Regulatory Licensing

Financial Services Licence Application & Advisory

FXBX provides end-to-end licence application management and advisory across 15 regulatory licence categories — covering FX, payments, crypto/VASP, and UAE-regulated frameworks including SCA, ADGM, VARA, and Freezone structures.

Licence Categories

SCA — UAE Regulated

UAE Securities & Commodities Authority Licence

Regulatory Authority: Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA)  |  Region: UAE (Onshore)

What the Licence Permits

  • Operating as a forex broker and derivatives dealer in the UAE
  • Providing investment advisory and portfolio management services
  • Dealing in securities, commodities, and financial instruments
  • Operating as an investment fund manager
  • Providing clearing and settlement services

Target Client Profile

  • Forex brokers seeking onshore UAE regulatory authorisation
  • Investment firms targeting UAE retail and institutional clients
  • Entities requiring SCA Category 5 broker-dealer authorisation
  • Firms seeking a UAE-regulated structure for GCC market operations

Key Regulatory Requirements

  • Minimum paid-up capital: AED 300,000–10,000,000 (varies by category)
  • Fit and proper assessment for directors and senior management
  • UAE-licensed compliance officer and MLRO appointment
  • AML/CTF compliance program aligned with UAE Central Bank standards
  • Physical office presence in the UAE mainland
  • Technology and operational infrastructure requirements
  • Mandatory UAE national shareholding (51% for some categories)

FXBX Scope of Work

  • SCA licence category assessment and application strategy
  • Company incorporation and UAE mainland setup
  • SCA application preparation and submission management
  • Compliance officer and MLRO identification and advisory
  • AML/CTF program development (UAE Central Bank-aligned)
  • Banking access advisory for UAE-licensed entities
  • Ongoing SCA compliance and regulatory reporting support

Typical Timeline

6–12 months from application to licence grant

Timelines are indicative only and subject to regulatory authority processing times, completeness of application, and other factors outside FXBX's control.

Value Proposition

The SCA licence is the primary onshore UAE regulatory credential for forex brokers and investment dealers. SCA authorisation provides access to the UAE's rapidly growing retail and institutional financial market and is increasingly required by UAE-based banking partners and institutional counterparties. The UAE's strategic location, tax efficiency, and growing financial sector make SCA licensing highly attractive for regional operations.

Regulatory Disclaimer: All information regarding licensing requirements, timelines, and regulatory frameworks is provided for general informational purposes only and is subject to change. FXBX does not guarantee any particular regulatory outcome. Regulatory authority decisions are made at the authority's sole discretion. Prospective applicants should seek independent legal advice regarding their specific circumstances before commencing any licence application.