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[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

[GENERAL] Are you delivering this project as an individual or as an entity (whether formally incorporated or not)

[GENERAL] Please specify how many months you expect your project to last (from 2-12 months)

[GENERAL] Please indicate if your proposal has been auto-translated into English from another language.

[GENERAL] Summarize your solution to the problem (200-character limit including spaces)

We will conduct a BaFin audit of one Cardano SC, ensuring it meets eWpG standards, similar to ETH & Polygon. This aligns Cardano with EU laws, enhancing its legal validity for token ownership & more

[GENERAL] Does your project have any dependencies on other organizations, technical or otherwise?

[GENERAL] If YES, please describe what the dependency is and why you believe it is essential for your project’s delivery. If NO, please write “No dependencies.”

No dependencies.

[GENERAL] Will your project’s output/s be fully open source?

[GENERAL] Please provide here more information on the open source status of your project outputs

The contract has to be open source due to the regulations we have to fulfill.

The BaFin audit of the Smart Contract is the final goal.

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution.

Summary/TLDR:

• We will reate an open source Tokenization smart contract on Cardano.
• We will approach BaFin for an audit of this smart contract.

More details:

Our proposed solution focuses on conducting a comprehensive BaFin audit for a Cardano smart contract, specifically designed to comply with the German Electronic Securities Act (eWpG) and broader EU regulations. This approach is driven by the recognition of a critical gap in the legal and operational framework of blockchain technology, particularly in the European context.

Enabling this means you can use this BaFin audited Cardano smart contract for eWpG compliant tokenization of assets in the EU, based on the passporting rule.

Perception of the Problem:

We perceive the problem as twofold: first, the lack of legal recognition for blockchain-based digital assets, particularly in the EU; and second, the absence of standardized compliance protocols for blockchain platforms like Cardano. This gap hinders the potential for broader adoption and integration of blockchain technology into the mainstream financial ecosystem.

Approach and Reasoning:

Our approach is to align Cardano's smart contract capabilities with established financial regulations. By mirroring the compliance standards already achieved by Ethereum and Polygon, we aim to elevate Cardano’s standing within the EU market. This audit isn't merely a regulatory hurdle but a strategic move to enhance trust, security, and functionality.

Engagement and Demonstration:

The project will engage legal, financial, and blockchain experts to ensure thorough compliance and audit processes. We plan to demonstrate impact through clear metrics, such as legal recognition, increased adoption rates, and enhanced market confidence in Cardano.

Uniqueness and Benefits:

Our solution is unique in its focus on harmonizing advanced blockchain technology with specific legal frameworks. This alignment benefits developers, investors, and users within the Cardano ecosystem by providing a more secure, transparent, and legally compliant environment. It's a critical step in advancing the blockchain sector's credibility and utility, particularly in the EU’s regulated financial markets.

Importance to Cardano:

This project is pivotal for Cardano's growth and integration into the global financial system. It addresses legal and compliance barriers, paving the way for broader adoption and innovation. By ensuring compliance with eWpG and EU standards, we open new opportunities for Cardano in the European market and beyond, positioning it as a leader in legally compliant blockchain solutions.

Benefit: Cardano smart contracts are more efficient and reliable from technical standpoint than its equivalent on ETH & Polygon, which will be officially recognized by BaFin currently going through an audit. Even if the BaFin audit is not yet completed, the superior technology of Cardano technology will result in significant benefits for the smart contract users.

[IMPACT] Please define the positive impact your project will have on the wider Cardano community.

Our project, focused on securing a BaFin audit for a Cardano smart contract, will have a substantial positive impact on the wider Cardano community, spanning developers, investors, and users. The successful implementation of this project will bring several key values to the community:

Positive Impact:

1. Legal Recognition and Trust: By aligning with the German Electronic Securities Act (eWpG) and EU standards, the project enhances Cardano's legitimacy and trustworthiness in the eyes of regulators, investors, and users, particularly in the EU.
2. Market Expansion and Adoption: Compliance with EU regulations opens up new markets for Cardano-based projects, increasing adoption rates and expanding the user bas
3. Developer Engagement: It provides a more secure and compliant framework for developers, encouraging innovation and development within the Cardano ecosystem
4. Investor Confidence: Legal compliance boosts investor confidence, attracting more investment into Cardano projects and increasing the overall value of the ecosystem

Measuring Impact:

• Quantitative Metrics: We will track the increase in the number of Cardano projects compliant with EU regulations, growth in investment, and user adoption rates within the EU.
• Qualitative Metrics: Surveys and feedback from the Cardano community, developers, and investors on their confidence and perception of Cardano post-audit.

Sharing Outputs and Opportunities:

• Community Engagement: Regular updates and reports will be shared with the Cardano community through forums, social media, and community meetups.
• Collaboration with Cardano Entities: We will work closely with the Cardano Foundation to disseminate information and integrate our findings into broader community initiatives.
• Publications and Conferences: We intend to publish our findings in blockchain and fintech publications and present at relevant conferences to reach a wider audience.
• Open-Source Documentation: All documentation and insights will be made available openly, ensuring transparency and accessibility for all interested parties.

By achieving legal compliance and recognition, our project will not only enhance the current state of Cardano but also pave the way for future innovations and developments within the ecosystem. The success of this project is a step towards establishing Cardano as a leading, legally-compliant blockchain platform in the global financial sector.

[CAPABILITY & FEASIBILITY] What is your capability to deliver your project with high levels of trust and accountability? How do you intend to validate if your approach is feasible?

Our team's capability to deliver this project with high levels of trust and accountability is grounded in our extensive experience and expertise in both blockchain technology (FluidTokens.com) and regulatory compliance (IAMX.id). Here’s how we validate our approach and ensure the feasibility of the project:

Team Expertise and Experience:

• Blockchain Experts: Our team includes seasoned professionals with in-depth knowledge of blockchain technology, specifically in the Cardano ecosystem = Team FluidTokes
• Legal and Compliance Specialists: We have legal experts specializing in EU financial regulations and the German Electronic Securities Act (eWpG), ensuring that our approach aligns with legal standards = Team IAMX
• Project Management Professionals: Our experienced project managers will oversee the project, ensuring milestones are met efficiently and effectively.

Validating the Approach:

• Feasibility Analysis: We will conduct a preliminary feasibility study to assess the practicality and implications of a BaFin audit for Cardano. We are in touch with the BaFin already.
• Collaboration with Regulatory Bodies: Engaging with BaFin and other regulatory authorities early in the process to align our objectives and methodologies.
• Continuous Risk Assessment: Regular risk assessments will be conducted to identify potential challenges and devise mitigation strategies.

Trust and Accountability in Fund Management:

• Transparent Budgeting and Reporting: Detailed budget plans will be openly shared
• Third-party Audits: Audits will be done by BaFin and their partners.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Regular updates and feedback sessions with the Cardano community and stakeholders to maintain transparency and address concerns.

Steps to Ensure Trust:

1. Kick-off Meeting: With all stakeholders to align on goals, expectations, and reporting structure
2. Regular Progress Updates: Through community forums, social media, and direct reports.
3. Mid-project Review: An in-depth review at the midpoint to assess progress and adjust strategies if necessary.
4. Final Report and Audit: Detailed project report and financial audit at the completion.

By combining our team's expertise with a rigorous approach to project management and stakeholder engagement, we believe we are well-positioned to deliver this project successfully. Our commitment to transparency, accountability, and continuous communication ensures that we can be trusted to manage funds properly and achieve the project’s objectives.

[Project Milestones] What are the key milestones you need to achieve in order to complete your project successfully?

Preliminary Assessment and Planning

A) Objective: Conduct a comprehensive analysis of current Cardano smart contracts and identify the specific requirements for BaFin compliance.

B)Tasks:

• Review existing Cardano smart contracts.
• Understand BaFin's audit criteria and requirements.
• Develop a project plan outlining the audit process.

C) Expected Outcome: A detailed report on the current state of Cardano smart contracts and a strategic plan for the audit process.

Team Assembly and Initial Engagement with BaFin

A) Objective: Assemble a dedicated team and initiate communication with BaFin.

B) Tasks:

• Recruit legal experts, blockchain developers, and compliance specialists.
• Establish initial contact with BaFin to discuss the audit process.

C) Expected Outcome: A fully assembled project team and established communication channel with BaFin.

Development and Compliance Alignment

A) Objective: Align the Cardano smart contract with BaFin's regulatory requirements.

B) Tasks:

• Adapt or develop the smart contract to meet BaFin's compliance standards.
• Conduct internal compliance checks.

C) Expected Outcome: A revised smart contract ready for preliminary review by BaFin.

Preliminary Audit and Feedback Integration

A) Objective: Submit the smart contract for a preliminary audit by BaFin and integrate feedback.

B) Tasks:

• Submit the smart contract to BaFin for initial review.
• Receive and integrate feedback from BaFin.

C) Expected Outcome: A BaFin-reviewed smart contract with integrated feedback, ready for final submission.

Final Audit Submission and Certification

A) Objective: Submit the smart contract for the final audit and receive certification.

B) Tasks:

• Finalize the smart contract based on preliminary audit feedback.
• Submit the contract for the final audit.
• Receive BaFin certification.

C) Expected Outcome: A BaFin-audited Cardano smart contract, fully compliant with EU regulatory standards.

[RESOURCES] Who is in the project team and what are their roles?

Team FluidTokens.com

Matteo Coppola, CEO FluidTokens - https://www.linkedin.com/in/matteo-coppola-mazzetti/

Raul Rosa, CTO, FluidTokens - https://www.linkedin.com/in/raul-antonio-rosa-padilla

Team IAMX.id

Dennis Mittmann, CTO IAMX AG - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dennis-mittmann/

Tim Heidfeld, CEO IAMX AG - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-heidfeld/

Tim Brückmann, CMO IAMX AG - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-b-7864a284/

Team NMKR

https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-tobler-6593b912b/

[BUDGET & COSTS] Please provide a cost breakdown of the proposed work and resources.

1.Preliminary Assessment and Planning

• Legal and Regulatory Analysis: ADA 20,000 interviewing legal experts to review and analyze BaFin requirements
• Project Planning: 0 ADA - Development of a comprehensive project plan, including timelines and resources

2. Team Assembly and Initial Engagement with BaFin

• Team Recruitment: ADA 0 - Not necessary, as team intern available: like blockchain developers, legal experts, and compliance specialists.
• Initial BaFin Consultation: ADA 7,000 - Fees for initial discussions and consultations with BaFin.

3. Development and Compliance Alignment

• Smart Contract Development/Modification: ADA 25,000- Cost of blockchain developers to modify or develop the smart contract.
• Internal Compliance Review: ADA 14,000 - interview with experts for an internal review of the compliance.

4. Preliminary Audit and Feedback Integration

• Preliminary Audit Fees: ADA 50,000 - BaFin’s fees for conducting the preliminary audit.
• Feedback Implementation: ADA 14,000 - Development costs for integrating BaFin's feedback.

5. Final Audit Submission and Certification

• Final Audit Submission: ADA 50,000 - BaFin’s fees for the final audit.
• Certification Processing: ADA 20,000 - Costs associated with processing and receiving the audit.

Total Estimated Cost: 200,000 ADA

Third-Party Services and Products are included in the cost breakdown:

• Legal and Regulatory Consultants: Specialized in blockchain and financial regulations.
• Code Auditing Services: For internal compliance reviews.
• Project Management Tools: Software licenses for project management and coordination.

Alternative Sources of Funding: Any additional costs exceeding the funding request will be covered by:

• Private investments
• Partnerships with blockchain-focused financial institutions
• Grants from blockchain and fintech associations

This budget ensures that all aspects of the project are adequately funded to achieve the goal of a BaFin-audited Cardano smart contract, with a focus on transparency, effective use of resources, and delivering value to the Cardano community.

[VALUE FOR MONEY] How does the cost of the project represent value for money for the Cardano ecosystem?

The proposed project's budget, while substantial, represents significant value for money for the Cardano ecosystem for several reasons:

1.Strategic Compliance and Legal Recognition

• BaFin Audit: The cost of obtaining a BaFin audit, while high, is a strategic investment. It brings the Cardano blockchain in line with German and EU regulations, opening doors to a much larger market. This compliance not only enhances trust but also significantly boosts Cardano's potential for adoption in one of the world's largest and most regulated markets.

2. Expertise and Quality Assurance

• Legal and Regulatory Analysis: The fees for legal experts are based on the specialized knowledge required to navigate blockchain regulation, particularly in the EU. These rates are aligned with the average fees for legal consultancy in blockchain compliance.
• Development and Audit Costs: The costs for modifying and auditing the smart contract reflect the typical rates for high-quality blockchain development and auditing services. These are essential for ensuring the smart contract's functionality and security, directly impacting Cardano’s credibility and reliability.

3. Long-Term Benefits and ROI

• Market Expansion: By ensuring legal compliance, the project paves the way for future Cardano initiatives in the EU, potentially leading to a higher ROI in terms of new projects, investments, and collaborations.
• Developer and Investor Confidence: Legal recognition increases confidence among developers and investors, potentially leading to an increase in the number and quality of projects built on Cardano, enhancing the overall value of the ecosystem.

5. Cost Justification

• Market Research: The costs were determined through market research, comparing rates across similar projects within the blockchain industry.
• Location and Industry Standards: The professional fees align with the standard rates in the EU, considering the high level of expertise required for a project of this complexity.

In conclusion, the project represents value for money by strategically positioning Cardano for long-term growth, legal compliance, and market expansion within the EU. The costs are carefully calculated to ensure quality, compliance, and value delivery, aligning with industry standards and the broader objectives of the Cardano ecosystem.

[IMPORTANT NOTE] The Applicant agrees to Fund Rules and also that data in the submission form and other data provided by the project team during the course of the project will be publicly available.