Obtaining a brokerage license in Great Britain

Obtaining a brokerage license in the UK

The UK is one of the top financial centers in the world. London continues to play a leading role in securities, derivatives and currency transactions, and the British legal system ensures transparency and predictability of business operations. The jurisdiction has an excellent reputation, which is maintained by strict regulatory oversight and high standards for market participants.

In addition to the registration of the company in the UK, an entrepreneur can obtain a brokerage license from the local Financial Conduct Authority. The regulator grants the right to legally conduct brokerage and other financial activities.

Obtaining this permit demonstrates compliance with international reliability standards and automatically enhances the reputation of the license holder.

The FCA licensing procedure is recognized as one of the most detailed and rigorous in Europe. The applicant is required to confirm financial stability, impeccable business reputation, transparency of the corporate structure and readiness to fully comply with established standards.

Advantages of obtaining a brokerage license in the UK

An FCA license can be called a broker's strategic asset. Obtaining the status of a regulated organization confirms the company's compliance with the highest standards of transparency, reliability and professional competence. For partners and clients, this is a signal of safety and professionalism. Working with an authorized company means minimizing risks and trusting a trusted player.
FCA authorization allows you to legally provide brokerage services, manage assets and advise on investments in the British market. The business gets access to a wide customer base, as well as the opportunity to enter international markets.
The license provides legal certainty and also provides access to the dispute resolution system with the participation of the FCA. In case of bankruptcy or fraud, customers can receive refunds within the established limit.

The process of obtaining a brokerage license in the UK

Submit the Application

The application is submitted online through the Connect portal.
Prepare Required Documents

The company needs to prepare a complete package of documentation. The broker's license is issued after a thorough study of the package of documentation and tools for working on the forex market.The main condition is the authorized capital in the amount of € 125,000.
Founder Verification via DBS

In England and Wales, the founders are verified through the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). The analysis is carried out no later than 6 months before the application is submitted.
Ensure Company Structure Compliance

It is necessary that at least two local directors of a citizen (or resident) of the country are present in the company structure. The company must have a physical address in the UK, as well as a designated AML Officer (Money Laundering Compliance Officer/ MLCO) to ensure compliance with anti-monetary legal requirements.
Undergo Verification Process

Verification before obtaining a license takes up to 6 months on average for firms under the FSMA. However, the time frame may increase to 12 months.
Obtain the License and Register

After a positive decision, the company will be entered into the Financial Services Register and will receive a unique number (FRN).

Documents for registration

Business plan;
Financial forecasts for 3 years;
Company registration certificate, constituent documents;
Information about Directors, shareholders, and controlling persons (UBO);
Summaries of key managers;
AML/KYC policies and procedures.

Taxes and reporting in the UK

Corporation Tax - 19%.

VAT (VAT) - 20%.

In the UK, all companies are required to maintain and submit financial statements, regardless of the stage of obtaining a license. Annual reports are submitted to Companies House. Companies are required to file a tax return with HMRC, even if there is no profit, which ensures compliance with tax laws and the correct calculation of corporate tax.

For licensed brokers, there is a separate mandatory reporting to the FCA, which includes information about capital, financial risks, and business management.

Our services

We offer full customer support at all stages of obtaining a brokerage license in the UK, focusing on the individual needs and goals of each applicant.

Among our services are:

Consultations on the choice of a license.
Preparation of documents.
Support of the submission process.
Consultations on subsequent compliance with the law.
Legal review of partners and counterparties.
Registration of trademarks and intellectual property.

Law&Trust support guarantees transparency of the process and maximum comfort on the way to obtaining the long-awaited license.

F.A.Q.

Do I need to get a license for an online brokerage platform?

Yes, if the platform offers regulated financial services to customers in the UK, the FCA requires mandatory authorization.

How do I determine if I need authorization?

I should check whether your activity falls under the FCA regulated through the PERG Handbook. If you work with securities, derivatives, investment funds, or manage clients' capital, authorization is required.

Do I need to undergo a security check?

Yes, supervisors must be checked through DBS or an equivalent overseas check. The FCA evaluates honesty, professionalism and competence.

How long does the process of obtaining a license take?

Verification takes up to 6 months for standard companies, up to 3 months for payment and electronic money companies, and the process can take up to 12 months if the application is incomplete.

Our clients