Setup Hero

Regulator Authorized
β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜… 4.9 Β· Expert Advisory
Our Services Β· Financial Services Licences

Secure your financial services licence

Navigate complex regulatory frameworks smoothly. We provide comprehensive advisory and application management for asset management, payment services, brokerage, and financial institutions across top-tier jurisdictions.

Regulatory Compliance
Full framework alignment
End-to-End Filing
From business plan to approval
Robust AML / KYC
Strict adherence protocols
Institutional Setup
Banking & capital support

Why Secure a Financial Services Licence?

Gain full legal authorization to operate regulated financial activities, build institutional trust, and scale your operations globally across top-tier financial centers.

Regulatory Authorization

Operate with complete legal compliance and official authorization from premier regulatory authorities, ensuring full legitimacy.

  • Official regulator approval
  • Compliant operational scope
  • Jurisdictional backing

Institutional Credibility

Establish immediate trust with counterparties, corporate clients, and international financial partners through recognized licensing.

  • Global market trust
  • Enhanced partner relations
  • Competitive differentiation

Tier-1 Banking Access

Unlock direct pathways to corporate accounts, custodian services, and liquidity providers reserved for licensed institutions.

  • Global banking relationships
  • Custody and prime brokerage
  • Seamless settlement flows

Cross-Border Expansion

Scale your financial products and asset management services across international borders with recognized regulatory frameworks.

  • International reach
  • Treaty-backed structuring
  • Multi-jurisdiction passporting

Risk Management & AML

Implement robust compliance pipelines, anti-money laundering protocols, and governance standards aligned with global best practices.

  • Advanced AML/KYC frameworks
  • Risk mitigation controls
  • Governance advisory

End-to-End Execution

From initial business plan drafting and capital adequacy structuring to final regulator submission, our experts handle every detail.

  • Comprehensive application filing
  • Business plan formulation
  • Post-licensing support

Licensing Categories & Scope

Financial services licences span multiple regulated activities, each tailored to specific capital requirements, operational standards, and compliance frameworks.

01

Asset Management

Authorization to manage collective investment schemes, discretionary portfolios, and private equity funds on behalf of institutional and retail clients.

02

Payment Services

Licensing for electronic money institutions, payment gateway providers, cross-border remittances, and digital wallet operators.

03

Brokerage & Dealing

Regulatory approval to deal in securities, derivatives, foreign exchange (Forex), and crypto-asset products under strict prudential rules.

04

Advisory & Custody

Permissions to provide investment advice, corporate finance consultancy, safe custody of financial instruments, and nominee services.

100%
Regulatory Compliance
Tier-1
Global Jurisdictions
30d
Average Approval
10+
Years Expertise
Financial Services Licensing Requirements
100%
Compliance
Tier-1
Standards
30d
Review Window

PREREQUISITES

Licensing Requirements

Essential documents, operational frameworks, and compliance standards needed to secure your financial services licence:

Comprehensive Business Plan
Director & Shareholder KYC
Capital Adequacy Proof
AML / CFT Policy Manuals
Compliance Officer Appointment
Regulator Application Filing
Licensed institutions must maintain mandatory economic substance, secure local registered office facilities, and complete ongoing regulatory filings.

FINANCIAL SERVICES LICENCES

Secure Your Institutional Licence

Transparent, flat-rate pricing for regulatory authorization and financial structuring.

ESSENTIAL

Advisory & Filing

Core regulatory dossier preparation and preliminary application review.

Custom Pricing

Regulator Filing Support

  • Business Plan Drafting Guidance
  • Initial Regulatory Assessment
  • Corporate Structure Setup
  • Director & Shareholder KYC Review
  • Comprehensive AML/CFT Manuals
  • Capital Adequacy Structuring
  • Direct Regulator Representation
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MOST POPULAR

PROFESSIONAL

Full Licensing Package

End-to-end authorization handling from dossier to final approval.

Custom Pricing

End-to-End Authorization

  • Everything in Essential
  • Full Business Plan & Financial Models
  • Comprehensive AML/CFT Manuals
  • Capital Adequacy Structuring
  • Direct Regulator Representation
  • Banking & Custody Introductions
  • Ongoing Compliance Retainer
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ENTERPRISE

Institutional & Retainer

Multi-jurisdiction licensing and ongoing compliance support.

Custom Pricing

Ultimate Institutional Support

  • Everything in Professional
  • Multi-Jurisdiction Application Handling
  • Ongoing Compliance Officer Support
  • Annual Regulatory Audit Coordination
  • Priority Regulator Liaison
  • Dedicated Senior Compliance Lead
  • VIP Concierge & Structuring Support
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Disclaimer: Custom quotes will be provided after a comprehensive case review with our licensing specialists.

ADVANTAGES

Why Secure a Financial Licence?

Designed for fintech innovators, investment firms, and asset managers seeking global credibility and regulatory compliance.

Global Market Access

Unlock cross-border financial operations, passporting rights, and institutional partnerships across top-tier international jurisdictions.

Tier-1 Banking Relations

Secure direct relationships with global correspondent banks, custodian service providers, and major liquidity partners with ease.

Investor Confidence

Build uncompromised trust with institutional investors and high-net-worth clients operating under strict regulatory oversight.

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Client Feedback

What our clients think

4.9/5 Rating
Verified

"Shiraz and the team were excellent at making sure our needs were met. We were quite scared about making the jump into a decision this big, but they made sure we had limited worries and walked us through everything with no issues. Would highly recommend."

R
Reid

"Shiraz was an amazing referral. At first I was apprehensive, but after speaking with him and understanding the process I felt extremely comfortable. Efficient, professional, and highly recommended."

J
Jake Peters

"Shiraz and team were great. From the first call all the way to the end I felt supported and guided in the right direction. If you're coming from overseas and want quick turnarounds with expert guidance, do yourself a favor and hire these guys."

G
Goyo

"Setting up my UAE assets as someone moving from Australia to Dubai with SetupHero was extremely easy, seamless and efficient. They handle everything and go above and beyond, and can connect you with all the right people."

S
Samuel Napier

"Setup Hero made our move to Dubai so smooth and stress-free. They guided us through every step β€” from setting up the business to securing residency for both myself and my wife. I couldn't recommend them enough."

R
Ramie Sabbagh

"Shiraz and Setup Hero made my Dubai company setup effortless and very fast β€” banking, paperwork, and operations all handled with speed and precision. If you want to maximize UAE tax advantages, Shiraz is the guy."

C
Chris Tornow

"Wonderful experience dealing with Shiraz and the SetupHero team for the past 4 years β€” from setting up a company in the free zone to immigration issues, their team is almost 24/7 and always accessible."

N
Nishanth Reddy

"Moving countries can be overwhelming, but Setup Hero made everything so easy. They guided us through the business setup and handled my residency with such care and efficiency. I always felt reassured and informed."

E
Eleni Georgiadis

"Everything was handled efficiently setting up a business and moving from Australia. I particularly enjoyed that they organized a driver to get to all the required locations. Would recommend."

D
Dan Jay

"Shiraz and his team guided us through moving our lives from Australia to Dubai, making what seemed like a complex journey so simple. The thing I appreciate most is the ongoing support β€” they're always there to assist."

B
Brad Zich

"Shiraz and his team are absolute professionals β€” they know all the laws very well and make you feel confident and safe due to their organised processes and depth of knowledge."

S
Stephen Whittaker

"Great team, took care of all my company set up in Dubai perfectly."

M
Miguel Carvalhal

"After talking to a few companies that seemed untrustworthy, my first call with Shiraz told me SetupHero was the real deal. Fast responses and clear direction β€” especially important since we had only 4 days to get everything sorted."

C
Chase Cookson

"Absolutely seamless experience. Shiraz runs this company with true professionalism β€” his team handled my business license, Emirates ID, medical tests and even opened my bank account. Someone was physically with me at every step."

H
Hisham Fazil

"Highly professional from the very start. Our first introductory call gave us the confidence to move forward, and now, with full trust in your approach, we're delighted to engage with you again for our second major project."

S
Sumeet Puri

"From day one, Shiraz and the team made everything smooth β€” drivers for appointments, no waiting lines, fast communication and zero friction. What stood out most was their care; they genuinely wanted to help, not just chase revenue."

A
Arno Vanmassenhove

"Great experience and on time. I recommend and appreciate the team for their efforts. Highly recommended."

K
Khaldoun Mansour

"Amazing experience with SetupHero setting me up in Dubai from Australia. The team guided me through each step clearly, answered all my questions quickly, and made sure everything was handled properly from start to finish."

P
Prime Training

"Shiraz and his team did an amazing job relocating me from Australia to Dubai. The entire process was smooth and super efficient, with complete support on banking, immigration and company setup. Would highly recommend!"

F
Fin Kwong

"Smooth and great experience, very good communication and an easy process including visa, business, banking and everything! Highly recommend if you're looking to set up a business in the UAE."

T
Toby Dowling

"Shiraz made our visa process smooth and straightforward. He's knowledgeable, responsive, and genuinely cares about getting things right. Every question was answered promptly. Definitely recommend to anyone navigating immigration in Dubai."

S
Sathyaraj Balasubramanian

"Great service, accountability, honesty and competency. I've been with Shiraz for more than 3 years now, and everything has been going smoothly."

E
Evgeny Urazov

"Appreciate the professional services by Shiraz and the team for helping with immigration, visas and initial setup. Never had an issue with their services in the last 2 years. I recommend with confidence."

S
Suresh Kumar

FAQ

Common questions

Everything you need to know about securing a financial services licence.

What is a Financial Services Licence and why do I need one?
A Financial Services Licence provides official regulatory authorization to conduct regulated financial activitiesβ€”such as asset management, payment services, or brokerageβ€”ensuring complete legal compliance and institutional trust.
How long does the financial services licensing process take?
The timeline varies based on the regulatory authority and scope of activities, but comprehensive dossiers, business plans, and regulator reviews typically average between 4 to 12 weeks from submission to final approval.
What are the key requirements for licence approval?
Key requirements include a robust business plan, proof of capital adequacy, director and shareholder KYC verification, comprehensive AML/CFT compliance manuals, and the appointment of qualified compliance officers.
Can SetupHero assist with corporate bank account and custody setups?
Yes. Alongside regulatory dossier preparation and filing representation, we facilitate direct introductions to top-tier international correspondent banks, prime brokers, and custodian service providers.
Do I need to maintain physical substance in the jurisdiction?
Yes. Regulated financial institutions are required to meet economic substance mandates, which typically include maintaining a local registered office address, qualified local management, and regular board meetings.
How does SetupHero manage the entire licensing process?
SetupHero manages the entire lifecycle from initial regulatory scoping and financial modeling to application drafting, direct regulator liaison, and post-licensing compliance support.

Ready to secure your
financial services licence?

From regulatory dossier preparation and capital structuring to direct regulator liaison and banking introductions, our specialists manage the entire process β€” so you can launch with absolute confidence.

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