A forex broker is normally an authorised investment firm that offers currency trading and related derivatives, such as CFDs. The permissions on the licence decide which products it can sell and in which markets.
| Buy existing | Apply new | |
|---|---|---|
| Time to operate | Depends on the regulator's change-of-control review | Full authorisation, often long |
| Capital | Existing capital base that must meet requirements after the sale | Initial capital and ongoing own funds |
| Main risk | Client money issues or regulatory history | Refusal or lengthy review |
| Best for | Brokers that want to start trading sooner | Firms with time and a clean-sheet model |
Every sale is subject to regulator approval of the new owners. Timelines are set by the regulator and are not guaranteed.
Usually yes. Forex brokers are normally authorised as investment firms, and the licence lists the services and instruments allowed.
Not automatically. The permissions on the licence and the local rules on retail leverage and marketing decide what you can offer.
Passporting is possible for firms authorised in an EEA state, subject to notifying the regulators involved.
The regulator must approve the new owners and, in many cases, the management. Timelines depend on the jurisdiction.
Tell us the licence type, region and budget. We reply with matching companies under NDA.