Africa & Indian Ocean · SC
Seychelles
A jurisdiction frequently used for international brokerage entities, now with a dedicated virtual asset service provider framework.
At a glance
- Status
- Sovereign state
- Region
- Africa & Indian Ocean
- Regulated sectors
- CryptoInvestment
- Authorities
- FSA
- Licensing routes
- 2
Overview
The framework
The Seychelles Financial Services Authority licenses securities dealers and other non-bank financial services, and is the authority for virtual asset service providers under the Virtual Asset Service Providers Act 2024.
Seychelles entities are commonly used within broker groups to serve international clients outside stricter jurisdictions. Banks and counterparties will assess such entities in the context of the whole group.
Authorities
Who regulates what
- Financial Services Authority (FSA)
- Securities dealers, VASPs and other non-bank financial services.
Regimes
Licensing routes
Securities dealer licence
For brokerage and dealing in securities and derivatives.
Sectors: Investment
VASP licence
Licensing under the Virtual Asset Service Providers Act 2024.
Sectors: Crypto
Applications and regulator engagement for these routes are handled by our Regulatory & Licensing practice.
Considerations
What to weigh up
- Group-level transparency is essential for banking and counterparty acceptance.
- Client allocation between group entities must be carefully documented.
This overview is general information, summarised at a high level. Requirements change and depend on the specific activity; seek advice on your circumstances before acting.
Across jurisdictions
Cross-jurisdiction capabilities
Services we support across the jurisdictions in our directory, described once on their own pages. How each is delivered depends on the local requirements that apply; where local qualification is required, we coordinate locally qualified counsel.
- Privacy & Data ProtectionPrivacy compliance and GDPR programmes, notices and DPAs, DPIAs, data mapping and ROPA, transfers, audits and breach response.
- AML & Financial Crime ComplianceAML/CFT programmes, MLRO-as-a-Service, independent AML/CFT audits, risk assessments, monitoring, sanctions and inspection support.
- IP Registration & ProtectionTrademark and patent registration and protection, copyright protection, domain name disputes, portfolio support and IP agreements.
- Legal OpinionsRegulatory, business model, perimeter, payment, gaming, crypto-asset and cross-border opinions for banks, partners and investors.
- Bank Account OpeningSupport with corporate and operational accounts at banks and EMIs, prepared for how their compliance teams assess high-risk businesses.
- Merchant Account / Acquiring SetupSupport with merchant account applications and acquiring setup at acquirers and PSPs, including for high-risk merchant categories.
Support
How we support businesses in Seychelles
- Regulatory & Licensing01Strategy, applications and regulator engagement for the crypto and investment routes listed above.
- Corporate Structuring02Group architecture, incorporation, substance and governance built around your licences, banking and investors.
- Market Entry & Regulatory Strategy10Market prioritisation, regulatory roadmaps and launch readiness for businesses expanding into new jurisdictions.
Discuss your matter with a senior advisor.
Share a few details about your business and plans. We will come back to arrange a confidential initial conversation.