How to Register a Company in St. Lucia for Forex, CFD, and Stock Trading

How to Register a Forex, CFD, or Prop Trading Company in St. Lucia (2025 Guide)

St. Lucia has quickly become one of the most attractive destinations for registering companies in the forex trading, CFD brokerage, and prop trading industries. Since 2023, when St. Vincent and the Grenadines tightened requirements for forex brokers, many firms have turned to St. Lucia as a flexible, tax-friendly, and business-oriented jurisdiction.

Unlike St. Vincent (more on this in our article - here), which now requires brokers to show foreign regulation to trade forex pairs, St. Lucia maintains a lighter regulatory environment. This makes it an ideal hub for unregulated forex brokers, CFD firms, and proprietary trading companies.

Zitadelle AG, a leading international consultancy, specializes in guiding clients through the process of setting up a forex company or prop firm in St. Lucia.

Why Choose St. Lucia for Forex and Prop Trading Firms?

St. Lucia’s appeal lies in its balance of flexibility, tax efficiency, and ease of setup. It offers a regulatory environment similar to pre-2023 St. Vincent, while avoiding some of the restrictions found in other Caribbean jurisdictions.

Key benefits include:

No mandatory audits or annual AML checks – Companies must keep records but face no yearly audit requirements.
No reporting obligations – Forex and CFD brokers do not file regular reports with regulators.
0% tax on foreign revenue – Income from outside St. Lucia is exempt from local tax.
Open environment for unregulated forex and CFD brokers – No specific licensing is required for international trading operations.

This makes St. Lucia particularly attractive for:

Forex and CFD brokers seeking flexibility.
Prop trading firms setting up IBC structures.
Startups looking to minimize setup costs.

St. Lucia Securities Brokerage (ECSRC License)

If you want to deal in traditional securities (deliverable stocks), authorization from the Eastern Caribbean Securities Regulatory Commission (ECSRC) is required.

Requirements include:

Capital: XCD 250,000 (≈ USD 93,000) in unimpaired capital.
Geographic restriction: Limited to Eastern Caribbean territories (ECCU).
Products: Stocks and securities only (no CFDs or forex).
Due diligence fee: USD 8,300 for officers.

Because of these limitations, most forex and CFD companies choose the IBC route in St. Lucia rather than ECSRC licensing.

Steps to Register a Forex or Prop Trading Company in St. Lucia

1. Choose Your Company Structure

The most common structure is the International Business Company (IBC), which offers:

0% tax on non-local revenue.
Minimal accounting and compliance obligations.

2. Prepare Required Documentation

Company details: Three preferred names, expected turnover, share structure.
Directors/shareholders/UBOs: Names, contact details, tax residency, ownership percentages, and source of funds.
KYC documents: Certified passport copy, proof of address (3 months), and bank statement.

Zitadelle AG prepares and submits the application, ensuring compliance and a smooth registration.

3. Compliance and Record Keeping

While audits are not required, companies must maintain accounting records that can be requested by authorities. Zitadelle AG provides ongoing support for compliance and accounting, as well as guidance on potential economic substance rules in the future.

Why Work with Zitadelle AG?

Zitadelle AG provides a one-stop solution for forex, CFD, and prop trading firms:

Company registration & nominee services.
Platform setup (MetaTrader, cTrader, Condor) and KYC integrations.
Banking & payment solutions guidance.
Legal opinions from St. Lucia and EU attorneys.
Expansion support (Mauritius, Seychelles, Labuan, Curaçao, Europe).
Administrative services (offices, utilities, secretarial support).

With our expertise, you can focus on launching and growing your trading operations while we handle the setup and compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Does St. Lucia regulate forex brokers?
No. St. Lucia does not impose specific licensing requirements for forex and CFD brokers operating internationally.

2. How much does it cost to register a company in St. Lucia?
Costs vary depending on structure and services (nominee, compliance, office support). Contact Zitadelle AG for a tailored quote.

3. Can I register a prop trading firm in St. Lucia?
Yes. Prop firms often use St. Lucia IBCs because they allow flexible structuring without heavy regulatory burdens.

4. How long does company registration take?
In most cases, the process can be completed within a few weeks once documents are ready.

5. Is St. Lucia better than St. Vincent for forex brokers?
Yes, if you want flexibility. St. Lucia still allows unregulated forex trading companies, while St. Vincent has added new restrictions.