Licensing & Authorisations Department

The Licensing & Authorisations (L&A) Department plays a pivotal role within Belize’s non-bank financial services sector, serving as the gateway to ensuring integrity, compliance, and regulatory oversight. Operating under two distinct legal mandates—the Financial Services Commission Act, No. 8 of 2023 (FSCA) and the Securities Industry Act, 2021 (SIA) —the department oversees critical licensing and registration processes that maintain the sector’s credibility and protect its stakeholders.

Licensing Under the Financial Services Commission Act

The L&A Department administers the licensing regime established under the FSCA. This involves reviewing and processing applications for licenses related to non-bank financial services providers. The department’s role ensures that all licensed entities meet the required standards for financial stability, operational integrity, and regulatory compliance. This framework facilitates the orderly conduct of financial services in Belize.

Registration Under the Securities Industry Act

In addition to its licensing functions, the L&A Department manages the registration process mandated by the SIA. This includes overseeing the registration of entities and professionals operating within Belize’s securities market, ensuring adherence to the specific regulatory requirements governing securities activities. The department also plays a key role in reviewing municipal prospectuses under the Municipal Securities Act, 2023 (MSA) to uphold transparency and investor protection in securities offerings.

Core Responsibilities

The department’s functions include:

• Processing first-time applications for licenses or registrations.
• Handling applications for the renewal of licenses.
• Managing applications for the surrender of licenses.
• Reviewing and approving material changes to licensed activities or services.
• Reviewing prospectuses for municipal securities issues.

At the heart of its mission, the L&A Department ensures that every application, whether for a license or registration, undergoes a meticulous evaluation. This rigorous process upholds Belize’s reputation as a jurisdiction of choice for qualified and reputable financial services providers and securities market participants.