Licensing guide · 7 min read
How to Acquire a Licensed Financial Company
Change-of-control approval, due diligence and why buying a licence is rarely a shortcut.
Buying an existing licensed company can save time — but permissions do not transfer free of conditions.
Change of control
Most regimes require prior regulatory approval before acquiring a qualifying holding (often 10% or more). The regulator assesses the acquirer's reputation, financial soundness and plans.
Due diligence
Review supervisory correspondence, AML findings, capital position, safeguarding, outsourcing contracts, technology and any restrictions on the permission.
Business plan changes
A materially different business model may require a variation of permission or new authorisation.
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General information, not legal advice. Confirm current requirements with the competent authority.