transfer through Swapin's platform. Step 2: Instant conversion Digital assets convert immediately to EUR / GBP / USD. No volatility risk. No wallets for the merchant. Step 3: Merchant receives currency to their business bank account Funds appear just like a standard wire transfer. Fully compliant with European KYC/AML regulations. For owners: Speed. Privacy. Borderless movement of wealth. For yacht companies: No banking delays. No crypto management. Just fast settlement — and guests onboard sooner. Explore Topics Explore Topics Featured Posts Andrew Cardwell | Cybersecurity for the Modern Superyacht Operational insight. Earned credibility. Security built for the real world. Andrew Cardwell | Cybersecurity for the Modern Superyacht Operational insight. Earned credibility. Security built for the real world. JQ Louise | Writer, Editor "We find out what's actually worth it — from the people who know best." The editorial principle behind a platform built on access and credibility. JQ Louise | Writer, Editor "We find out what's actually worth it — from the people who know best." The editorial principle behind a platform built on access and credibility. Georges Bourgoignie | Senior Sales Broker at Fraser Yachts, Fort Lauderdale With decades of experience listing and selling yachts, Georges has built his reputation around a client first approach. The result has been lasting client loyalty, reflecting a philosophy he has held since 1989 and one recognised by Fraser Yachts. Georges Bourgoignie | Senior Sales Broker at Fraser Yachts, Fort Lauderdale With decades of experience listing and selling yachts, Georges has built his reputation around a client first approach. The result has been lasting client loyalty, reflecting a philosophy he has held since 1989 and one recognised by Fraser Yachts. Michael T. Moore | Maritime Lawyer Michael T. Moore advises yacht owners, operators, and institutions on maritime law, complex litigation, and regulatory matters across the global superyacht industry. Michael T. Moore | Maritime Lawyer Michael T. Moore advises yacht owners, operators, and institutions on maritime law, complex litigation, and regulatory matters across the global superyacht industry. Quentin Bourgeois | Yacht Broker at Fraser Yachts Monaco Understanding what makes a yacht work operationally is the foundation for knowing what makes it valuable commercially Quentin Bourgeois | Yacht Broker at Fraser Yachts Monaco Understanding what makes a yacht work operationally is the foundation for knowing what makes it valuable commercially Andrew Cardwell | Cybersecurity for the Modern Superyacht Operational insight. Earned credibility. 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