IFSC Licenses

Belize offers a full range of licenses for the following types of international financial services:

International asset protection and management
Money transmission services
Payment processing services
Trading in foreign exchange
Trading in financial and commodity-based derivative instruments and other securities (e.g. futures, options, interest rates, foreign exchange instruments, shares, stock, contracts for differences, etc.)
Money brokering
Money lending and pawning
Money exchange
Safe custody services
Accounting services
Brokerage, consultancy or advisory services in any of the above services

BOSL has developed a specialised niche market and has become one of the leading processors of IFSC license applications – which must be submitted through a licensed international financial services practitioner resident in Belize. Full details about the standard terms and conditions of the main licenses can be downloaded from the links below:

Application Requirements:

Each application for an IFSC license must include:

(a) a completed IFSC Application Form;

(b) a Biographical Affidavit of each Officer, Director and Shareholder of the applicant company;

(d) evidence of required capital deposit;

(e) business plan and cash-flow projections for 5 years; and

(f) any other necessary documentation as may be required by the IFSC.

Eligibility for License:

The applicant must be able to demonstrate that he has the requisite knowledge and expertise of the business to be carried on and provide supporting documents to verify such expertise or relevant professional qualifications.

Capital Requirements:

No license will be issued unless the applicant satisfies the IFSC that it has fully paid-up and unimpaired capital inthe amounts set out in the Schedule of Fees in respect of the service or activity for which the license is being applied, and that such capital has been deposited in Belize. BOSL will assist with the establishment of a bank account in Belize for this purpose.

It shall be a condition of every license granted that the licensee shall at all times maintain the stipulated amount of fully paid-up and unimpaired capital in respect of the service or activity for which the license has been granted.

Duration of Licenses:

Licenses are issued on a calendar year basis and shall expire on 31 December each year. The application process can usually be completed within 4-6 weeks.

Penalty for false information:

Any person who for the purpose of obtaining an international financial services license in Belize gives false, untrue or misleading information or fails to disclose material facts or circumstances, commits an offence and shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding five thousand dollars or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding one year or to both such fine and imprisonment, and in addition, the license granted to such person may be revoked by the IFSC.

If you would like to proceed or have any additional questions, please contact us for a free confidential, no-obligation consultation.

Application Requirements:

Eligibility for License:

Capital Requirements:

Duration of Licenses:

Penalty for false information:

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