Vanuatu - Financial Dealers License (Securities, FX) - with 2025 regulatory updates

Vanuatu VFSC License: A Strategic Gateway for Forex, Securities and Digital Asset Dealers

By Zitadelle AG – Your Trusted Regulatory Licensing Partner

Looking to establish a robust forex trading or digital asset brokerage in a tax-efficient jurisdiction? A Vanuatu Financial Dealers License (FDL) from the Vanuatu Financial Services Commission (VFSC) offers global entrepreneurs and fintechs a fast-track solution to regulatory legitimacy, with clear pathways for dealing in securities, FX, commodities, and digital assets.

At Zitadelle AG, we specialize in guiding our clients through the entire licensing process—from application to operational readiness—for all four VFSC license classes (A–D). Backed by decades of regulatory expertise, our consultants provide end-to-end support to ensure full compliance and long-term success.

Why Choose Vanuatu?

As the longest-standing offshore finance center in the Pacific, Vanuatu offers:

30+ years of offshore financial services history
A favorable time zone for Asia-Pacific operations
A common law-based legal system, ensuring transparency and predictability
Oversight by the VFSC and Reserve Bank of Vanuatu, ensuring compliance and stability
No leverage cap
Can act as a market maker (principle / broker-dealer)

With perpetual license validity (as long as compliance is maintained), low tax burdens, and a swift application timeline, Vanuatu is fast becoming the preferred licensing jurisdiction for brokers, asset managers, and crypto ventures alike.

Classes of VFSC Financial Dealer Licenses

There are four license classes under the VFSC regime. Here's a breakdown:

Class	Coverage	Mandatory Pre-Requirement
Class A	FX deliverables and debt instruments	None
Class B	Shares, precious metals, commodities	Class A
Class C	Futures, derivatives	Class A & B
Class D	Digital assets (including custody services)	Class A, B & C

Note: Class D licensees must demonstrate advanced internal systems, risk management protocols, and custodial competence to manage digital assets.

What the VFSC License Covers

A VFSC license enables you to offer the following:

Forex trading (spot and deliverable FX)
Securities and debt instruments
Precious metals and commodities
Futures and derivative contracts
Digital assets dealing, including tokenized instruments (Class D)

This scope allows for broad fintech and trading business models, both traditional and blockchain-based.

Regulatory Requirements & Costs

Capital & Bond Requirements

Bond Deposit: 5,000,000 VUV (~USD 44,000) — one-time, per licensee
Minimum Capital (Class D): USD 500,000

Application & Annual Fees

Class	Application Fee (Principal + Representative)	Certificate Fee (Principal + Representative)	Total Fee
Class A	100,000 VT	200,000 VT	300,000 VT
Class B	200,000 VT	400,000 VT	600,000 VT
Class C	200,000 VT	400,000 VT	600,000 VT
Class D	300,000 VT	600,000 VT	900,000 VT

Insurance Requirements

Minimum Professional Indemnity Cover:
- VT 5 million per claim (~USD 50,000)
- VT 50 million aggregate (~USD 500,000)

Key Eligibility Criteria

To become a licensed Financial Dealer under the VFSC, you must meet the following:

Experience & Fitness

At least 5 years of relevant experience (investment, forex, securities)
CV, academic credentials, and references
“Fit and Proper” clearance and personal questionnaire

Financial Soundness

Proof of funds: Bank reference letter and recent statements
Insurance cover & financial forecasts
Statement of financial affairs, assets, and liabilities

Business Infrastructure

Physical presence in Vanuatu with local staff and operations
Standalone office, internal IT systems, and local record-keeping
Defined organizational structure and business plan

Operational Compliance

Client agreements, risk policies, AML/CTF manuals
Prospectus and digital platform disclosure
Audited financials and quarterly reporting

Ongoing Compliance & Annual Filings

Every VFSC licensee must maintain a high standard of operational transparency and regulatory compliance:

Quarterly and Annual Reports
Audited Financial Statements (within 3 months post-anniversary)
Annual Due Diligence on key personnel:
(Passports, police clearance, proof of address, CVs, fit & proper declarations)
Updated Business Plan & Risk Assessments
AML/CTF Policy Updates (filed annually with VFIU)

Class D licensees must additionally submit: