Frequently Asked Questions
1. GDC Fundamentals, Vision, & Stability
Q: What is Global Digital Currency AG (GDC)?
A: Global Digital Currency AG (GDC) is the company that provides the non-DLT private digital currency Ꟈ (pronounced Dee bar) designed for ultra-low-cost, instant, and secure settlement for global commerce. Its unit of exchange is the Ꟈ. It is a fully operational digital currency platform with existing, audited infrastructure, not a business idea.
Q: How is GDC different from traditional currencies?
A: Traditional fiat currencies rely on slow, costly, and fragmented banking rails, and suffer from systemic geopolitical risks. GDC, the company, offers a superior model by providing engineered performance, deterministic speed, and predictable stability managed by the Primary Market Maker (PMM), making the Ꟈ a more efficient and reliable unit of exchange for the digital age. Like all modern fiat currency, we offer no guarantee of value, grounding trust in utility and stability.
Q: How is GDC different from cryptocurrencies?
A: GDC provides the Ꟈ, which is definitively not a cryptocurrency. The Ꟈ is a stable digital currency that is regulated as a Payment Token under FINMA. The underlying platform does not use DLT (blockchain technology), ensuring the Ꟈ is not subject to block finality latency or variable gas fees, which volatile cryptocurrencies lack.
Q: What are the benefits of using Ꟈ?
A: The Ꟈ offers unparalleled efficiency (flat, ultra-low fee), speed (sub-50ms finality), security (immutable transactions), and regulatory accountability (FINMA/SRO oversight). This eliminates the major cost and speed frictions in global settlement.
Q: How is the value of Ꟈ determined?
A: As the Primary Market Maker, GDC AG determines the exchange rate of Ꟈ against other currencies. We maintain stability via active, market-disciplined currency management, similar to how central banks manage fiat currency. We aim to maintain the stability of the Ꟈ's value when commercially reasonable, but we offer no guarantees of value, aligning with the established fiat currency trust model.
Q: What are the benefits of using Ꟈ for businesses?
A: The Ꟈ offers businesses deterministic speed for settlement, elimination of expensive correspondent banking fees, immutable transaction finality for clearing, and cost-effective currency pooling. This accelerates international trade, reduces working capital costs, and removes the risk of currency fluctuations through our stable monetary management.
Q: What are the benefits of using Ꟈ for governments?
A: The Ꟈ can provide a stable and secure alternative for governments by acting as a neutral interoperability layer between various Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) and traditional fiat currency systems. It promotes financial inclusion and offers a resilient, low-cost rail for international aid and disbursement.
2. Performance & Cost (The Ꟈ Utility)
Q: Why are payments via GDC so much cheaper for both parties (sender [requester] and receiver) compared to other digital payment services providers?
A: The GDC infrastructure is engineered for cost elimination. Payments are cheaper because we charge a fixed, ultra-low flat transaction fee (Ꟈ 0.10), which applies to the movement of the Ꟈ for both the sender and receiver. This fee replaces the costly, variable intermediary charges, credit risk premiums, and non-transparent correspondent banking fees inherent in legacy systems.
Q: How long does the Ꟈ payment transfer take between sender/requester and receiver?
A: Ꟈ payment transfers are settled with sub-50ms deterministic finality, as measured within our secure Swiss data centers. This speed is significantly faster than any DLT asset or traditional bank wire, providing instantaneous settlement assurance to both the sender and the receiver.
Q: How much does a payment with Ꟈ cost me as a payment sender/requester?
A: The core cost for sending a payment between Ꟈ users is the ultra-low, flat transaction fee (Ꟈ 0.10). This fee is constant regardless of the transaction value or the distance of the transfer, ensuring predictable, minimal costs for the sender.
Q: How much does a payment with Ꟈ cost me as a payment receiver?
A: Receiving payments with Ꟈ is extremely low-cost. The core fee is the ultra-low, flat transaction fee (Ꟈ 0.10), which applies to the movement of the Ꟈ. Unlike legacy systems, GDC minimizes the associated fees for the receiver, ensuring you retain the maximum value of the payment.
Q: Can I use the GDC infrastructure also to make digital payments via a fiat currency?
A: No. The core GDC infrastructure is specifically designed for transactions using only the Ꟈ. This single-currency focus is a strategic necessity that guarantees the deterministic speed and low cost. Payments involving other fiat currencies are handled by our SMMs, who use the Ꟈ rail for the efficient settlement component of the service.
Q: How long do transactions typically take to process?
A: Most transfers between Users are processed with sub-50ms deterministic finality, as measured within our secure Swiss data centers. The only variance in speed comes from the external network segment outside of our system's control.
3. Adoption & Market Access
Q: How do I purchase Ꟈ?
A: You can purchase Ꟈ from GDC AG as the Primary Market Maker through various methods, including bank transfers and major currency payments. Note that GDC's PMM only deals in a few major fiat currencies. For all other currencies, you must integrate with an Affiliated Secondary Market Maker (SMM).
Q: I have cash of a fiat currency. What do I need to do to exchange it into Ꟈ?
A: To exchange fiat currency for Ꟈ, you will integrate with one of our Affiliated Secondary Market Makers (SMMs). The SMM is a licensed financial institution that manages the local fiat currency on-ramp. You will create a User profile with them and complete the necessary identity verification steps.
Q: I have some Ꟈ that I want to convert back into a fiat currency, but no bank account. What do I need to do?
A: This conversion service is provided by our Affiliated Secondary Market Makers (SMMs). Our SMM network is designed to provide diverse off-ramps (local cash, payment processors, etc.) that do not require a traditional bank account, using the Ꟈ as the instant clearing asset. Please contact an SMM for assistance and guidance on available options.
Q: What currencies can I use to purchase Ꟈ?
A: GDC’s Primary Market Maker (PMM) supports purchases using a variety of major fiat currencies. Our SMM network, however, provides exchange services for virtually all local fiat currencies and cryptocurrencies globally.
Q: How do I sell my Ꟈ?
A: You can sell your Ꟈ to GDC AG as the Primary Market Maker for major fiat currencies through various methods, including bank transfers. Alternatively, our SMM network facilitates sales for local fiat currencies and other forms of value representation.
Q: Can I use Ꟈ to make purchases online and in stores?
A: Yes, you can use Ꟈ to make purchases online and in stores wherever Ꟈ is accepted. We are continuously working with our SMM network to expand the reach of merchants and businesses that accept Ꟈ.
Q: Is GDC available in my country?
A: Yes, GDC (the platform) is available globally. Once you have a profile, transfers between Ꟈ users can occur anywhere in the world with an internet connection. The Affiliated Secondary Market Makers (SMMs) exist to provide local currency, enabling the exchange of Ꟈ for local fiat currency, cryptocurrency, or other value representations in your region.
Q: How do I get started with GDC?
A: To get started with GDC (the platform), you can create a User profile on our website and complete the necessary identity verification steps. Once your profile is set up, you can begin purchasing, selling, and using Ꟈ for transactions.
4. Governance, Trust, & Security
Q: How is GDC regulated?
A: GDC operates as a Self-Regulatory Organization (SRO) which is subject to the direct oversight of the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA). We comply with all applicable Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) regulations to ensure the integrity of our platform.
Q: How can I trust this is working as GDC says (claims) it will?
A: Trust in GDC is built on audited compliance and certified performance, not historical volume alone. We maintain the highest standards of security, reliability, and compliance, confirmed by ongoing Tier 1 Audits that certify our infrastructure's performance. Furthermore, GDC operates under the direct oversight of FINMA via its SRO status, providing clear legal accountability that substitutes for the lack of long-term track record.
Q: What the Founder has done so far (the credibility question 😁)?
A: GDC’s reliability rests on the auditability of its Operational Capital and Legal Accountability, not the personal history of its founders. The integrity of our system is confirmed by Tier 1 Audit Firms who certify its deterministic performance and stability logic. Legal accountability is provided by the FINMA-mandated Board and compliance officers, who are legally responsible under Swiss law. This audited structure is the highest standard of institutional trust.
Q: How big the team currently is and if the Founder is also involved coding wise/can also code?
A: Our primary focus is not headcount, but on engineered performance. The system’s integrity is measured by its certified speed and security, which is rigorously validated by external auditors. The GDC team consists of experienced professionals in finance, technology, and regulatory compliance. The founder is actively involved in the strategic direction and works closely with the development team to ensure the highest standards of security and functionality.
Q: Can I cancel or reverse a transaction?
A: No. Once a transaction is approved, it is irreversible and final. The system’s integrity relies on absolute immutability post-approval. Risk mitigation (AML/fraud screening) occurs only in the pre-approval phase to prevent transactions from completing. Please review our Terms of Service for more information about transaction finality.
Q: How is my privacy protected?
A: We prioritize the privacy of our users and their transactions. Your information is confidential and will not be shared except as required by Swiss law or a Swiss court order. We adhere to strict privacy policies and handle your data with care.
Q: What are the risks associated with using GDC?
A: While the Ꟈ is designed for stability and security, there are inherent risks associated with any financial platform. These risks include platform risks, but are mitigated by regulatory certainty (addressed by our FINMA/SRO compliance), and the potential for market manipulation (mitigated by the PMM). You can find more information on our Risk Disclosure page.
Q: What information do you collect about me, and how is it used?
A: We collect information that is necessary for the operation of our services, including transaction information and information required by law. We use this information to provide and improve our services, comply with legal obligations, and protect our users. You can find more information about the information we collect and how it is used in our Privacy Policy.
Q: What security measures do you take to protect my User profile from unauthorized access?
A: We employ a variety of security measures to protect your User profile, including multi-factor authentication, strong encryption, and regular security assessments. Our infrastructure adheres to high standards like Zero-Trust Architecture (ZTA) and ISO 27001. You can find more information about our security measures on our Security Policy page.
Q: What is your AML/KYC policy?
A: We comply with all applicable Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) regulations to prevent financial crimes and ensure the integrity of our platform. Our compliance is managed under the direct oversight of FINMA via our SRO status. You can find more information on our AML and KYC Policy page.
Q: Do you share my information with third parties?
A: We do not share your information with third parties, except as required by Swiss law or a Swiss court order. We may also engage third-party service providers to assist us in carrying out certain aspects of our operations, but we carefully select these providers and ensure they maintain appropriate security measures to protect your information.
Q: How do I create a User profile?
A: You can register as a User on our website by providing your email address and creating a password. You will also be required to provide information necessary for identity verification purposes in line with our AML/KYC protocols.
Q: How much Ꟈ can I buy or sell per day/month/year?
A: The amount of Ꟈ you can buy or sell depends on your User type and verification level. These limits are in place to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, including AML/KYC laws. You can find more information about transaction limits on our website or in your User dashboard.
Q: How can I contact GDC support?
A: You can contact GDC support through our website by using the contact form or by emailing our support team directly
Q: What should I do if I suspect my User profile has been compromised?
A: If you suspect your User profile has been compromised, please lock your User profile immediately using the "LOCK" link at the top of our Security Policy page. Security will automatically be notified.
Q: What happens if I forget my User profile password?
A: If you forget your User profile password, you can use the "Forgot Password" link on the login page to reset your password. You will be prompted to enter your email address, and a password reset link will be sent to you. Follow the instructions in the email to create a new password.
Q: What happens if I lose access to my User profile?
A: If you lose access to your User profile, please contact our support team immediately for assistance. We have procedures in place to help you regain access to your profile, which may include identity verification steps to ensure the security of your account.
Q: When I will make it visible („hot“) on my LinkedIn profile?
A: You can make your involvement with GDC visible on your LinkedIn profile at any time. We encourage our users and supporters to share their experiences with GDC and help spread the word about our platform. If you need any assistance or resources to help you promote GDC on LinkedIn, please feel free to contact our support team.
Q: How do I update my User information?
A: You can update your User information in your User dashboard on our website. Please ensure that your information is kept up-to-date to avoid any issues with your User profile or transactions.
Q: How do I view my transaction history?
A: You can view your transaction history in your User dashboard on our website. The transaction history provides a detailed record of all your Ꟈ transactions.
Q: How do I enable advanced security features on my User profile?
A: You can enable advanced security features, such as two factor authentication, hardware keys, etc., via the User profile maintenance page on our website.
Q: What is your approach to environmental sustainability?
A: We are committed to environmental sustainability. Since the GDC platform is non-DLT, it avoids the massive energy consumption associated with the proof-of-work consensus mechanisms used by many cryptocurrencies, utilizing energy-efficient technologies to minimize our environmental impact.
Q: How does GDC contribute to financial inclusion?
A: GDC is designed to be accessible globally. By leveraging our SMM network and providing a low-cost, high-speed rail, we enable secure and reliable financial services for underserved populations and businesses in developing markets, bypassing the high fees and complexity of legacy banking systems.
Q: What information do you collect about me, and how is it used?
A: We collect information that is necessary for the operation of our services, including transaction information and information required by law. We use this information to provide and improve our services, comply with legal obligations, and protect our users. You can find more information about the information we collect and how it is used in our Privacy Policy.
Q: How can I access and control my personal data?
A: You can access and control your personal data by submitting a data subject request through our secure web request form. You can find the link to this form on our Privacy Policy page.
Q: Do you share my information with third parties?
A: We do not share your information with third parties, except as required by Swiss law or a Swiss court order. We may also engage third-party service providers to assist us in carrying out certain aspects of our operations, but we carefully select these providers and ensure they maintain appropriate security measures to protect your information.