Licensing, Regulation, and Global Expansion: What Brokers Need to Know

As regulatory requirements continue to grow across the financial services industry, brokers face tougher decisions about where to establish operations, how to expand internationally, and how to manage compliance costs.

Speaking with Finance Magnates at iFX Expo International 2026, Nicos Kezarides, CEO of A.P. Standard Chartered Corporate Services Ltd, shared his views on today's licensing landscape, why some firms are reconsidering established jurisdictions, and where he believes the industry is heading next.

A One-Stop Shop for Licensing and Corporate Services

Nicos described A.P. Standard Chartered as a boutique corporate services provider offering licensing, legal, compliance, accounting, auditing, with presence and ongoing operational support across several jurisdictions, including Cyprus, Seychelles, Hong Kong, Mauritius and UAE.

Unlike firms that rely on external partners, AP provides these services under one roof.

"We are truly a one-stop shop for somebody looking to establish a regulated brokerage, crypto business or gambling operation, and we continue supporting them long after the licence is issued."

According to Nicos, this model allows clients to receive faster support while reducing costs by avoiding multiple service providers.

Regulation Is Becoming More Demanding

The interview focused heavily on how regulatory expectations continue to increase across global financial centres.

Nicos explained that obtaining and maintaining a licence has become significantly more expensive, particularly in Cyprus, where firms must have much of their operational structure in place before approval.

He noted that some brokers are now questioning whether maintaining a Cyprus licence remains commercially worthwhile.

"Nobody has a million to burn while waiting one or two years just to receive a licence."

He also pointed to growing operational requirements in other jurisdictions, including local director obligations and limited talent pools that make compliance increasingly difficult.

Why UAE Continues to Attract Brokers

While discussing global regulatory competition, Nicos highlighted the rapid growth of the UAE as a preferred destination for financial firms.

Rather than attempting to create a perfect regulatory system from the start, he believes UAE regulators have focused on building practical frameworks that improve over time.

This pragmatic approach, combined with faster licensing processes, has helped attract brokers, professionals, and investment from around the world.

Greece Emerges as an Alternative

One of the more surprising points raised during the discussion was Greece's growing appeal for FX and CFD firms.

According to Nicos, Greece provides greater certainty because regulators operate within legally defined approval timelines.

Unlike some jurisdictions where delays can extend well beyond expectations, applicants know when to expect a decision.

This predictability, he explained, has made Greece increasingly attractive for firms planning European expansion.

Compliance Starts Before Problems Appear

Managing compliance, according to Nicos, requires far more than submitting regulatory reports.

His team assigns dedicated compliance officers to clients while maintaining regular communication about expansion plans, client onboarding, and jurisdiction-specific requirements.

Rather than waiting for compliance issues to arise, A.P. works proactively to reduce future regulatory risk.

Choosing the Right Licence Matters More Than Having More Licences

Nicos challenged the assumption that brokers should simply collect licences across multiple jurisdictions.

Instead, he believes firms should first understand their commercial objectives before expanding.

Different regulators impose different sanctions policies, crypto rules, and client eligibility requirements, making some licences more suitable than others depending on business goals.

"We're not the type of company that will sell a licence simply because somebody wants one. First we need to understand why they actually need it."

Customer Support as a Competitive Advantage

When discussing why clients choose A.P. Standard Chartered, Nicos pointed to direct access and long-term relationships.

He explained that every client receives dedicated account management, while he personally remains available whenever serious issues arise.

His commitment extends well beyond phone calls.

"Eight months of the year I personally travel to visit clients. I even flew to Australia for one day just to meet a client."

Prediction Markets Could Be the Next Major Trend

Looking ahead, Nicos believes the industry will continue to change as regulation reshapes existing business models.

After the rise of proprietary trading firms, he expects prediction markets to become the next major growth area as firms search for new products.

He believes regulatory attention will eventually follow this segment, much like previous industry developments.

Key Takeaways

• A.P. Standard Chartered positions itself as a full-service licensing and compliance provider.

• Rising regulatory requirements are increasing operational costs across major jurisdictions.

• Greece is becoming an attractive alternative due to clearer licensing timelines.

• UAE continues attracting brokers through practical regulation and faster implementation.

• Compliance should focus on ongoing communication rather than reactive reporting.

• Firms should choose licences based on business strategy rather than quantity.

• Prediction markets may become one of the industry's next major growth sectors.

Watch the Full Interview

Want to hear Nicos explain why brokers are leaving certain jurisdictions, why Greece is gaining momentum, and why prediction markets could reshape the industry?

▶ Watch the full Finance Magnates interview for the complete discussion.

• Standard Chartered, DCS Bring Stablecoin Payments to Everyday Purchases in Singapore