Bahamas Broker-Dealer License Online- An Overview

The Bahamas broker-dealer license online is a regulatory permit issued by the Securities Commission. The license registration allows businesses like yours to operate as a securities dealer with a physical office presence and a local director mandate.

With the Bahamas Broker-Dealer license online, you can deal, arrange, manage, or advise on securities either as an agent or market maker. Common activities include stocks, futures, options, contracts for difference, and forex (foreign exchange).

Enterslice’s consultants will assist you in registering your company, obtaining an address, hiring local compliance officers, preparing your financial statements, and providing legal and tax guidance.

Enjoy 0 % Corporate Tax Rate

No Capital Gains Tax

No Withholding Tax

No Estate/Inheritance Tax

100% Asset Protection

Used for Securities & Currency Trading and Portfolio Management

Apply for a Broker-Dealer License in the Bahamas with Enterslice

Now apply for a broker-dealer license in the Bahamas with Enterslice’s financial analysts in a market worth USD 4.84 billion. Let our consultants handle all the boring paperwork on your behalf.

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What are the Benefits of the Bahamas Brokerage License?

The benefits of a Bahamas brokerage license include 100% ownership for non-residents, tax incentives, a business-friendly environment, and international recognition. Some key advantages are as follows:

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No Income or Capital Gains Tax

You can retain as much profit as you can because there’s no corporate or capital gains tax in the Bahamas, enabling you to save and channelize money otherwise reduced as tax liability.

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Global Recognition

As a company with a Bahamas broker-dealer license online, you can establish a distinct business standing in the international market across various jurisdictions. It is one of the merits of the Bahamas Brokerage license.

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Regulatory Compliance

With the recognition by the Securities Commission of the Bahamas for compliance, you can enhance credibility in the market amongst the investors and clients. It is one of the advantages of getting a Bahamas Brokerage License.

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No Currency Exchange

You can freely repatriate your capital gains and profits as a non-resident investor in foreign currency. Global money transfer and banking are simplified after securing a Bahamas broker-dealer license online.

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Privacy and Confidentiality

Shareholders and directors can use nominee services to maintain confidentiality and information privacy. Only the authorities can access your data, and it is not accessible to the public. It is one of the merits of a Bahamas broker-dealer license.

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Seamless Process

The Bahama broker-dealer license offers a comprehensive license, which enables its holders to trade in multiple derivatives, including cryptocurrency, thereby reducing complexity and promoting streamlined processes.

How to Apply for a Broker-Dealer License in the Bahamas?

Are you ready to venture into securities and forex? Join hands with Enterslice and understand how to apply for a broker-dealer license in the Bahamas, as explained below:

Register Your LLC

Our associates will prepare your MOA and AOA to incorporate your company in the Bahamas. At least two directors are required for registration with the Registrar General’s Department. We'll also assist you in opening a corporate bank account.

Appoint Local Personnel

It is mandatory to appoint a resident as directors and compliance officers for obtaining a broker-dealer license in the Bahamas, so we’ll assist you in connecting with like-minded and experienced Bahamian residents via our networks.

Physical Office Registration

There's a mandatory requirement to have a physical office in the Bahamas if you’re seeking opportunities in the securities and forex markets. So, we’ll assist you in setting up an office in the best hubs like the Grand Bahama FTZ.

Documentation

Our associates will assist you in preparing documents like business plans, audited financial statements, compliance manuals, AML-KYC policies, and passport proofs.

Submit Application

We’ll make the application to the Securities Commission of the Bahamas with mandatory paperwork and required fees of USD 1500.

Review by SCB

The SCB will examine your application for broker-dealer license in the Bahamas and raise queries regarding your compliance with documents, capital adequacy, or ownership (if required). Our legal team will coordinate with them and answer all their questions to provide a smooth Bahamas broker-dealer license.

Conditional Approval

The authority will issue a conditional approval; in the meantime, we’ll help you obtain professional indemnity insurance (PII) and prepare your office lease agreements. A PII must be obtained via a Bahamian or global insurer like AXA, Zurich, or QBE. The most common annual premium amount is between USD 5,000 and 15,000.

Appointment of Auditor

We'll assist you in appointing an SCB-recognized auditor, mostly from a Bahamas-based audit firm or any reputable global firm in the Caribbean. Currently, we have a network of 50+ international firms.

Final Authorization

Submit the insurance certificate and related pending paperwork, as requested by the Securities Commission of the Bahamas. If all conditions are met for Bahamas broker-dealer license, then the authority will ask you to pay the prescribed fees as per your broker-dealer license before granting you the final authorization.

Opening of Forex Account (if Applicable)

Once you’ve received the relevant Bahamas broker-dealer license online, then we’ll assist you in setting up a forex bank account in top-rated banks like Bank Frick, HGV bank, LMAX Prime, Fidelity Bank, and CIBC Caribbean Bank (Bahamas) Limited.

Worried about hurdles in the path of getting a Bahamas broker-dealer license?

What is the Timeline for the Bahamas Broker-Dealer License Online?

The process to obtain a Bahamas Broker-Dealer license online typically takes 2 to 4 months. It is subject to regulatory review and fulfilment of all compliance needs. The stepwise timeline is mentioned below-

Company Registration- 5 to 7 Days

It takes 5 to 7 days for company registration in the Bahamas. It includes company incorporation and corporate bank account opening.

Director Appointment & Structure Planning- 2 to 3 Weeks

It includes appointment of the director, capital adequacy confirmation, and appointment of a compliance officer.

Business Plan & Documentation- 4 to 6 Weeks

It includes preparation of business model and financial projections and drafting AML-CFT manuals and KYC policies.

Broker-Dealer License Application Submission- 1 Day

It includes filing the application with required documents. The fees is paid to the Securities Commission of the Bahamas (SCB).

Review by Securities Commission of the Bahamas (SCB)

It includes regulatory review of the submitted documents for Bahamas Broker-Dealer license.

In-principle Approval- 2 to 4 Weeks

It includes procurement of professional indemnity insurance. Besides this, it comprises appointment of an approved auditor.

Final License Issuance- 2 to 3 Weeks

It includes verification of insurance coverage, auditor background check, and eventually issuance of Bahamas Broker-Dealer License.

What are the Documents Required for a Bahamas Broker-Dealer License Online?

The documents required for a Bahamas broker-dealer license online are as follows:

A copy of the company registration certificate

Passport copies of key personnel

Police verification certificate

Lease or rental agreement as a physical address

Value Added Tax Registration

National Insurance Board Card of the entity

Bahamas Investment Authority approval (if needed)

Paid-up capital deposit statement

Audited Financial Statement of the last 3 years

Identification of the auditors and AML/Compliance officers

Resolution by the board of directors

A copy of the business plan & organization structure

AML and KYC policies

CV of all managerial and compliance personnel

What are the Compliances After Securing a Bahamas Broker-Dealer License?

Your work is not over after obtaining the Bahamas broker-dealer license; you must also fulfil certain compliance obligations like strict adherence to AML/CFT laws, filing financial returns, and maintaining capital adequacy. Checkout how Enterslice will assist you with compliance requirements for getting a Bahamas broker-dealer license:

  • Annual audited financial statement filing.
  • Notifying any changes to the SCB or the registrar of companies.
  • Reporting suspicious transactions to the Securities Commission.
  • Renewing the license with an annual fee of USD 5,000.
  • Maintaining adequate capital as per the license mandate.
  • Appointing an auditor and compliance officer.
  • Implementing AML, KYC, and CFT policies and procedures.
  • Taking strict actions against market manipulation and insider trading.

Types of Activities Under the Bahamas Broker-Dealer License

The various types of activities under the Bahamas broker-dealer license online are as follows:

Agent (Execution Only)

You can only execute trades on behalf of your clients. Complete restriction on advisory and discretionary trading. A minimum of USD 100,000 paid-up capital is required for license registration.

Market Making

Under this activity, you can deal with your own account as a principal in the form of market making and prop trading. You can bridge the gap between buyers and sellers to maintain liquidity. Minimum capital required is USD 300,000.

Investment Advisory

This involves providing investment advisory services on various transaction aspects via the Bahamas brokerage license. You can recommend trades to your clients, but you cannot execute them on their behalf. At least 300,000 is required as adequate capital for the permit.

Portfolio Management

If you’re looking to manage client funds and make investment decisions based on your own analysis, then you must list portfolio management in your application form for the Bahamas broker-dealer license. A minimum of USD 300,000 to 500,000 is required as capital investment. Common examples include PAMM/MAM accounts and trading strategies.

Crypto and Virtual Securities

Cryptocurrency and digital assets are dealt in the form of tokenized assets and securities that represent bonds, equities, and investment funds. You must have a capital between USD 300,000 and 500,000, depending on the risk.

Key Criteria for Bahamas Broker-Dealer License Online

The key criteria for a Bahamas broker-dealer license online are as follows:

  • The business must be registered with the Registrar's department.
  • A physical office is mandatory for license registration in the Bahamas.
  • At least two directors, one of whom must be a resident in the Bahamas.
  • A minimum of two shareholders.
  • Fit and proper declaration of the key personnel.
  • Professional indemnity insurance with coverage amounts for the firm.
  • Qualification and experience information of the LLC’s staff.
  • The MD/CEO and compliance officer must be Bahamian residents.
  • Anti-money laundering and KYC policies must be drafted.
  • The business plan must include the organizational structure.
  • The capital amount should be deposited in the company's bank account.
  • License activities and financial projections must be pre-determined.
  • Risk management system with internal governance backup.

What are the Capital and Fees Requirements for a Bahamas brokerage license?

The capital requirements for a Bahamas brokerage license are different for each activity, as mentioned below:

  • Application fees: USD 1,500 (uniform across all activities).
  • License costs: USD 5,000 each year.
  • Broker agent: USD 100,000.
  • Agent and principal/market maker CFDs: USD 300,000.
  • In case you’re just advising on securities: USD 25,000.
  • Portfolio management / crypto / virtual: USD 300,000–500,000.

Apply Bahamas Broker-Dealer License Online

Get your Bahamas Broker-Dealer License online with seamless guidance & support.

  • Complete online Bahamas broker-dealer license application process
  • Expert support for compliance, documentation & approval assistance

Why Trust Enterslice for Broker-Dealer License in the Bahamas?

We are the world’s top-rated LegalTech service provider with 15+ years of proven experience. Join hands with Enterslice to tackle the complex process of obtaining a broker-dealer license in the Bahamas, with its network of 10,000+ professionals. The key reasons to partner with us are as follows:

  • Network of 100+ Bahamas brokerage license specialists
  • Expedite your application by 40% via SCB-ready documentation
  • End-to-end support – from incorporation to licensing & banking setup
  • Reduce 50% chance of delay with pre-vetted compliance manuals
  • No re-submission or reviews – 99% accuracy guaranteed
  • Dedicated relationship manager as a unified point of contact
  • Optimized capital structure guidance for SCB mandate
  • Compliance assistance including audit and regulatory filings for 1 year
  • 100% transparent fee structure with no hidden costs
  • Live application tracking with real-time updates
  • Automated annual license renewal reminders
  • 24/7 customer support
  • DPO and GDPR advisory with full data protection support

FAQs on Bahamas Broker-Dealer License Online

  1. Yes, you can apply for the brokerage license, provided you incorporate a company first.
  2. Then appoint at least two residents as Managing Director (MD) and Compliance Officer.
  3. Subsequently lease a physical office space in the Bahamas.

Yes, it is mandatory to appoint at least one Bahamian resident as managing director or CEO to fulfil compliance with the Securities Commission (SCB).

The list of documents includes the company registration certificate, passport copy, fit & proper KYC of key directors, compliance manual, professional CVs of all employees, business plan, financial projections, AML/CFT policies, and cybersecurity infrastructure.

Yes, the Bahamas has no income or capital gains tax, which is beneficial for investors and businesses looking to enter the broker-dealer securities market.

Yes, a physical address is compulsory if you’re planning to obtain the Bahama broker-dealer license. It can be a lease or rental, depending on your funding availability. Book a consultation and find out where you can lease or rent an office in the Bahamas.

The Bahamas broker-dealer license can cover services like agents only, principal/market match, portfolio management, advisory, and cryptocurrency services.

The Securities Commission of the Bahamas is the regulatory authority that is responsible for approving the broker-dealer license permit, professional indemnity insurance, and auditor appointment.

The entire process of obtaining a Bahamas broker-dealer license, starting from initial company incorporation to conditional approval and insurance, takes around 2 to 4 months. The company is registered within 5 to 7 days.

Yes, as a foreign national, you’re required to appoint a resident as your company’s compliance officer if you’re operating as a Bahamas brokerage service provider.

Agents only need USD 100,000, and market maker activity needs 300,000. Businesses opting for portfolio management/crypto must have anything between USD 300,000 and 500,000.

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