Financial service provider licenses in 2024

Published:
July 29, 2025
Financial service provider licenses in 2024

Once a company is registered,those willing to offer commercial services have to get a FSP permission with the Financial Market Authority of New Zealand (FMA).

It is obligatory to get a minimum one of the following permissions: the DIMS license, the MIS license, the derivative issuer license, the Crowdfunding license, the P2P lending license, the independent trustee license.

This article will help you to sort out all aspects and nuances in case you want to acquire a FSP license in New Zealand.

Significant obligations for FSP in New Zealand

Some incorporation obligations you ought to keep in mind:

  • Establishments have to 1) enroll with the registrar annually and 2) pay the renewal costs each year;
  • Local financial firms have to submit economic statements each year;
  • FSP have to comply with customer dispute resolution structure creating instructions for the organization to follow in case of encounter a business disagreement;
  • For every commercial product provided, mutual funds, hedge funds and commercial products developers constantly have to make ready and submit a prospectus;
  • Prior to selling a product, local FSP is obliged to share an investment scheme with a customer.
  • FSP have to keep up a register for each issued security and get it audited yearly.

In which cases it is not necessary to get a FSP permission?

There are some cases when FSP permission is not obliged to suggest economic services:

  • Asset managers and commercial advisory firms are exempted from obligation to acquire FSP permit, where services are presented either
    1) to “wholesale investors,” including banks, mutual funds, and other institutions that have FSP permit, or
    2) to people who have a net worth of US$2 million and earn more than US$200,000, or
    3) to clients who pay an admission of US$500,000.
  • They offer their services to firms outside of the state. Nevertheless, these enterprises will usually oblige a permit in the state where these services are presented.

The process of getting FSP license in New Zealand

Here are the steps you must complete:

  1. Legal opinion: it is highly recommended to consult a legal team to determine whether your business activity falls within the scope of licensing requirements;
  2. Registration: After receiving KYC papers, your limited liability organization will be incorporated with the local Register;
  3. Arrangement: ensure that your firm meets all the obligations for registration;
  4. Securing registration: once the above is completed, you must submit a quality application to FMA;
  5. Bank account creation: you have to choose the preferred bank and open a bank account;
  6. Commencement of business: you are obliged to begin your FSP enterprise within 90 days upon registration.

By complying with these stages, you will be able to complete the procedure without difficulties.

Costs of registration of New Zealand FSP

It is important to keep in mind that the costs will depend on the personal circumstances of the client. All fees will be presented after individual consultation with the expert.

Conclusion

After all, a FSP permit allows you to offer commercial services lawfully. By thoroughly abiding all the stages of getting a FSP licensing, and complying with all rules of the New Zealand, you will be able to get a license successfully.

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