Belize places considerable importance on Forex licencing and regulation. The International Financial Services Commission (IFSC), the regulatory organisation in charge of regulating and overseeing financial service providers in Belize, has a solid reputation for rigorous regulation of the country’s financial industry, including the Forex market.
The IFSC has built a comprehensive regulatory framework in the financial services sector with the goal of promoting transparency, stability, and investor protection. It mandates Forex brokers and other financial service providers to adhere to stringent capitalization, risk management, reporting, and disclosure rules.
Belize is a land of mountains, swamps, and tropical jungle located south of the Yucatán Peninsula. It is bounded to the north by Mexico, to the west and south by Guatemala, and to the east by the Caribbean Sea. The country has a coastline of 174 miles (280 km).
According to Worldometer’s elaboration of the most recent United Nations data, Belize’s current population is 418,001 as of Monday, May 1, 2023.
The official language of Belize is English, but the majority of the population also speaks a creole patois, and many Belizeans are multilingual. The Maya of Belize speak Yucatec, Mopán, and Kekch.
The International Financial Services Commission Act, which was passed in 1999, largely governs Forex licencing in Belize. The International Financial Services Commission (IFSC) is established as the regulatory authority responsible for regulating and supervising financial service providers in Belize, including those supplying Forex trading services, under this legislation.
The IFSC Act requires any individual or firm that seeks to provide financial services, including Forex trading, to get a licence from the IFSC. The IFSC is in charge of examining licence applications and ensuring that licensees follow all applicable laws, regulations, and standards.
The IFSC has also issued a number of rules and regulations governing Forex trading and other financial activities. These are some examples:
These rules and regulations outline the conditions that Forex brokers and other financial service providers must meet in order to receive and maintain a licence, as well as the standards of behaviour that they must follow.
The International Financial Services Commission (IFSC), the regulatory body in charge of regulating and supervising financial service providers in Belize, has been in operation since 1999 and has earned a solid reputation for its strict oversight of the country’s financial industry, including the Forex market.
The IFSC has consistently revised its regulatory framework throughout the years to keep up with changing market conditions and evolving dangers. It has also tried to build international collaborations and partnerships in order to improve regulatory efficacy and assure compliance with global standards and best practises.
Furthermore, the Belizean government recognises the importance of the Forex industry in driving economic growth and development, and has been working to attract more Forex companies by offering tax breaks, simplified licencing procedures, and other incentives.
Gov. Capital Req. | Timing | Tax Rate |
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$500,000 | 4 months | 0 % |
Obtaining a Forex licence in the Belize has various advantages, including:
Belize is well-known for its stringent regulatory structure, which promotes openness, stability, and investor protection in the financial services sector, including the Forex market.
Belize provides a business-friendly environment that promotes the formation and operation of financial services firms, including Forex brokers. To entice foreign investment, the government provides tax breaks, simplified licencing procedures, and other benefits.
In comparison to other jurisdictions, the cost of obtaining a Forex licence in Belize is relatively low. As a result, it is an appealing alternative for small and medium-sized Forex brokers seeking to establish a presence in a well-regulated country.
Belize’s strategic location in Central America, as well as its membership in international organisations like CARICOM and the Commonwealth of Nations, give Forex brokers access to a diverse range of worldwide markets.
Belize’s regulatory structure is intended to be adaptable, allowing Forex brokers to provide a diverse range of products and services to clients worldwide.
Belize has a reputation for being a well-regulated and respected location for financial service providers, which can help to boost a Forex broker’s credibility and reputation in the eyes of clients.
License: | Currency Exchange License |
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Timeframe for Approval: | 3 to 4 months |
Regulator: | The International Financial Services Commission (IFSC) |
Authorised Activities: | Forex, Tourism, Agriculture, Offshore Financial Services, Energy, Construction, Manufacturing, Real Estate, Education, and Health Services |
Corporate Structure: | The BTB, by design, plays an important role in Belize's tourism industry, directed by Belizean laws. |
Corporate Tax Rate: | 0% on Offshore Profits |
Currency: | Belize dollar ($ or BZ$) |
Capital Requirement: | USD 500,000 |
Paid-up Capital: | Minimum: USD 1.00 |
Economic Support: |
Fiscal Incentives, Investment Protection, Access to Finance Business Support, Infrastructure Development |
Local Director/s: | At least one director (natural or legal person) and there are no requirements for residency |
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Local Shareholder/s: | At least one shareholder, who can be an individual or another legal entity |
Local Registered Officer: | Required |
Local Staff: | Required |
Compliance Officer: | Required |
AML/KYC: | Required |
Audit: | Required |
Main Benefits: |
Low operating costs A favorable tax regime A strong regulatory framework Flexibility in ownership and control Access to international markets. |
The following actions will be taken in order to receive a licence:
Belize has a favourable regulatory environment for foreign banks, and the country is home to several established multinational banks. You could provide international banking services, such as deposit taking, lending, and foreign exchange services, as a financial services company.
Investment management services in Belize include managing investment portfolios for individuals or institutions, giving investment advice, and marketing investment products such as mutual funds.
Belize has a thriving trust and fiduciary industry, with a wide range of professional service providers giving clients trust and fiduciary services. As a financial services provider, you could provide these services to clients, such as trust formation and administration, trustee services, and acting as a fiduciary for clients.
The regulatory environment in Belize is favourable for captive insurance firms, which are insurance companies formed to provide insurance coverage to a specific group of associated enterprises. As a financial services provider, you could provide captive insurance services to clients, such as establishing and managing captive insurance businesses.
Belize provides chances for payment processing services such as electronic payment processing for retailers, payment gateway services, and e-wallet solutions.
The following are the basic requirements for acquiring a Belize forex broker licence:
SERVICE | PERCENTAGE PAID UPFRONT | TOTAL AMOUNT |
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Mobilization Fee | 33% | $5-15,000 |
Filing of Application with Belize IFSC | 33% | $5-15,000 |
Obtain Forex License | 33% | $5-15,000 |
Total Professional Fee: | 100% | $1-45,000 |
1. Establish international business corporation.
2. Preparation and drafting of shareholder and officer agreements.
3. Preparation and drafting of narrative business plan.
4. Preparation and drafting of current financial statements.
5. Preparation and drafting of 3 years financial projections.
6. Preparation and drafting of personal financial statements for owners.
7. Preparation and submission of application with appropriate regulatory authority
8. Preparation and drafting of responses to regulatory authority
9. Identification and engagement of auditor and forex prime broker.
10. Facilitate opening of bank accounts and payment processors.
11. Preparation and drafting of AML/KYC policies and procedures.
12. Preparation and drafting of client agreements and disclosures.