Quick Facts
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| License name | DASP License |
| Country | El Salvador |
| Regulator | CNAD |
| What it covers | Digital Asset Service Provider regime (non-Bitcoin) |
| Minimum capital | Model-dependent |
| Timeline | 6–10 weeks |
What is the DASP License?
The DASP License is a regulator authorisation issued by CNAD that allows a regulated entity in El Salvador to provide the services covered by the regime. Covers exchange, custody and wallet for non-BTC assets.
Who needs a DASP License?
Operators offering services that fall within the activity definition supervised by CNAD. The activity scope captures digital asset service provider regime (non-bitcoin) — and you should treat anything within or adjacent to that scope as caught until the structure has been opined on.
How the DASP 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 6–10 weeks.
Cost of the DASP License
The total first-year cost combines: regulator fee, statutory capital tied up at Model-dependent, 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. CNAD 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 DASP License cover?
The DASP License authorises digital asset service provider regime (non-bitcoin). It is supervised by CNAD. Covers exchange, custody and wallet for non-BTC assets.
What is the timeline for the DASP License?
Typical timeline is 6–10 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 DASP License?
Statutory capital is Model-dependent. 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 DASP License fit alongside other El Salvador licences?
Most operating models in El Salvador combine DASP License with one of the other available regimes — see the full list on the El Salvador page.
Who supervises DASP License authorisation in El Salvador?
CNAD is the supervising authority. The same regulator handles ongoing supervision after authorisation, including annual returns and material-change notifications.