Cyprus Investment Firm License

• Regulated by: Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC)
• Relevant Law: Law 87(I)/2017 on Investment Services and Regulated Markets
• Benefits: EU Single Passport for providing investment services across 30 member countries
• Our Advantage: Expedited registration process, leveraging extensive experience and specialized knowledge

Payment and E-Money Institutions Licensing

• Regulated by: Central Bank of Cyprus (CBC)
• Relevant Laws:

• • Provision and Use of Payment Services and Access to Payment Systems Law of 2018 (Directive (EU) 2015/2366)
  • The Electronic Money Laws of 2012 and 2018

• Services: Set-up, authorization, and post-license compliance support for EU-wide operations
• Our Expertise: Efficient registration and professional representation before the CBC

Investment Fund Managers and Funds Licensing

• Regulated by: CySEC
• Relevant Laws:

• • Alternative Investment Fund Managers Directive (AIFMD)
  • Undertakings for the Collective Investment in Transferable Securities (UCITS)

• Benefits: EU passport for access to the European Economic Area (EEA)
• Fund Structures: Variable capital investment companies, mutual funds, limited liability partnerships (LLPs), and fixed capital investment firms
• Special Offerings: AIF with Limited Number of Persons/Investors (AIFLNP) requires no initial capital and is exempt from appointing a depositary

UAE Forex Broker Licensing

• Regulatory Authorities:

• • Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) – Free Zone
  • Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) – Free Zone
  • Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) – Mainland

• Benefits: Access to major financial hubs, robust legal frameworks, attractive tax regimes, no currency exchange controls

DIFC Forex License

• Regulated by: Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA)
• License: Category 3A Brokerage License
• Activities: Dealing in forex, commodities, and derivatives as Agent and Principal (matched basis)
• Capital Requirements: Minimum USD 500,000, risk and expenditure-based requirements

SCA Forex License

• Regulated by: Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA)
• Scope: Covers activities in Dubai Financial Market (DFM), Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX), and Dubai Gold & Commodities Exchange (DGCX)
• Requirements: Demonstrated financial resources, good reputation, business plan, experience, and compliance capabilities

ADGM Forex License

• Regulated by: Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA)
• Benefits: Strategic location, low operating costs, skilled workforce, attractive tax benefits, connectivity to global markets
• License Categories:

• • Category 2: Dealing as Principal, providing credit
  • Category 3A: Dealing as Principal (matched basis), dealing as Agent
  • Category 4: Arranging credit, deals in investments, custody, advising on investments, operating trading platforms

• Consulting: Advise on financial group presence in Cyprus, UAE, and the EU
• Application Preparation: Create complete application files adhering to regulatory requirements
• Structure Design: Build cost-efficient financial institution structures
• Operations Manual: Custom-built to meet operational needs
• AML and KYC Policies: Tailored Anti-Money Laundering and Know Your Client policies
• Business Plan: Detailed and customized
• Application Form: Completion and submission
• Review of Questionnaires: For shareholders, directors, and department heads
• Director and Personnel Location: Identify qualified candidates
• Justifications and Letters: Prepare necessary documents for regulatory authorities
• Documentation and Certificates: Guidance and support
• Authority Queries: Respond on your behalf to regulatory inquiries
• Post-Authorization Support:

• • CIF/IF/Bank/EMI/PI Registration: Assistance after authorization
  • Full Support: Legal, accounting, and auditing services

• DIFC Advantages: Unique legal framework aligned with English Common Law, attractive tax regime (zero corporate tax for 40 years), no currency controls.
• ADGM Advantages: Strategic location, low operating costs, tax benefits (zero corporate tax, no profit repatriation limits), strong political and economic stability.
• SCA Advantages: Direct regulation of UAE’s primary financial markets, comprehensive oversight ensuring market integrity and investor protection.
• Cyprus Advantages:

• • Regulatory Benefits: Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC) provides a robust regulatory framework.
  • EU Membership: Access to the EU market with an EU passport for financial services.
  • Tax Advantages: Attractive corporate tax rates, numerous double tax treaties, and exemptions for dividend income.
  • Strategic Location: A gateway to Europe, the Middle East, and Africa with excellent infrastructure and professional services.
  • Skilled Workforce: Highly educated and multilingual workforce.
  • Business Environment: Favorable regulatory environment with strong legal and financial systems.