What We Do
Services
A complete FSP licensing and compliance service for international financial firms entering South Africa. We handle every element of the process, from initial assessment to ongoing compliance administration.
FSP Licence Applications
We manage the complete FSP licence application process from initial assessment through to FSCA approval. This includes determining the correct licence category for your business model, preparing all required documentation, and managing all FSCA correspondence and queries on your behalf.
What's Included
Key Individual (Contracted)
The requirement for a locally resident, FSCA-approved Key Individual is the single biggest operational barrier for foreign firms. We supply Key Individuals as contracted professionals, meaning your firm does not need to hire a full-time local employee to satisfy this requirement.
What's Included
Compliance Officer (Contracted)
Every FSP licence requires a designated Compliance Officer who is personally accountable to the FSCA for the firm's regulatory conduct. We supply Compliance Officers as contracted professionals, with direct accountability to the regulator.
What's Included
Business Plan & Compliance Manual
The FSCA reads every document submitted with an FSP application. Generic templates consistently result in queries and delays. We draft business plans and compliance manuals that are specific to your business model, your client profile, and your product set.
What's Included
FICA Compliance Framework
South Africa's Financial Intelligence Centre Act (FICA) imposes detailed AML/CTF obligations on all FSPs. We design and implement a risk-based FICA compliance programme that reflects your actual client profile and product set, not a generic template.
What's Included
Ongoing Compliance Administration
An FSP licence is not a once-off achievement. It requires active maintenance: annual renewals, fit-and-proper monitoring, regulatory reporting, and FSCA correspondence. We provide this on a monthly retainer, so your licence stays in good standing without requiring your ongoing attention.
What's Included
Licence Categories
Which Licence Does Your Firm Need?
Financial Services Provider
Advice and intermediary services in respect of financial products. The most common licence for investment advisors, forex brokers, and intermediaries.
Investment advisors · Forex brokers · Insurance intermediaries · CFD providers
Discretionary FSP
Discretionary management of financial products on behalf of clients. Required for portfolio managers, asset managers, and discretionary investment managers.
Portfolio managers · Asset managers · Discretionary investment managers
Hedge Fund FSP
Management of hedge funds as defined under the Collective Investment Schemes Control Act. Required for hedge fund managers.
Hedge fund managers · Alternative investment managers
Administrative FSP
Administration of financial products on behalf of product suppliers. Required for fund administrators and product administrators.
Fund administrators · Product administrators · Linked investment service providers
Crypto Asset Service Provider
Exchange, transfer, safekeeping, administration, and related services in respect of crypto assets. Required for all crypto asset businesses operating in South Africa.
Crypto exchanges · Crypto asset custodians · Digital asset platforms
Not sure which category applies to your firm? The correct licence category depends on your business model, the financial products you deal in, and the nature of your client relationships. We provide a free preliminary assessment. Contact us to discuss.
Get Started
A Preliminary Consultation is Free and Without Obligation
We will assess your business model, identify the correct licence category, and give you a realistic timeline and cost estimate, before any engagement begins.