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---
title: "ESMA Q&A 1269 — Q&A — Operation of DLT TSS [Answer Published]"
shortTitle: "ESMA Q&A 1269 — Q&A — Operation of DLT TSS [Answer Published]"
answer_id: ESMA_QA_1269
topic: "DLT market infrastructure"
status: "Answer Published"
type: qa
instrument_type: qa
authority: ESMA
binding: false
binding_character: non_binding
legal_status: in_force
regulation: "DLT Pilot"
dlt_level3: true
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legal_basis: "DLT Pilot"
date: 2 June 2023
source_link: https://www.esma.europa.eu/publications-data/questions-answers/1269
lifecycle: "Answer Published"
text_version: "ESMA Q&A register, 2 June 2023"
source_url: "https://www.esma.europa.eu/publications-data/questions-answers/1269"
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    question_submitted_on: "ESMA Q&A Excel export ESMA_QA_1269, column 'Date of submission'"
lifecycle_label: "Answer Published"
---

**Answer prepared by the European Commission, published in the ESMA Q&A tool · not legislation · published 2 Jun 2023 [Answer Published]**

*Answer Published · ESMA Q&A register, 2 June 2023 · Checked against the ESMA publication on 26 Oct 2026 · [Official source](https://www.esma.europa.eu/publications-data/questions-answers/1269)*

| | |
|---|---|
| **Full title** | ESMA Q&A 1269 — Q&A — Operation of DLT TSS \[Answer Published\] |
| **Prepared by** | European Commission |
| **Published by** | ESMA, in the ESMA Q&A tool |
| **Reference** | ESMA_QA_1269 |
| **Document type** | Q&A |
| **Legal nature** | Not legislation |
| **Addressees** | Not stated in the document |
| **Dates** | Published 2 June 2023; question submitted 2 June 2023 |
| **Legal basis** | DLT Pilot |
| **Related instruments** | None recorded |
| **Text on this page** | Word for word — the full text of the ESMA publication |

**Operation of DLT TSS**

### Question

Should an entity that applies for a permission to operate a DLT TSS provide both the DLT MTF and DLT SS services? Under which circumstances can an entity apply for the permission to operate a DLT MTF, without the need to operate a DLT TSS? Who can perform the settlement of transactions in DLT financial instruments, together with the initial recording of DLT financial instruments or the safekeeping services in relation to DLT financial instruments, in case an entity applies for the permission to operate a DLT MTF and not a DLT TSS?

***

### Answer

\[ESMA70-460-189 - Heading 8 - Question 2\]

Answer provided by the European Commission in accordance with article 16b(5) of the ESMA Regulation.

In Article 2, point (10), of DLTR, a DLT TSS is defined as a DLT MTF or DLT SS that combines services performed by a DLT MTF and a DLT SS. Therefore, an entity that applies for a permission to operate a DLT TSS is to perform both the DLT MTF and DLT SS services.

An entity can apply for the permission to operate a DLT MTF, without the need to operate a DLT TSS when that DLT MTF does not provide settlement services in DLT financial instruments against payment or against delivery together with initial recording services or safekeeping services in relation to DLT financial instruments.

In case an entity applies for the permission to operate a DLT MTF and not a DLT TSS, any entity who is licensed as a DLT SS, DLT TSS or CSD and with whom the DLT MTF has set up access arrangements in accordance with Article 53 of CSDR may perform the settlement of transactions in DLT financial instruments, together with the initial recording of DLT financial instruments or the safekeeping services in relation to DLT financial instruments.

Disclaimer in relation to the answers provided by the European Commission in accordance with Article 16b(5) of the ESMA Regulation: these answers clarify provisions already contained in the applicable legislation. They do not extend in any way the rights and obligations deriving from such legislation nor do they introduce any additional requirements for the concerned operators and competent authorities. The answers are merely intended to assist natural or legal persons, including competent authorities and Union institutions and bodies in clarifying the application or implementation of the relevant legal provisions. Only the Court of Justice of the European Union is competent to authoritatively interpret Union law. The views expressed in the internal Commission Decision cannot prejudge the position that the European Commission might take before the Union and national courts.

***

**Source:** [ESMA original document](https://www.esma.europa.eu/publications-data/questions-answers/1269)