Digital Asset Business License in Bermuda – An Overview

Aspect Details
What is Digital Asset Business License? A Digital Asset Business License in Bermuda is a legal authorization granted to companies, enabling them to operate their digital assets business legally under the Digital Asset Business Act (DABA).
Benefits
  • Global Regulatory Recognition
  • Tiered Licensing Flexibility
  • Progressive Regulatory Sandbox
  • Crypto-Friendly Jurisdiction
  • Tax-Neutral Environment
Types
  • Class T (Test License)
  • Class M (Modified License)
  • Class F (Full License)
Who is eligible?
  • Businesses registered in Bermuda
  • Businesses that continue operation as a Bermuda entity through re-domiciling
Documents Required
  • Cover Letter & Executive Summary - Outlining the license class
  • Constitutional & Incorporation Documents - MoA, AoA, CoI or Registration Permit
  • Detailed Business Plan - Structure, Board & Senior Management CVs & Strategy
  • AML/ATF Policies & Procedures - Anti-Money Laundering & Counter-Terrorist Financing Documentation
  • Foreign Continuation Add-Ons - Foreign Regulator’s Certificate of Good Standing, Contact Info & Financial Statements (if applicable)
How can Enterslice help you with Digital Asset Business License in Bermuda?
  • Assess the license class suitable for your business model
  • Assist with company incorporation or continuation in Bermuda
  • Liaise with approved auditors and senior representatives in Bermuda
  • File a complete application package with the Bermuda Monetary Authority
  • Deliver legal, operational, and strategic advisory customized to your business needs

Get a Digital Asset Business License in Bermuda with Us

Let Enterslice experts facilitate a simplified Digital Asset Business License in Bermuda process under the DABA framework.

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What is Digital Asset Business License in Bermuda? 

A Digital Asset Business License in Bermuda is a regulatory permit issued to applicants seeking to launch operations across various businesses, including the issuance and trading of cryptocurrencies, digital asset payment service providers, digital asset exchanges (centralized or decentralized), custodial wallet services, and digital asset trust services. You can also operate as a digital asset derivative exchange provider or a digital asset services vendor, and our experienced consultants can guide you through the process.

A Digital Asset Business License in Bermuda is granted under the Digital Asset Business Act (DABA) and is executed by the Bermuda Monetary Authority (BMA). It was launched in 2018 and has since been developed in 2019 and 2023. DABA clearly classifies digital asset businesses into different categories, making it compulsory for applicants to meet all the compliance requirements for legal operations. Operating without a valid license can result in monetary penalties of up to $250,000 or a prison term of up to five years.

Types of Digital Asset Business License in Bermuda

If you are a global entrepreneur seeking to venture into Bermuda with a digital asset business, you are required to meet various regulatory, legal, and financial compliance norms. Our experts have guided foreign companies in obtaining various types of Digital Asset Business License in Bermuda, in line with the Digital Asset Business Act (DABA).

Different types of licenses available for Digital Asset Business License in Bermuda include the following:

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Class T (Test License)

Class T or Test License is a temporary license granted for pilot or proof-of-concept projects. This license type enables businesses to conduct limited-time operations without meeting full compliance or maintaining a physical presence in Bermuda. Our experienced consultants can help you manage early-stage validation effortlessly.

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Class M (Modified License)

Class M or Modified License is another type of Digital Asset Business License in Bermuda. It allows businesses to offer limited-scale operations that need fewer requirements. Usually, this license is valid for 12 to 18 months and is ideal for growing startups. Our experts help businesses operate in a streamlined environment, which in turn enables them to test, scale, and prepare for the compliance requirements required before applying for a Class F license.

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Class F (Full License)

Class F or Full License is a full-scale license, which allows businesses to conduct long-term operations after meeting the regulatory compliance requirements. This license is ideal for businesses that are willing to deliver digital asset services at a larger and global scale. We facilitate them to meet Digital Assets Business Regulations in Bermuda and yield long-term benefits legally.

How to Obtain a Digital Asset Business License in Bermuda?

The process of obtaining a Digital Asset Business License in Bermuda is structured. We can help applicants manage the stepwise process, which includes applying, collecting relevant documents and meeting different compliance requirements. Details of the procedure for securing a digital asset business license in Bermuda include the following:

Submit Executive Summary & Cover Letter

We facilitate businesses in obtaining a Digital Asset Business License in Bermuda by helping the applicants provide an executive summary that justifies the chosen license class. The process also requires them to address the means through which they intend to fulfil DABA’s criteria and explain any document omissions clearly and briefly.

Attach Constitutional & Business Documents

The next step, where Bermuda offers digital asset businesses, requires the applicants to provide incorporation certificates and Articles of Association (AoA). Our experts help them prepare a detailed business plan, which should also be attached to highlight ownership rights, organizational structure, and director details as a part of the licensing requirements.

Provide Key Regulatory Disclosures

Digital Assets Business Regulations Bermuda mandates that applicants submit key regulatory disclosures, including AML/ATF policies, CVs of senior management, and details of corporate shareholders. We help them through this step so that they can provide UBO disclosures and a cybersecurity framework that outlines key storage, risk controls, and access for regulatory surveillance.

Add Compliance & Governance Evidence

The Digital Asset Business License in Bermuda requires applicants to submit various proofs, including internal audits, compliance policies, staffing plans, insurance coverages, head office details and mitigation strategies. Our experienced consultants help them fulfil various compliance requirements, enabling prudent and transparent business operations.

Final Declarations & Acceptance Letters

We help global businesses complete the final step in the process of a Digital Asset Business License in Bermuda. It requires them to submit acceptance letters from the auditor and senior representative, CVs of senior representatives, and a signed declaration of compliance with Bermuda’s Code of Practice under the Digital Asset Business Act (DABA).

Timeline for Digital Asset Business License in Bermuda

The time taken to obtain a Digital Asset Business License in Bermuda ranges between 6 to 12 months, based on the fulfilment of various criteria. However, Enterslice experts can help your business avoid delays by streamlining the process. Detailed timeline is given below:

Submit Executive Summary & Cover Letter

The time required to prepare a summary that outlines compliance with DABA criteria and lists the reasons for opting for Bermuda licensing takes 2 to 3 weeks.

Attach Constitutional & Business Documents

It takes roughly 4 to 6 weeks to collect all the incorporation papers, business plans, financial statements, board structures and strategies that align with the digital asset business objectives in Bermuda.

Provide Key Regulatory Disclosures

Businesses take about 6 to 8 weeks to prepare AML/ATF policies, compile cybersecurity programs, collect ownership data, UBO declarations, and client asset protection mechanisms.

Add Compliance & Governance Evidence

Submitting staffing projections, audit plans, insurance details, head office information, and compliance frameworks takes 4 to 6 weeks to complete.

Final Declarations & Acceptance Letters

Collecting signed declarations, obtaining auditor confirmation, and securing approvals from senior representatives as part of ongoing compliance obligations typically takes businesses 2 to 3 weeks in Bermuda.

Documents Needed for DAB License in Bermuda Online

To meet Digital Assets Business Regulations Bermuda, applicants are required to submit various documents for a DAB License in Bermuda online, including the following:

Cover Letter & Executive Summary - Outlining the license class

Constitutional & Incorporation Documents - MoA, AoA, CoI or Registration Permit

Detailed Business Plan - Structure, Board & Senior Management CVs & Strategy

AML/ATF Policies & Procedures - Anti-Money Laundering & Counter-Terrorist Financing Documentation

Cybersecurity & Custody Programmes - Policies for Hot/Cold Wallet Key Storage, Cybersecurity Controls, Audit Logs & Node or Wallet Access

Corporate Governance Info - Board Composition, Head Office Address & Oversight Structure

Shareholder & Ownership Details - IDs of Shareholders, Beneficial Owners & Separation of Client Assets

Auditor & Senior Representative Acceptance Letters - Confirmation from Approved Auditor & Senior Representatives

Declaration of Compliance - Signed Declaration from Senior Officials as per DABA’s Code of Practice

Foreign Continuation Add-Ons - Foreign Regulator’s Certificate of Good Standing, Contact Info & Financial Statements (if applicable)

Eligibility: Bermuda Offers Digital Asset Businesses

Bermuda is a British Overseas Territory located in the North Atlantic Ocean. It has a robust and tiered licensing framework in place for global entrepreneurs seeking to launch digital asset businesses in the region. If you are a foreign business interested in entering this industry, you must be willing to comply with the terms and requirements of the Digital Asset Business Act (DABA).

However, to be eligible to apply for Digital Asset Businesses in Bermuda, applicant businesses must either be registered in Bermuda or continue operation as a Bermuda entity. Businesses can transfer their legal home (domicile) from their original jurisdiction to Bermuda without dissolving the existing company. Besides, applicants must also adhere to various other compliance prerequisites as per the requirements in Bermuda, including fit-and-proper senior management, sound corporate governance, AML/ATF compliance, and adequate cybersecurity measures.

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Benefits of Digital Asset Business License in Bermuda

The Digital Asset Business License in Bermuda serves as a gateway for interested companies looking to venture into various types of digital businesses. While it offers startups and established companies a secure and regulated environment to operate seamlessly, Enterslice can help you leverage various benefits of starting your digital assets business in Bermuda, including:

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Global Regulatory Recognition

Bermuda has a robust regulatory regime in place, respected globally. This enhances credibility with international banks, partners, and investors, making it easier for licensed businesses to grow and form cross-border relationships.

Tiered Licensing Flexibility

Bermuda offers Class T (Test), Class M (Modified), and Class F (Full) licenses, allowing businesses at different growth stages to choose a suitable framework and develop within a compliant environment.

Progressive Regulatory Sandbox

The Class M License provides a controlled environment for innovation, helping businesses fine-tune their offerings and ensure compliance before transitioning to a full license.

Crypto-Friendly Jurisdiction

Bermuda's blockchain legislation and fintech support enable digital asset companies to grow under responsible oversight, making it one of the most progressive crypto hubs globally.

Tax-Neutral Environment

Bermuda imposes no income, capital gains, or withholding taxes, allowing digital asset businesses to save costs and reinvest to boost long-term operational efficiency and profitability.

Clear AML/ATF Guidance

Bermuda’s AML/ATF regulations are transparent and aligned with FATF standards, ensuring compliance and reducing reputational risk for international businesses.

Access to Global Markets

Businesses compliant with Bermuda’s Digital Asset Business Regulations gain trust and collaborative opportunities with international investors and partners, expanding their global reach.

Strong Legal and Regulatory Support

The Bermuda Monetary Authority (BMA) offers responsive, clear guidance and oversight, serving as a dependable compliance partner throughout the business lifecycle in Bermuda.

Prerequisites for Digital Asset Business License in Bermuda

  • Fit and Proper Management :- Digital Asset Business License in Bermuda requires controllers and officers to exhibit integrity, competence, and financial soundness.
  • Prudent Business Conduct :- While Bermuda offers digital asset businesses, the applicant businesses must be structured and operated in a manner that safeguards the interests of customers and facilitates market stability.
  • High Integrity and Skill :- Applicants seeking to obtain a Digital Assets Business Regulations Bermuda license must exhibit professional ability, sound judgment, and moral conduct.
  • Robust Corporate Governance :- Digital Asset Business License in Bermuda requires applicants to showcase effective oversight mechanisms and decision-making structures to obtain approval.
  • Consolidated Supervision Readiness :- The applicant seeking to apply for Digital Asset Business License in Bermuda must undergo comprehensive regulatory supervision, especially if part of a group.

Why is Digital Assets Business Regulations Bermuda Important?

Global entrepreneurs and foreign companies seeking to launch a digital assets business in Bermuda must comply with all regulatory, legal, and other mandatory requirements. It is essential to comply with the Digital Assets Business Regulations Bermuda, as these directives provide a robust framework that fosters transparency, safeguards consumer interests, and maintains market integrity in the dynamic industry space.

The Bermuda Monetary Authority (BMA) governs these regulations under the Digital Asset Business Act (DABA). These regulations are crucial as they help reduce financial crimes such as money laundering and terrorism financing through strict AML/ATF standards.

Services for DAB License in Bermuda Online by Enterslice

Enterslice is a trusted global consultancy with the right experience in helping clients obtain a DAB License in Bermuda online in a stress-free manner. Our experts provide comprehensive services, including adherence to compliance requirements in accordance with Bermuda’s Digital Asset Business Act (DABA).

  • Assessing the License Class
  • Facilitating Company Incorporation in Bermuda
  • Preparing Executive Summary & Cover Letter
  • Drafting Business Plan & Ownership Structure
  • Outlining the AML/ATF Policy
  • Assistance with Cybersecurity & Custody Program Setup
  • Helping File Regulatory Disclosures with the BMA
  • Liaising with Auditors & Senior Representatives
  • Helping with Governance & Compliance Paperwork
  • Offering Post-Licensing Regulatory Support
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Why Enterslice for Digital Asset Business License in Bermuda?

Global businesses can find it overwhelming to complete the process of obtaining a Digital Asset Business License in Bermuda. However, Enterslice has a team of expert consultants who are proficient in handling the complex and comprehensive process.

We have successfully guided our global clients in launching their digital assets businesses in Bermuda on time. Here's how we make it easy:

  • Assess the license class suitable for your business model
  • Helped 500+ digital asset business owners secure the license
  • 99% success rate, highest in the industry
  • Assist with company incorporation or continuation in Bermuda
  • Draft executive summary, cover letter, and compliance roadmap for your business
  • Design AML/ATF and cybersecurity policies in line with DABA guidelines
  • Structure your business plan and ownership documentation in a professional manner
  • Liaise with approved auditors and senior representatives in Bermuda
  • File a complete application package with the Bermuda Monetary Authority
  • Facilitate ongoing compliance with regulatory obligations post-licensing
  • Deliver legal, operational, and strategic advisory customized to your business needs
  • Offer comprehensive support for license renewals and BMA reporting requirements

FAQs on DAB License in Bermuda Online

A Digital Asset Business License in Bermuda is a legal permit granted to companies that meet all the legal, regulatory and financial compliance requirements to operate a digital asset business. This license is governed by the Digital Asset Business Act, which, in turn, is overseen by the Bermuda Monetary Authority (BMA).

Depending on their business needs and models, foreign companies can apply for one of the three types of Digital Asset Business Licenses in Bermuda. These licenses include Class T (Test License), Class M (Modified License), and Class F (Full License) licenses. The license is granted to entities based on successful compliance with the requirements, business scale, compliance readiness, and maturity stage.

Obtaining a Digital Asset Business License in Bermuda is a complex and exhaustive process. The overall process can be tiresome and confusing for businesses. According to the norms, only businesses that are registered in Bermuda or those that continue to operate legally in Bermuda through de-domiciliation are permitted. However, our experienced consultants at Enterslice can help you manage your eligibility criteria, including fit-and-proper management and adherence to robust compliance programs..

While it usually takes between 6 to 8 months to obtain a Digital Asset Business License in Bermuda, the process can be complex, which can delay the timelines. However, you can contact us to learn more about the license class and other procedures to expedite the process.

Businesses must submit various documents to obtain a digital asset license in Bermuda. These include a cover letter, detailed business plan, AML policies, cybersecurity framework, governance structure, and compliance declarations.

As a global entrepreneur, various factors make Bermuda a compelling choice for launching your digital asset business. As a British Overseas Territory in the North Atlantic Ocean, Bermuda has a stable legal system in place. Besides, it has clearly outlined its digital assets regulations, offers a tax-neutral status, and has a progressive licensing regime under the BMA. Together, these factors make it an ideal destination for launching a crypto venture.

The cost of applying for a Digital Asset Business License in Bermuda depends on various factors, including the application fees that vary according to the license type, legal expenses, operational charges and consultation fees. You can contact us to know the details about the total cost.

Yes, foreign companies that meet the eligibility criteria can successfully obtain a Digital Asset Business License in Bermuda. Global businesses seeking to launch a digital asset venture in Bermuda should either incorporate a company there or continue legal operations in Bermuda through de-domiciliation.

Various businesses are regulated under Bermuda's Digital Assets Business Regulations, including digital asset exchanges, custodians, payment service providers, market-makers, and token issuers.

Yes, the Digital Asset Business License can be revoked by the Bermuda Monetary Authority (BML). If the license holder fails to meet the minimum ongoing criteria, such as governance, capital adequacy, or AML compliance, the BML may revoke the license in accordance with the Digital Asset Business Act 2018 (DABA).

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