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Securities Dealer Licensing

Offshore licensing is a requirement for every broker that wants to meet their clients’ needs globally.

The Financial Services Authority (FSA) is responsible for the licensing, supervision and development of the non-bank financial services industry of the Seychelles under the Securities Act, 2007. The Securities Dealer License (SDL) allows brokers to operate as a securities dealer so they can purchase, sell or exchange securities as a principal or as an agent (A or B book).

Deneo Partners has vast experience and expertise in acquiring applications for brokers in the Seychelles jurisdiction. We have established a strong business relationship with the Seychelles Financial Services Authority (FSA), which allows us to provide a swift and efficient service to clients looking to obtain their Securities Dealer License granted by the Regulatory Authority, in accordance to the local regulations and conditions.

Requirements:

  • Minimum Initial Capital of $50,000
  • Local incorporated entity with offices in the Seychelles
  • Minimum of 2 shareholders – no local requirement
  • Minimum of 2 directors, fit and proper – no local requirement
  • Representative Officer, fit and proper – can be one of the Directors
  • Compliance and Money Laundering Officer (MLRO) – employed or locally outsourced
  • Local Auditor for audited accounts submission
  • Professional Indemnity insurance based on financial forecasting

Deneo Partners licensing services:

  • Month 0

    Project Kick-Off

    Collection of documents from clients, Drafting of required documents
  • Month 1

    Submission of application

    Incorporation of local entity, Submission of application to the FSA
  • Months 2-5

    Application under review

    Review of application package and subsequent Q&A from the FSA
  • Month 6

    Conditional Approval

    Local office set-up, Additional FSA conditions to be met
  • Month 7

    Authorization Granted

    Official authorization and SDL license granted by the FSA

* Application timeframe is 5 – 6 months from submission date.

Outsourced Compliance Services

You can now outsource your Compliance and AML Officer function to approved persons of Deneo Partners (Seychelles).

As per the Code on Outsourcing of Compliance Function, the compliance officer of a Securities Dealer licensee needs to be located in Seychelles and meet certain requirements.

It is a requirement by the Seychelles Financial Services Authority (FSA) for all Securities Dealer License applicants and licensees to employ a local, experienced Compliance and Money Laundering Officer or locally outsource the Compliance function to an outsourced service provider approved by the FSA.

Our competent and experience Compliance Officers have been evaluated and approved by the FSA to provide services relating to the Compliance Function to licensees under the Securities Act, 2007 and the Mutual Fund and Hedge Fund Act, 2008.

Deneo Partners can appoint an Outsourced Compliance Officer approved by the FSA.

Some of the functions to be offered by the Outsourced Compliance Officer:

  • Ensure compliance with local laws, regulations and directives
  • Oversee the implementation of the internal policies and procedures
  • Be the liaison and communicate with regulatory bodies
  • Ensure all reporting deadlines are met and relevant reports are submitted to the regulator or any other competent authority
  • Provide compliance and AML advice
  • Disclose to the Licensee any development that may have a material impact on its ability to carry out the outsourced functions effectively and in compliance with applicable laws and regulatory requirements
  • Cooperate with the Regulator and any other relevant competent authority in connection with the outsourced activities

Serviced Offices

We help clients establish a serviced office rented in the Seychelles, as it is a requirement by the FSA for SDL licensees to show local presence.

We assist in the locating and setting-up of suitable premises that are fully set up as per the FSA requirements for the business operations of the company, as well as for keeping records. In addition to FSA requirements, we can also assist our clients with the purchase of additional computer hardware, providing a full set-up package for the efficient operation of the clients' Seychelles office.

FSA Requirements:

  • Active internet service with a dedicated internet line for daily use of business and essential to carry out daily tasks as well as for liaising via email with the regulator and other relevant authorities
  • Dedicated landlines to receive communications with regulators and to be able to be reached by clients if they have any queries over the phone or just need basic information
  • Clear display of licenses of the licensee, i.e. Securities Dealer License and the Securities Dealer Representative License, must be clearly displayed at all times at the office of the licensee
  • Filing cabinet to keep any documents, even though most documents will be saved on the cloud/server
  • Minimum of one table and a chair which it would meet the FSA’s requirements
  • Minimum of one desktop computer or laptop
  • Door sign on the door and outside the office. The licensee must have their licensed name on their door. If the premises have numerous offices then the office number or letter must be clearly displayed on the door

Examples of existing clients’ offices:

About Seychelles

An archipelago gem in the Indian Ocean.

The Republic of Seychelles has risen to become a popular jurisdiction for entities seeking to obtain an offshore license and set-up a local business.

An island group country consisting of 115 islands located on the eastern side of the African continent, it boasts a mixed culture of European, African and Asian influences.

Its capital, Victoria, is situated on the country's largest island, Mahé.

In addition to its tropical island beauty, its political and social stability, attractive business conditions, tri-lingual population, commitment to environmental protection, growing infrastructure and strategic location make Seychelles an attractive asset for investors looking for sustainable developments.

Geography

  • Prime location along major hubs in Europe, Africa, Middle East and Asia
  • Stable, mostly sunny and humid climate
  • Reached by plane, with one international airport and two domestic, and by six ports
  • Convenient time zone of GMT +4

Economy

  • National currency is Seychelles Rupees (SCR) (est. 0.05 EUR)
  • Diversified economy based on agriculture, tourism, services and public sector industries
  • Large value of Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)
  • Highest nominal per capita GDP of any African nation
  • Business tax rate of 25% on the first SCR 1,000,000 of taxable income and 33% on the remainder

Culture

  • Highly educated workforce
  • Free public healthcare
  • Attractive facilities of service providers, communications, banking etc.
  • Range of real-estate options, both for rent and for sale

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