Licensing/Registration

GBC (Grant Business Consultants) can help you obtain:

• a Forex/Cyprus Investment Firm (CIF) License from the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC)
• an EU (European Union) Investment Firm Licensefrom any other EU Authority
• a Fund Manager License (AIFM or UCITS Management Company) as well as a license or registration for Alternative Investment Funds (AIF) or UCITS funds from CySECor any other EU Authority
• an Administrative Service Provider (ASP) from CySEC.
• A Forex License from any popular jurisdiction such us Belarus, Seychelles, UK etc.

Investment Firm Licensing

An Investment Firm licensed by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC) falls under Law 87(I)/2017 regarding the provision of investment services, the exercise of investment activities and the operation of regulated markets. Once licensed, it is able to provide investment services through representative and branch offices across 30 member countries via the EU Single Passport.

Investment firms that are in the Forex and Brokerage markets are growing larger every day. Investors are becoming increasingly interested in this sector, while at the same time becoming more demanding. A plethora of Forex and Forex Brokerage firms are already active in the retail and professional markets and a growing number of others are currently being licensed in what is turning into an increasingly regulated, competitive and challenging environment.

 

Investment Fund Managers and Funds Licensing

CySEC-authorised fund managers benefit from the status of the Republic of Cyprus as a full member of the European Union, which provides them with unfettered access (EU passport) to the European Economic Area (EU members plus Liechtenstein, Norway and Iceland).

Cyprus affords an easy-to-set-up fund management regime; a fund (either an AIF or UCITS) can be set up as a variable capital investment or as a mutual fund. In addition, AIFs can also be set up in the form of limited liability partnerships (LLPs) and as fixed capital investment firms.

With respect to AIFs, CySEC has also introduced the AIF with limited number of Persons/Investors (AIFLNP), an AIF that requires no initial capital and is exempted from appointing a depositary.

GBC (Grant Business Consultants) offers continuous support and modular solutions tailored for the Funds industry. Our specialised team can assist with all phases of a Fund’s lifecycle, from the establishment of the Fund and its authorisation by the CySEC to on-going operational requirements.

All our licensing/registration services include:

• Consulting on the form of a financial group’s presence in Cyprus and the rest of the EU
• Advisory support towards the authorisation and registration of an EU financial institution;
• Preparation of the Application File in accordance with current regulatory requirements to include the following activities, among others:
  • Design and build the financial institution structure based on your needs (in a cost-efficient way);
  • Prepare a custom-built Operations Manual in the most efficient manner and based on your needs;
  • Prepare the Anti-Money Laundering Manual (AML) and the Know Your Client (KYC) policies in the most efficient manner and based on your needs;
  • Prepare the business plan;
  • Complete the application form to be submitted to the relevant EU regulatory authority;
  • Review the questionnaires of the shareholders, directors and heads of departments of the proposed financial institution;
  • Locate qualified executive and non-executive directors (if needed);
  • Complete the relevant checklists;
  • Prepare necessary justifications to be submitted to the relevant EU regulatory authority, as applicable;
  • Prepare the letter(s) to accompany the application in the event that any exception may be requested;
  • Guide you in providing all the necessary documentation and certificates;
  • Answer any relevant questions concerning the application process, and;
  • Respond on your behalf to the Authority’s queries and suggestions relating to the application.
• CIF/IF/Bank/EMI/PI registration after the authorisation;
• Locating qualified Directors and personnel, and;
• Full legal, accounting and auditing support.

For more information about all of our licensing/registration services, please feel free to contact us.

 

Administrative and Fiduciary Services Providers

 

The Consulting and Advisory Team of GBC will help you obtain an Administrative Services Provider (ASP) license in Cyprus and provide you with a full range of support services that will allow you to optimise and grow your ASP business.

Our reputation and unique and highly specialised expertise, plus the consistent top quality service offered by the dedicated GBC team, guarantees regulatory coverage and support at very competitive prices.

Our duly certified internal auditors and experienced anti-money laundering compliance officers are continuously trained and supported by one of the largest team of experts in the EU to provide tailor-made solutions in the fields of Internal Audit, Anti-Money Laundering and Compliance Support for ASPs, which include among others:

• Full Internal Audit Services, in accordance with CySEC requirements;
• Full range of comprehensive Compliance Support Services by a qualified team of legal experts and professionals;
• Q&A Compliance e-Support (Urgent Service or 48-hour Service);
• Special investigations and due diligence of processes and procedures;
• Preparation and documentation of internal procedures and processes in accordance with client needs;
• Provision of on-site personnel for anti-money laundering and compliance assistance;
• Monthly and/or quarterly compliance reports;
• Compliance support for KYC and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) procedures, and;
• Q&A Know-Your-Client (KYC) support.

The Administrative and Fiduciary Services Sector is one of the fastest growing sectors in Cyprus, and market professionals are now faced with the challenge of working under stricter regulations in an already demanding and extremely competitive environment. Explore the opportunity to create a competitive advantage via the unique solutions offered by GBC for obtaining and supporting your ASP license needs.

For more information, please feel free to contact us

 

Forex Broker License – Obtain an Offshore Forex License

 

WE’LL HELP YOU FIND THE BEST FOREX LICENSE FOR YOUR BROKER

 

Our decades of forex broker regulation experience and knowledge make GBC (Grant Business Consultants) the ideal partner for obtaining an offshore forex license, or onshore / continental option. By partnering with GBC (Grant Business Consultants), your brokerage will receive professional guidance related to the costs involved in obtaining a forex broker license, an overview of the application process as well as required documentation. Finally, we are also able to discuss forex brokers that we currently have on sale via our Forex Marketplace. If you are interested to sell/buy your brokerage contact us.

 

What Are Some of the Most Popular Forex Regulatory Jurisdictions?

 

Vanuatu VFSC FX Broker License

• One of the most cost-effective forex broker license jurisdictions
• Relatively low capital requirements when compared to other regions
• No physical office or local director required (subject to change)

 

Mauritius FSC Forex Broker License

• A globally recognized and well established offshore license destination
• No specific leverage caps; up to 500:1 permissible
• Ability to offer PAMM / MAM accounts, deposit bonuses, and trading contests

 

Labuan, Malaysia FX Broker License

• A quick and efficient license approval process
• Very low corporate taxes on profits
• Access to a myriad of excellent banking options

 

Seychelles Forex Broker License

• License allows for both market making and STP (A-Book)
• Capital requirements are not excessive
• Minimal local presence needed

 

 

GBC (GRANT BUSINESS CONSULTANTS) – YOUR PARTNER FOR FOREX BROKER LICENSE SOLUTIONS

 

With a variety of regulatory jurisdictions to select from, it can be challenging for both startups and established brokerages to determine the best forex license to obtain. Due to our decades of regulatory experience, GBC (Grant Business Consultants) is the ideal consulting firm to to assist your broker in making this decision, bearing in mind the costs and business implications. Simply schedule a call today with one of our license specialists to discuss forex broker licensing options in further details.

 

In addition to forex broker license consultation, we also specialize in corporate services for forex brokers, including bank accounts. In addition, forex brokers often require assistance with access to payment service providers (PSPs) and payment gateways, a service also offered by GBC (Grant Business Consultants). Finally, we often have several forex broker licenses for sale, so don’t hesitate to reach out in order to explore this option further.

 

Regulatory changes in the EU, UK and Australia have ramped up demand for offshore forex broker licenses. Each region has its advantages and limitations which is why it’s important to partner with a firm that is familiar with the ins and outs of all offshore jurisdictions.

 

Our team boasts a successful track record of license application approvals in a variety of jurisdictions with regions like Mauritius, Seychelles, and Vanuatu being just a few examples of our expertise. Not all offshore forex broker license jurisdictions are the same which is why it’s best to consult with one of our specialists to determine the optimal fit for your brokerage.

 

Finally, we often have continental / onshore as well as offshore forex broker licenses on sale. Although our offering is very much dependent on the pulse of the market, don’t hesitate to contact us to explore our current availability of brokers on sale.

BVI   Labuan   Mauritius   Saint Vincent and Grenadines   Seychelles   Vanuatu

 

APPLY FOR YOUR FOREX TRADING LICENSE TODAY

 

Whether this is the first license application or the next jurisdiction of choice for an established brokerage, GBC (Grant Business Consultants) is happy to guide your broker through every step of the process. Our team of license specialists are able to quickly and efficiently break down the costs to obtain a forex license, outline the steps required to apply for an offshore/onshore forex broker license as well as review all fees associated with the application. In addition, we also have forex broker licenses for sale via our Forex Marketplace. To discuss either option with our team of consultants in more detail, don’t hesitate to contact us today!

 

Additional Forex Broker Licensing Options to Consider

 

Bahamas

• A long, well established history of financial services regulation
• Local executive staff and a physical office are a strict requirement
• Bahamas carries a significant level of prestige due to relatively high barriers to entry

 

Bulgaria

• An alternative to Cyprus with the same EU “passporting” advantages
• Lowest corporate tax structure within the European Union
• Operating costs are more competitive when compared to similar jurisdictions

 

Belize IFSC FX License

• A jurisdiction well known for tax optimization
• Only a single director and shareholder needed for license approval
• No specific restrictions on leverage

 

CySec / Cyprus Forex License

• Recognized jurisdiction for the regulation of FX & CFD trading
• “Fast Track” Scheme offers applicants the ability to speed up the process
• A significant local presence with experienced directors is a strict requirement

 

British Virgin Islands (BVI) FX License

• BVI has an established history of financial services regulation
• Flexible capital requirements which are set on a case by case basis
• Relatively low corporate taxes

 

Malta MFSA Forex Broker License

• Only second to Cyprus in terms of recognition within the EU
• Ability to “passport” to all EU member states
• The Malta MFSA is friendly towards online investing platforms like FX & cryptocurrencies

St. Vincent (Company Incorporation Only)

• One of the most confidential jurisdictions for company registration
• Ability to appoint nominee directors
• SVG registered entities (IBCs) are not subject to either corporate or withholding taxes

South Africa FSB Forex License

• The most recognized forex broker license in Africa
• Unlike most license jurisdictions, capital is set on a case to case basis
• Licensed brokerages must demonstrate a commitment to the local market

 

Internal Audit, Compliance and AML (Anti Money Laundering) services/reports for Forex companies