In 2024 the global online brokerage market exceeded $12 trillion, and the share of transactions routed through offshore jurisdictions reached 30%.
However, behind these figures lies fierce competition and increasing regulatory pressure that can jeopardize even the most ambitious projects.
Seychelles Securities Dealer License is not just a permit to operate, but a strategic tool for scaling a business in Europe, Asia and the CIS.
The regulator, the Seychelles Financial Services Authority (FSA), has in recent years tightened requirements for licensing financial services, which has increased trust in the jurisdiction among banks, payment systems and institutional clients.
In this article I will examine in detail the key requirements, stages and features of obtaining a Seychelles securities dealer license, drawing on COREDO‘s experience in supporting dozens of international projects.
Seychelles Securities Dealer License
To obtain the license, specific requirements regarding company structure, the presence of an office and an internal control system must be met, as well as compliance with capital and professional standards. Below we consider what capital requirements are imposed in 2024–2025 and what is needed for successful licensing.
Capital requirements in 2024–2025
Amendments to the Seychelles Securities Act came into force in 2024, significantly changing the requirements for minimum authorized capital to obtain a Seychelles Securities Dealer License. Now new applicants face a threshold of USD 100,000, reflecting the global trend toward strengthening the financial resilience of licensed companies. In certain cases, if the business model entails increased operational or market risks, the FSA may require raising capital to USD 250,000 or more.
This reduces the risk of prolonged inspections and increases trust from banks and partners.
Qualification of directors and shareholders
The Seychelles Financial Services Authority sets high requirements for the qualifications and experience of the management team. At least one director must be a Seychelles resident with proven experience in financial services or risk management. Shareholders and ultimate beneficial owners are required to disclose sources of funds, have no criminal convictions and no adverse regulatory history.
This approach minimizes the likelihood of refusal and allows potential regulator comments to be addressed in advance.
Infrastructure and IT requirements
Since 2024 the FSA has tightened requirements for the physical and IT infrastructure of companies holding a Seychelles securities dealer license. A real office on the territory of Seychelles is required, equipped with equipment for storing and processing client data.
Professional liability and insurance
The minimum insurance amount is set by the FSA individually, based on the volume of operations and the company’s risk profile. This requirement is aimed at protecting investors’ interests and improving the resilience of the financial sector.
More details on the licensing procedure: in the next section.
License to Trade Securities in the Seychelles
To successfully obtain such a license, companies must carefully prepare a package of documents and meet the established requirements — from corporate structure to financial criteria and compliance standards. Below the stages and key documents required to apply for obtaining a license in the Seychelles are examined in detail.
Preparing Documents for Submission
Licensing for securities in the Seychelles begins with preparing an extensive package of documents:
- Business plan with financial forecasts and risk analysis.
- AML/CFT policy and internal KYC procedures.
- Proof of qualifications of directors, the compliance officer and key personnel.
- Documents disclosing the ownership structure, sources of capital and beneficial owners.
- Office lease agreement and proof of IT infrastructure.
At COREDO we recommend conducting a preliminary audit of the documents and agreeing on key parameters with the FSA during the preparation stage, which significantly reduces the likelihood of refusal or delay.
Stages and Timelines for Obtaining the License
The process of obtaining the Seychelles Securities Dealer License consists of several stages:
- Preparation and submission of documents (2–3 months).
- Regulatory review and requests for additional information (3–4 months).
- Final approval and issuance of the license (1–2 weeks).
Thus, the average time to obtain the license is 5–7 months.
License: Cost and Annual Fees
The Seychelles Securities Dealer license cost includes:
- Initial licensing fee, about USD 6,000.
- Annual renewal fees – from USD 6,000.
- Additional fees for making changes to the structure, replacing directors and updating documents.
It is important to consider expenses for insurance, office rent, IT infrastructure and compliance services, which may amount to up to 30% of the company’s annual budget.
AML/CFT Requirements for Seychelles Securities Dealer License
The implementation of comprehensive AML/CFT policies and procedures is an integral part of obtaining and maintaining the license, ensuring transparency and control of business operations in accordance with legal requirements.
Fundamentals of AML/CFT Policies and Procedures
Since 2024, AML/CFT requirements for the Seychelles Securities Dealer License have been significantly tightened. Companies are required to develop and implement a comprehensive AML/CFT program that includes:
- Multi-level KYC procedures for ident…