Investment Firms
Unparalleled experience and expertise in obtaining global licenses in EU and offshore jurisdictions for investment firms including Forex Brokers (FX & CFDs)
Increasing regulation globally and the introduction of MiFID II in EU countries have added complexity in applying for and operating an investment firm. Selecting the right advisory firm to guide you through the process and help you operate has never been more essential.
Our licensing and advisory experts have years of experience with global investment firms and regulators around the world including but not limited to Cyprus (CySEC), the UK (FCA), Australia (ASIC), South Africa (FSCA), UAE (DFSA/SCA) and many other offshore jurisdictions like the Seychelles (FSA), Cayman Islands (CIMA), Bermuda (BMA) and others.
Deneo Partners are here to help you navigate through a challenging environment and turn potential issues into opportunities.
Some of the areas of specialization of Deneo Partners:
- Analysis of operations and advise as to best jurisdiction (s) to obtain license as well as to the type of license to be obtained
- Assistance with application process and continues follow up with regulators until license is issued (Business Plan, Compliance Manual, AML Manual, Operations Manual)
- Assistance with initial set up, including full systems set up (front and back end) board composition, hiring of employees and rental of premises
- Assistance with compliance and AML support, accounting, internal audit and external audit
- Preparation of business plan and consulting with regards to strategic direction
Global Regulatory Map
Licensing Table
| wdt_ID | Country | Regulatory Authority | License Type | Minimum Capital | Application Timeframe | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cyprus | Cyprus Securities & Exchange Commission (CySEC) | A&B Book | STP: €150K / MM: €750K | 9 – 12 months | Regulated |
| 2 | United Kingdom | Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) | A&B Book | STP: £150K / MM: £750K | 9 - 12 months | Regulated |
| 3 | South Africa | Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) | Category I | Net Assets > Net Liabilities | 9 - 12 months | Regulated |
| 4 | Japan | Japan Financial Services Agency (JFSA) | Type I | JPY 50M or more (Net Assets: JPY 100M or more) | 9 - 12 months | Regulated |
| 5 | Australia | Australian Securities & Investments Commission (ASIC) | A&B Book | AUD 1M / 10% of average revenue | Unspecified | Regulated |
| 6 | Belize | International Financial Services Commission of Belize (IFSC) | A&B Book | $500K | 5 - 6 months | Regulated Offshore |
| 7 | Cayman Islands | Cayman Islands Monetary Authority (CIMA) | A&B Book | CI$100K | 9 - 12 months | Regulated Offshore |
| 8 | BVI | BVI Financial Services Commission (FSC) | A&B Book | Up to $1.5M | 9 - 12 months | Regulated Offshore |
| 9 | Seychelles | Financial Services Authority (FSA) | A&B Book | $50K | 5 - 6 months | Regulated Offshore |
| 10 | Mauritius | Mauritius Financial Services Commission (FSC) | A&B Book | MUR 1M | 5 - 6 months | Regulated Offshore |
| 11 | Vanuatu | Vanuatu Financial Services Commission (VFSC) | A&B Book | VUV 5M | 9 - 12 months | Regulated Offshore |
| 12 | United Arab Emirates | Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) | A Book (Agent/Matched Principal) | Category 3A: $500K | c. 12 months | Regulated |
| 13 | Saint Lucia | N/A (company registered as IBC) | Allowed Activities: A & B Book | N/A | c. 2 weeks | Registration |
| 14 | Saint Vincent & the Grenadines | N/A (company registered as IBC) | Allowed Activities: A & B Book | N/A | c. 2 weeks | Registration |
E-Money & Payment Institutions
Electronic Money Institutions (EMI) and Payment Institutions (PI) are becoming integral parts of the Global economy.
Cyprus is quickly becoming a hub for such institutions with the Central Bank of Cyprus having general oversight of the sector.
We help and guide companies through the application process, providing support for all business and operational aspects post authorization.
We also assist Electronic Money Institutions (EMI) and Payment Institutions (PI) with the Initial set-up and licensing services and also provide ongoing support post authorization.
Some of the areas of specialization of Deneo Partners:
- Full support during the authorization process
- Preparation of all internal policies and procedures manuals
- Assistance with selecting board members and key employees
- Support on all key functions like compliance, accounting, internal and external audit
- Training of employees for all key functions
Crypto
CASP Authorisation under MiCAR
The way digital assets are exchanged has changed fundamentally around the world with the introduction of crypto currencies. We can help you address the challenges and realize the opportunities that crypto can bring.
The Markets in Crypto Assets Regulation (MiCAR) will become applicable to Crypto Asset Service Providers (CASPs) on the 30th of December 2024 and entities that intend to provide crypto-asset services in the European Union can submit an application to the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC) for a CASP Authorisation.
Deneo Partners can provide regulatory consulting and support from the very early stages of the company formation, up until obtaining a Crypto Asset Service Providers License that would allow a Company to offer its Crypto Asset Services in the European Union.
Applicants can choose:
CySEC CASP Authorisation:
Activities in regards to crypto asset service providers:
- Execution of orders on behalf of clients;
- Placing of crypto-assets;
- Providing transfer services for crypto-assets on behalf of clients;
- Reception and transmission of orders for crypto-assets on behalf of clients;
- Providing advice on crypto-assets;
- Providing portfolio management on crypto-assets;
- Providing custody and administration of crypto-assets on behalf of clients;
- Exchange of crypto-assets for funds;
- Exchange of crypto-assets for other crypto-assets;
- Operation of a trading platform for crypto-assets.
CySEC CASP Main Requirements:
- Initial capital from €50,000 to €150.000, depending on the class of services provided
- Fit and proper individuals in managerial positions, as well as beneficial owners
- Executive Directors to have the relevant necessary knowledge and experience to perform their duties
- Appropriate policies and procedures to be in place to ensure the prudent operations of the CASP
- Exclusive website for online activities