AZJ Legal advises clients across the fast-evolving digital assets ecosystem, with a particular focus on the Gibraltar regulatory framework—one of the most progressive and practical crypto regimes globally. Our clients include early-stage funds, decentralised finance (DeFi) platforms, and blockchain advisory firms seeking to scale, access fiat on-ramps, and ultimately secure regulatory authorisation.

The digital assets sector is dynamic and often fragmented, with participants ranging from developers managing significant on-chain assets, to start-up funds and token-based protocols looking to become fully licensed businesses. Many clients come to us with the ambition to commercialise rapidly, build trust with institutional partners, and access global capital. To do this successfully, regulatory credibility is key—and this is where Gibraltar’s DLT regime offers a competitive edge.

We help clients involved in digital assets understand and navigate the requirements of the Gibraltar Financial Services Commission under the DLT Providers Regulatory Framework, including assisting with early-stage scoping, risk assessment, and business model alignment with the regulatory principles. We also support clients preparing for their first licensing application, acting as strategic advisers through the pre-application and formal onboarding process in collaboration with local sponsor firms.

Beyond regulatory authorisation, we act for clients involved in crypto-focused capital raising, structuring token-based projects, negotiating with counterparties and developers, and managing cross-border legal risk. We understand that in this space, speed, clarity, and real-world commercial awareness are essential—particularly for founders and developers who are technical by nature but require guidance on how to build a legal structure around their innovations.

Our digital asset clients value us not just for legal documentation, but for the regulatory insight and commercial judgement we bring to each engagement. We provide practical advice that helps move projects forward, especially when transitioning from informal developer collectives to fully regulated ventures.

We work closely with local and international partners to deliver seamless legal solutions across jurisdictions. Whether your goal is regulatory approval, capital access, or sustainable growth in the digital asset space, we bring the legal expertise and commercial clarity needed to help you get there.

AZJ Legal’s work for digital asset and crypto clients includes:

• advising on the Gibraltar DLT licence application process, including project readiness, regulatory strategy, and engagement with sponsor firms
  
  
• drafting and negotiating early-stage documentation, including SAFTs, token sale agreements, and validator contracts
  
  
• structuring and setting up crypto investment funds and DeFi protocols
  
  
• supporting crypto advisory firms with regulatory classification, investor onboarding, and transactional structuring
  
  
• advising on token economics, governance models, and smart contract risk mitigation
  
  
• ongoing legal support for licensed entities, including compliance, commercial contracts, and enforcement risk