Broker-dealer and investment advisor activities are mainly regulated in Panama by Law Decree No.1 of 1999, as amended (the “Securities Law”). The license is issued by the National Securities Commission.
Broker-Dealer Houses are entities authorized to engage in activities to receive, process and execute orders and trades on behalf of others or on its own behalf.
The following types of investment companies can register with the National Securities Commission and apply for the license:
a) simple investment companies
b) umbrella investment companies
c) multiple class investment companies
The license will need at least 3 (three) natural person Fit and Proper Directors.
A minimum of one shareholder is required.
• The license must appoint a person that shall act as Compliance Officer.
• The compliance Officer may be any member of the organization and shall be a holder of the Main Executive License issued by the National Security Commission.
A Broker Dealer House shall appoint an independent external auditor who shall audit the Investment Company at least once a year and prepare the audited financial statements for the company in accordance with Accounting Regulations approved by the National Securities Commission and its Agreements.
In order to obtain a Broker Dealer license in Panama you need to have a registered capital of USD150,000.