Gibraltar licenses four main regulated sectors: online gambling, distributed ledger technology (DLT) and fintech, insurance, and investment funds. Gambling is licensed by the Minister responsible for gambling and supervised by the Gambling Commissioner. Financial services are regulated by the Gibraltar Financial Services Commission (GFSC). What sets Gibraltar apart is market access into the UK for financial services, with no EU passport.
At a glance
| Sector | Regulator and law, as of October 2026 |
|---|---|
| Online gaming | Licensing Authority and Gambling Commissioner; Gambling Act 2025, in force since 1 April 2026 |
| DLT and crypto | GFSC; DLT provider and VAA provider permissions |
| E-money and payments | GFSC; EU-derived rules, €350,000 initial capital for e-money institutions |
| Insurance | GFSC; Solvency II-based rules; mostly UK business |
| Funds | GFSC; Experienced Investor Funds and Private Funds |
Which guide should you read?
- Gibraltar online gaming licence covers the new B2C, B2B and support-services licences, the 2026 fee schedule, the 0.15% gambling duty, the substance test and transition rules.
- DLT and fintech licensing explains DLT provider and VAA provider permissions, the ten regulatory principles, e-money institutions, GFSC fees, and why crypto firms have no UK or EU passport.
- Insurance and funds sets out insurer authorisation and fees, UK market access, Experienced Investor Funds and the reformed Private Fund regime.
What all regulated sectors have in common
Every regime expects real presence. That means a Gibraltar company, local directors and senior staff, and decisions taken in Gibraltar. Owners and key individuals are tested as fit and proper, and AML controls under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2015 apply throughout. Start with setting up a company in Gibraltar and our guide to corporate tax. The standard corporate tax rate has been 15% since 1 July 2024.
UK access and the 2026 UK–EU treaty
Gibraltar insurers, banks, investment firms and e-money and payment firms reach the UK under transitional arrangements. The FCA says these run until 31 December 2026, pending the permanent Gibraltar Authorisation Regime. DLT firms and gambling operators are not covered. Gambling operators need a licence in each market they serve, including Great Britain.
The UK–EU treaty, applied provisionally since 15 July 2026, does not restore EU passporting for any of these sectors. Its benefit is easier movement of people across the frontier, which helps with hiring. For the wider context, see the UK–EU treaty explained for business, or compare jurisdictions in Gibraltar vs Malta.