The Forex market is one of the largest financial markets in the world, with an annual turnover of trillions of dollars. It employs almost 10 million traders worldwide, which continues to grow. If an investor decides to engage in brokerage activities in the financial market, then this will require receiving a Forex broker license.
What is the permitting process?
Each state’s procedure for receiving a forex permit will be different, including financial costs. But there are essential demands for everyone, which we will discuss below.
Stape 1 – choosing a country
The first and most crucial step in obtaining a forex permit is to choose the state where people will open a business. A careful approach is essential here, where you must consider all the jurisdiction’s demands. It is essential to consider the following points:
- the financial and economic environment within the state;
- demand s for the minimum amount of authorized capital;
- legislative framework;
- demands to receive papers.
A lot will depend on the right choice of area, so study all aspects in advance and consider several states, choosing the one that will best meet requirements and capabilities.
Stape 2 – registration of bussiness
To complete registration, it is necessary to study the legislative framework in detail. It will ensure your firm is prepared for the demands. Registration is carried out in the local registry of firms after you pay the state fee and prepare the required package of papers (founding papers, powers of attorney, business projects, etc.).
At this stage, you must purchase or lease a local office and provide a purchase/sale or lease agreement as evidence. It is necessary to determine the management team and shareholders of the firm, as well as register the authorized capital. If the papers are in order, corporate documents will be issued, and your firm will be included in the state register.
Stage 3 – open an account in a financial institution
Before applying for forex permit, you need to open a bank account for your firm. The choice of bank is also essential, and you need to find a bank that supports forex brokerage services. The bank representative will give you a list of documents required to open an account.
Stage 4 – collect all data
To receive forex permit, you will need to provide various documents. This list may vary depending on the selected country. They will require the following:
- business project;
- information about management and staff;
- certificate of source of capital4
- insurance;
- developed AML/FT and KYC policies.
It is essential that all documents are correctly executed, and copies must be certified by a notary.
Step 5 – Follow Local Laws
Each state has its regulatory framework, which must be strictly observed. Your firm may be required to have a physical office in the state, hire local employees, confirm the implementation of AML and KYC policies in its activities, and much more.
Step 6 – Submitting an Application
The application must include all necessary data and data the regulatory authorities require. Even though all documents can be provided in full, the Regulator may request additional data and invite you for an interview. At this stage, you will also need to pay fees.
Here is a standard list of documents that may be required in almost every jurisdiction:
- constituent papers of the firm, including a certificate of registration;
- a business project where it is necessary to reflect operating assets, business strategy, and provide for financial risks;
- identity cards of leading managers and senior staff of the firm (shareholders, founders, and others);
- certificates of good conduct and registration of management staff and leading managers;
- letters of recommendation for critical employees, which will be proof of their professionalism and practical experience;
- the company’s activities must include an AML/FT program with the appointment of responsible persons.
Regulators may also conduct a criminal background check during their permitting review process. This procedure will differ depending on the selected state. In addition, they may request recommendations from the bank.
You receive a document – what next?
If the permitting process was successful and your company was issued permission to brokerage activities on the market, then you must set up the company’s activities. You must decide on the payment services that will act as providers. To connect to them, you may be asked to provide some documents and check the legality of your actions. Creating an accounting department and providing for scheduled audits is also necessary.