Quick Facts
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| License name | GFSC DLT License |
| Country | Gibraltar |
| Regulator | GFSC |
| What it covers | Distributed Ledger Technology Provider — 9 principles |
| Minimum capital | Substance-based |
| Timeline | 16–24 weeks |
What is the GFSC DLT License?
The GFSC DLT License is a regulator authorisation issued by GFSC that allows a regulated entity in Gibraltar to provide the services covered by the regime. Unique 9-principle assessment.
Who needs a GFSC DLT License?
Operators offering services that fall within the activity definition supervised by GFSC. The activity scope captures distributed ledger technology provider — 9 principles — and you should treat anything within or adjacent to that scope as caught until the structure has been opined on.
How the GFSC DLT License application works
The application is run as a structured five-stage workstream: scoping and gap analysis, incorporation and substance, AML/KYC programme drafting, regulator submission and RFI cycles, and post-licence onboarding. Total time from kickoff to authorisation is 16–24 weeks.
Cost of the GFSC DLT License
The total first-year cost combines: regulator fee, statutory capital tied up at Substance-based, legal fees confirmed at engagement, substance (resident director, office, AML officer where required), and the first year of ongoing supervision. We provide a fixed-scope quote at engagement so the number is not a moving target.
Pitfalls to avoid
- Mismatched substance. Paper directors and serviced offices are detected at first examination. Substance must be substantive;
- Generic AML programmes. GFSC reads policies as a competency signal — generic templates are visible;
- Banking afterthoughts. A licence without a bank account is a paperweight. Banking is part of the engagement, not bolted on after authorisation;
- Ignoring the year-one supervision burden. Authorisation is the start. Annual audit, AML refresh and material-change notifications are calendared from day one.
Frequently asked questions
What does the GFSC DLT License cover?
The GFSC DLT License authorises distributed ledger technology provider — 9 principles. It is supervised by GFSC. Unique 9-principle assessment.
What is the timeline for the GFSC DLT License?
Typical timeline is 16–24 weeks from kickoff to authorisation. Variance comes from RFI cycles and the quality of the application file at submission, not from the published schedule.
What is the minimum capital for the GFSC DLT License?
Statutory capital is Substance-based. Capital is one input — substance, governance and the AML programme usually drive the application outcome more than the capital line on its own.
How does the GFSC DLT License fit alongside other Gibraltar licences?
Most operating models in Gibraltar combine GFSC DLT License with one of the other available regimes — see the full list on the Gibraltar page.
Who supervises GFSC DLT License authorisation in Gibraltar?
GFSC is the supervising authority. The same regulator handles ongoing supervision after authorisation, including annual returns and material-change notifications.