Daw Global Weekly Company Brief: Week Commencing: 6th April 2026

Seychelles SDL: Insights by Richard Picton-Turbervill – Co-Founder & Director

The Seychelles SDL has become a widely adopted framework for broker-dealers seeking efficient access to international markets. Issued by the Financial Services Authority (FSA), the licence enables firms to offer a range of trading services, including foreign exchange, Contracts For Difference (CFDs), and other financial instruments, within a recognised regulatory structure.

One of the primary attractions of the Seychelles SDL lies in its balance between regulatory oversight and operational flexibility. Compared with more restrictive regulators and jurisdictions, the Seychelles SDL offers a more efficient application process alongside proportionate capital requirements, within a regulatory environment designed to support cross-border business models. This makes it particularly appealing to companies targeting emerging and international client bases.

In addition, Seychelles provides a favourable tax environment, with many entities benefiting from low or zero corporate taxation on offshore activities, depending on their structure. Combined with a well-established legal framework and efficient incorporation processes, this has positioned the jurisdiction as a practical choice for both new market entrants and established operators expanding globally.

Businesses operating under the Seychelles SDL typically require reliable infrastructure to support their day-to-day financial operations and fiat and digital banking. When aligned effectively, this enables companies to maintain operational continuity while meeting their regulatory obligations and scaling their international presence.

VASPs Transitioning to CASPs in the EU: Insights by Euan Maskell – Co-Founder & Director

Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) has been reshaping the regulatory landscape for crypto-related businesses across the EU, creating a single, harmonised framework. For companies that have been operating as VASPs, the focus now is on completing the transition to authorised CASPs in order to continue operating across the EU.

The transitional period for existing VASPs is well underway, with the final deadline of 01 July 2026 (01/07/2026) approaching fast. After this date, only fully authorised CASPs will be able to operate legally within the EU. It’s important to note that VASP registrations don’t automatically convert, as companies need to complete the full CASP authorisation process. This includes demonstrating that operations and governance are sound, and that they are adequately capitalised.

Implementation across EU member states remains uneven. Some jurisdictions are moving quickly to enforce the rules, while others are taking full advantage of the transitional window. This has created a dynamic environment where early preparation and structured compliance strategies can provide a significant advantage.

For crypto businesses with EU exposure, the main focus will be on maintaining compliance with MiCA while securing any required CASP authorisation and ensuring operations are aligned with the EU’s evolving regulatory framework.

Curacao Licensing: Global Reach for B2C and B2B Operators: Insights by Roland (Ronnie) De Mei – Managing Director of Capital Trust Corporation N.V.

Curacao has long been recognised as a key jurisdiction for online gambling, offering both B2C and B2B licences that provide operators with broad international access. Businesses holding a Curacao Gaming Authority (CGA) licence can serve clients across multiple regions, including Europe, Latin America, and parts of Asia and Africa, subject to local compliance requirements. The licence framework provides the flexibility to offer casino, sports betting, and other gaming services while operating under a single, internationally recognised regulatory umbrella.

A key component of Curacao’s licensing structure is the CGA licence. This authorisation allows operators to provide services to multiple jurisdictions without needing separate national licences, offering a streamlined path to global markets. The regulatory approach is pragmatic, balancing oversight with operational efficiency, which makes it particularly attractive for start-ups and established operators expanding internationally.

On the global gambling stage, Curacao’s main advantage lies in its simplicity, speed, and cost-effectiveness. The legal framework and incorporation processes are designed to support operators, allowing them to scale efficiently while remaining compliant with regulatory requirements. For businesses targeting international markets, a CGA licence provides both credibility and practical access to a wide array of players worldwide.