Seychelles FSA Tightens Broker Requirements

The Seychelles FSA, which licenses non-bank financial services in the island nation, has historically attracted retail CFD and forex brokers with lower capital requirements, faster licensing processes and higher leverage limits than European regimes.

However, the regulator has introduced significant rule changes requiring compliance by mid-2026. The paid-up capital requirement for securities dealer licences has doubled from $50,000 to $100,000, and brokers must maintain that amount consistently in an approved bank account. The FSA has also introduced a mandatory risk warning that must remain fixed on screen at all times, as well as new advertising restrictions requiring brokers to disclose where they do business and demonstrate local regulatory approval where applicable. Annual fees have doubled from $3,000 to $6,000.

Among brokers licensed by the FSA are Cyprus-based WeTrade Capital, along with ICM.com, Trade Nation, Moneta Markets and ZenFinex.

The reforms reflect a broader trend among offshore regulators seeking to enhance credibility and address concerns over investor protection and market integrity.

Recently, The Malta Financial Services Authority and the Seychelles Financial Services Authority have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to formalise regulatory cooperation between the two jurisdictions. The MoU comes as both regulators continue to strengthen oversight in response to evolving international standards, with the Seychelles moving toward closer alignment with global norms and Malta stepping up enforcement of market abuse rules.