Security Token Offering (STO)
A Security Token Offering (STO) combines blockchain technology with regulated securities frameworks to enable efficient capital raising and improved asset liquidity. STOs involve the issuance of digital tokens on a blockchain that represent regulated securities, providing investors with ownership or economic rights linked to underlying assets such as real estate, precious metals, equity, or other assets.
At GFSC Global, we offer comprehensive support for the structuring and execution of STOs. Our services include legal and regulatory advisory, token structuring and tokenization, preparation of offering documents, review of smart contracts, formation of legal entities, and obtaining regulatory approvals. We assist clients with STO licensing in Liechtenstein, Switzerland, the UAE, Gibraltar, and many more countries.
Initial Coin Offering (ICO)
The regulatory environment for Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs) varies significantly across jurisdictions, making the choice of the appropriate framework essential.
GFSC Global provides expert guidance to help clients obtain the necessary approvals or authorizations for ICOs and Utility Token Offerings (UTOs).
Key Advantages of ICOs
- Attraction of an unlimited number of investors from all over the world, both individuals and corporate.
- ICO projects are attracted investors due to high probability of profits. There are cases when the cost of tokens grew by 100%.
- Investments in the ICO projects are available for investors with minimal amount of Funds.
- ICO provides an opportunity to receive funding at the early seed stage of the project and on a better terms than through accelerators.
- Low cost of attracting investments, in comparison with traditional methods.
Gibraltar Distributed Ledger Technology License
Gibraltar is one of the pioneering jurisdictions in the world to introduce a Distributed Ledger Technology (blockchain) regulatory regime. Supervised by the Gibraltar Financial Services Commission (GFSC), the DLT regulatory regime commenced on 1st January 2018.
The following types of business operations fall within the scope of the DLT Regulations and must be licensed if operating from Gibraltar:
- • Cryptocurrency exchanges.
- • Crypto custodians and escrow service providers.
- • Centralised crypto scheme administrators (for example, loyalty points and in-game currencies).
- • B2B payment network operators.
- • Asset managers managing crypto portfolios on behalf of clients.
- • Any company holding crypto or other digital assets, as a business, on behalf of others (OTC trading platforms can be Exempt).
Below please find features of the particular license category in more details:
Feature/Category | DLT License |
Type of company required to be eligible | Limited Liability Company |
Corporate taxation | 12,5% |
Minimum paid-up statutory capital | No specific minimum capital requirement, but the Regulator expects the applicant to calculate a capital requirement that would be fitting to its risk profile and level of operations. |
Main requirements | Minimum 1 director (local), Local physical office, Local Key personnel (CEO, CFO, CTO), Registered address, Audited financial statements |
Government Fees Description/ License Category | Initial application assessment fee £2000 License Application fees £10000 – £30000 based on complexity level |
GFSC GLOBAL can offer as well the following services in relation to the license application, which include:
1) Opening of operational and clients bank accounts (worldwide)
2) Assistance with recruitment of personnel (e.g. Executive Director(s), Independent Non-Executive Director(s), other required qualified personnel)
3) Provide outsourced services, such as External Audit, Legal Services
4) Provide outsourced Risk Management services
5) Assistance with Trademark & Brand Name registration worldwide
6) Provide in-house trainings/seminars
7) Provide Legal Opinions
8) Provide DPO & GDPR Advisory services
Our professional fees for the above-mentioned services depend on the combination of services chosen and are available upon request.
Authorizations are granted by the Liechtenstein Financial Market Authority (“FMA”) under the provisions of the Blockchain Act.
Below please find features of the particular category in more details:
| Feature/Category | STO Authorization |
| Type of company required to be eligible | Liechtenstein Company AG |
| Corporate taxation | 12,5% |
| Minimum paid-up statutory capital | 50,000 CHF |
| Main requirements | Minimum of 1 director, registered address, audited financial statements. |
| Approximate Timeframe | Company formation usually takes up to 1-2 weeks. A complete application is normally decided upon FMA approval within 3-4 months from the date of filing. |
| Government fees | 1,000 CHF |
GFSC GLOBAL can offer as well the following services in relation to the license application, which include:
1) Opening of operational and clients bank accounts (worldwide).
2) Assistance with recruitment of personnel (e.g. Executive Director(s), Independent Non-Executive Director(s), other required qualified personnel)
3) Provide outsourced services, such as Accounting, Bookkeeping, Internal Audit, External Audit
4) Provide outsourced Compliance & AML Support services
5) Provide outsourced Risk Management services
6) Assistance with finding local premises
7) Assistance with Trademark & Brand Name registration
8) Provide in-house trainings/seminars
9) Provide Legal Opinions
10) Provide DPO & GDPR Advisory services
- • Digital Assets Mining License
- • Tokenization of Real – World Assets License
- • NFT License
Ras Al-Khaimah is one of the pioneering Emirates in UAE to introduce Digital Assets Mining, Tokenization of Real – World Assets and NFT regulatory regime. Supervised by the Digital Assets Oasis in Ras Al-Khaimah, UAE (RAK DAO).
The following types of business operations fall within the scope and must be licensed:
| Digital Assets Mining | Tokenization of Real – World Assets | NFT |
| Proprietary Mining of Cryptocurrencies | Tokenization of Real-World Assets | NFT Marketplace Provider |
| Mining Equipment manufacturing | NFT Creator/Issuer | |
| Mining Equipment | ||
| Mining Facility Operator |
Below please find features of the particular category in more details:
| Type of company required to be eligible | Limited Liability Company |
| Corporate taxation | 0% |
| Minimum paid-up statutory capital | 0 |
| Main requirements | Minimum 1 director, Minimum 1 Shareholder, At least 2 managers, Local physical office (if local bank account is required Flexi – office – (without bank account) |
| VISA | Local Visas are required for all members of the company. Each company requires from 1 to 6 visa eligibility. Costs are extra |
Approximate Timeframe
A complete application is normally decided upon RAK DAO approval 2 weeks from the date of filing.
GFSC GLOBAL can offer as well the following services in relation to the license application, which include:
1) Opening of operational and clients bank accounts (worldwide)
2) Preparation of manuals and Policies
3) Assistance with recruitment of personnel (e.g. Executive Director(s), Independent Non-Executive Director(s), other required qualified personnel)
4) Provide outsourced services, such as External Audit, Legal Services
5) Provide outsourced Risk Management services
6) Assistance with Trademark & Brand Name registration worldwide
7) Provide in-house trainings/seminars
8) Provide Legal Opinions
9) Provide DPO & GDPR Advisory services
Our professional fees for the above-mentioned services depend on the combination of services chosen and are available upon request.
Ras Al-Khaimah is one of the pioneering Emirates in UAE to introduce a Distributed Ledger Technology (blockchain), Blockchain Development & Software regulatory regime. Supervised by the Digital Assets Oasis in Ras Al-Khaimah, UAE (RAK DAO).
The following types of business operations fall within the scope of Blockchain Development, DLT Services, Software and must be licensed:
- • Software Development Services
- • Cybersecurity and Technology Audit Services of Software Code
- • Software House
- • Digital Bridge Services
- • Digital Platforms & Services
- • Node Operator
- • Digital Analytics Services
- • Blockchain Oracle
- • Web3 Services
- • Distributed Ledger Technology Services
Below please find features of the particular license category in more details:
| Feature/Category | Blockchain Development/ DLT Services and Software Licenses |
| Type of company required to be eligible | Limited Liability Company |
| Corporate taxation | 0% |
| Minimum paid-up statutory capital | 0 |
| Main requirements | Minimum 1 director, Minimum 1 Shareholder, At least 2 managers, Local physical office (if local bank account is required Flexi – office – (without bank account) |
| VISA | Local Visas are required for all members of the company. Each company requires from 1 to 6 visa eligibility. Costs are extra |
Approximate Timeframe
A complete application is normally decided upon RAK DAO approval 2 weeks from the date of filing.
GFSC GLOBAL can offer as well the following services in relation to the license application, which include:
1) Opening of operational and clients bank accounts (worldwide)
2) Preparation of manuals and Policies
3) Assistance with recruitment of personnel (e.g. Executive Director(s), Independent Non-Executive Director(s), other required qualified personnel)
4) Provide outsourced services, such as External Audit, Legal Services
5) Provide outsourced Risk Management services
6) Assistance with Trademark & Brand Name registration worldwide
7) Provide in-house trainings/seminars
8) Provide Legal Opinions
9) Provide DPO & GDPR Advisory services
Our professional fees for the above-mentioned services depend on the combination of services chosen and are available upon request.
Authorizations are granted by the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (“FINMA”) under the provisions of the DLT Securities Act.
Below please find features of the particular category in more details:
| Feature/Category | STO Authorization |
| Type of company required to be eligible | Swiss Company AG |
| Corporate taxation | 18% |
| Minimum paid-up statutory capital | 100,000 CHF |
| Main requirements | Minimum of 1 director, AML Officer (local), registered address, audited financial statements. |
| Approximate Timeframe | Company formation usually takes up to 1-2 weeks. A complete application is normally decided upon FINMA approval within 5-6 months from the date of filing. |
| Government fees | 5,000 CHF |
GFSC GLOBAL can offer as well the following services in relation to the license application, which include:
1) Opening of operational and clients bank accounts (worldwide).
2) Assistance with recruitment of personnel (e.g. Executive Director(s), Independent Non-Executive Director(s), other required qualified personnel)
3) Provide outsourced services, such as Accounting, Bookkeeping, Internal Audit, External Audit
4) Provide outsourced Compliance & AML Support services
5) Provide outsourced Risk Management services
6) Assistance with finding local premises
7) Assistance with Trademark & Brand Name registration
8) Provide in-house trainings/seminars
9) Provide Legal Opinions
10) Provide DPO & GDPR Advisory services
Need a different jurisdiction? Request a quote for your preferred location, and we’ll deliver tailored proposal to meet your needs. Additional jurisdictions available upon request. Simply request a quote for your desired jurisdiction, and we’ll provide the details promptly.
Authorizations are granted by the Liechtenstein Financial Market Authority (“FMA”) under the provisions of the Blockchain Act.
Below please find features of the particular category in more details:
| Feature/Category | ICO/UTO Authorization |
| Type of company required to be eligible | Liechtenstein Company AG |
| Corporate taxation | 12,5% |
| Minimum paid-up statutory capital | 15,000 CHF |
| Main requirements | Minimum of 1 director (local), Compliance Officer, registered address, audited financial statements. |
| Timeframe | Company formation usually takes up to 1-2 weeks. A complete application is normally decided upon FMA approval within 4-5 months from the date of filing. |
| Government fees | 2,000 CHF |
GFSC GLOBAL can offer as well the following services in relation to the license application, which include:
1) Opening of operational and clients bank accounts (worldwide).
2) Assistance with recruitment of personnel (e.g. Executive Director(s), Independent Non-Executive Director(s), other required qualified personnel)
3) Provide outsourced services, such as Accounting, Bookkeeping, Internal Audit, External Audit
4) Provide outsourced Compliance & AML Support services
5) Provide outsourced Risk Management services
6) Assistance with finding local premises
7) Assistance with Trademark & Brand Name registration
8) Provide in-house trainings/seminars
9) Provide Legal Opinions
10) Provide DPO & GDPR Advisory services
Authorizations are granted by the Bank of Lithuania under the provisions of the Law on Markets in Financial Instruments, Law on Securities, Law on Crowdfunding, Laws regulating the activities of collective investment undertakings depending on the type of tokens issued.
Below please find features of the particular category in more details:
| Feature/Category | ICO/UTO Authorization |
| Type of company required to be eligible | Lithuania Company |
| Corporate taxation | 15% |
| Minimum paid-up statutory capital | The minimum paid-up capital depends on the type of tokens will be issued. |
| Main requirements | Minimum of 1 director, AML Officer (local), registered address, audited financial statements. |
| Timeframe | Company formation usually takes up to 1-2 weeks. A complete application is normally decided upon Bank of Lithuania approval within 6-7 months from the date of filing. |
| Government fees | * |
GFSC GLOBAL can offer as well the following services in relation to the license application, which include:
1) Opening of operational and clients bank accounts (worldwide).
2) Assistance with recruitment of personnel (e.g. Executive Director(s), Independent Non-Executive Director(s), other required qualified personnel)
3) Provide outsourced services, such as Accounting, Bookkeeping, Internal Audit, External Audit
4) Provide outsourced Compliance & AML Support services
5) Provide outsourced Risk Management services
6) Assistance with finding local premises
7) Assistance with Trademark & Brand Name registration
8) Provide in-house trainings/seminars
9) Provide Legal Opinions
10) Provide DPO & GDPR Advisory services
Licenses are granted by the Mauritius Financial Services Commission under the provisions of the Virtual Asset and Initial Token Offering Services Act 2021.
Below please find features of this particular licence category in more details:
Feature/Category | Initial Token Offering (Issuer) |
Type of company required to be eligible | GBL |
Corporate taxation | Double Taxation Avoidance Agreements (DTAAs) |
Minimum paid-up statutory capital | minimum stated unimpaired capital, specified by FSC |
Main requirements | – 2 directors (locals), – Compliance, MLRO and Deputy MLRO Officers (locals), – Local office (could be arranged through our office in Mauritius), – Bookkeeping (local), – Independent Compliance Audit, – Audited Financial Statements, through local Auditor |
Timeframe | A complete license application is normally decided upon FSC approval within 4-5 months from the date of filing |
GFSC GLOBAL can offer as well the following services in relation to the license application, which include:
1) Opening of operational and clients bank accounts (worldwide)
2) Assistance with recruitment of personnel (e.g. Executive Director(s), Independent Non-Executive Director(s), other required qualified personnel)
3) Provide outsourced services, such as External Audit, Legal Services
4) Provide outsourced Risk Management services
5) Assistance with Trademark & Brand Name registration worldwide
6) Provide in-house trainings/seminars
7) Provide Legal Opinions
8) Provide DPO & GDPR Advisory services
Our professional fees for the above-mentioned services depend on the combination of services chosen and are available upon request.
Authorizations are granted by the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (“FINMA”) under the provisions of the DLT Securities Act.
Below please find features of the particular category in more details:
| Feature/Category | ICO/UTO Authorization |
| Type of company required to be eligible | Swiss Company AG |
| Corporate taxation | 18% |
| Minimum paid-up statutory capital | 100,000 CHF |
| Main requirements | Minimum of 1 director (local), Compliance Officer, registered address, audited financial statements. |
| Timeframe | Company formation usually takes up to 1-2 weeks. A complete application is normally decided upon FINMA approval within 7-8 months from the date of filing. |
| Government fees | 10,000- 15,000 CHF* |
GFSC GLOBAL can offer as well the following services in relation to the license application, which include:
1) Opening of operational and clients bank accounts (worldwide).
2) Assistance with recruitment of personnel (e.g. Executive Director(s), Independent Non-Executive Director(s), other required qualified personnel)
3) Provide outsourced services, such as Accounting, Bookkeeping, Internal Audit, External Audit
4) Provide outsourced Compliance & AML Support services
5) Provide outsourced Risk Management services
6) Assistance with finding local premises
7) Assistance with Trademark & Brand Name registration
8) Provide in-house trainings/seminars
9) Provide Legal Opinions
10) Provide DPO & GDPR Advisory services
Need a different jurisdiction? Request a quote for your preferred location, and we’ll deliver tailored proposal to meet your needs. Additional jurisdictions available upon request. Simply request a quote for your desired jurisdiction, and we’ll provide the details promptly.
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