Antigua and Barbuda · FSRC · ECSRC · No FX licence
Antigua and Barbuda forex license: the regulator says CFDs are not regulated
In January 2026 Antigua’s Financial Services Regulatory Commission published a notice that settles the question: CFD trading is not an activity it regulates, and an International Business Corporation with CFD trading in its objects is not authorised. Here is the full picture.
Updated · By the Forex License Research Team · How we research
Antigua and Barbuda has no forex licence: the FSRC stated in January 2026 that CFD trading is not regulated by it and that an IBC with CFD objects is not authorised.
In shortAntigua and Barbuda has no forex or CFD broker licence. The Financial Services Regulatory Commission (FSRC) stated on 30 January 2026 that CFD trading is not regulated, licensed, supervised or authorised by it, and that incorporating an International Business Corporation with CFD trading in its corporate purpose does not amount to authorisation. Securities dealing requires an ECSRC broker-dealer licence.
Key facts
| Regulator | Financial Services Regulatory Commission (FSRC): does not regulate CFD trading; ECSRC for securities |
|---|---|
| Licence | None for forex/CFD brokerage. International Business Corporation registration only |
| Legal basis | International Business Corporations Act, Cap. 222; FSRC public notice of 30 January 2026; Securities Act (ECSRC) |
| Entity | International Business Corporation (IBC) |
| Typical timeline | Not applicable: no forex licence exists |
| Capital | No forex regime |
| Tax | Depends on the entity; confirm with an Antigua tax adviser |
| Recognition | No forex licence to recognise |
| Client markets | None conferred |
| EU passport | No |
| Our service | On request via partners |
Indicative information for comparison only, reviewed on the date shown. Requirements change and depend on your structure; confirm with the regulator and local counsel before deciding.
In the regulator’s words
“Contracts for Difference trading is not an activity regulated, licensed, supervised, or authorised by the Commission… Entities may be incorporated under the International Business Corporations Act with Contracts for Difference trading included within their corporate purpose. However, such incorporation does not constitute regulation, licensing, authorisation, supervision or approval…”
Overview
Antigua and Barbuda’s Financial Services Regulatory Commission (FSRC) licenses international banks, trust companies, insurers, corporate management and trust service providers, money services businesses and others under the International Business Corporations Act, Cap. 222 and related laws. It has no forex or CFD licence category.
On 30 January 2026 the FSRC published a notice stating that CFD trading is not regulated, licensed, supervised or authorised by it, and that an IBC incorporated with CFD trading in its corporate purpose must not hold itself out as regulated. Securities broker-dealers in Antigua are licensed by the ECSRC. If you need a licence, compare Belize, Seychelles or Mauritius.
What the FSRC said in January 2026
The FSRC’s public notice of 30 January 2026 makes three points:
- CFD trading is not regulated, licensed, supervised or authorised by the Commission;
- a company may be incorporated under the IBC Act with CFD trading in its corporate purpose, but that incorporation does not constitute regulation, licensing, authorisation, supervision or approval;
- such a company must not represent, state or imply that it is regulated.
This is one of the clearest statements any Caribbean regulator has made on the topic, and it answers “Antigua forex licence” searches directly.
What the FSRC does license
The FSRC supervises corporate management and trust service providers, digital asset businesses, international banks (Class I, II and III), credit unions, international trusts and insurance, money services businesses, gaming and pensions. FSRC licensees under the IBC Act must show physical presence: their own office, regular weekday opening hours and at least one full-time employee.
Since June 2025, IBC Circular No. 1 of 2025 requires each IBC’s corporate purpose to be classified with ISIC codes, and the FSRC flags purposes that do not match an entity’s name.
Securities dealing: the ECSRC route
Antigua and Barbuda is a member of the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union. Under the uniform Securities Act, dealing in securities requires a broker-dealer licence from the ECSRC. The ECSRC register lists Antigua broker-dealers such as a local commercial bank. This route is aimed at regional securities firms, not offshore retail CFD brokers.
How the application works, step by step
Read the FSRC notice
If an offer relies on an Antigua IBC with CFD objects, the FSRC has said that is not authorisation.
Check registers
Use the FSRC directories and the ECSRC broker-dealer register to verify any claim.
Pick a licensing jurisdiction
Shortlist recognised licences with our finder, for example Belize, Seychelles or Mauritius.
Describe any IBC accurately
If you keep an Antigua company for other purposes, never present it as regulated for CFDs.
Documents you will usually need
- For an IBC: due diligence documents via a licensed corporate management and trust service provider
- For an ECSRC broker-dealer licence: the ECSRC application set and fit-and-proper documents
- For a forex licence: the documents of the jurisdiction you choose instead
Indicative timeline
| Stage | Typical time |
|---|---|
| Antigua forex licence | Not applicable: none exists |
| IBC incorporation | Days to weeks |
| ECSRC broker-dealer licence | Months; for regional securities firms |
Substance and people
- IBC: corporate management and trust service provider and registered office
- FSRC-licensed businesses: local office and at least one full-time employee
Ongoing obligations
- IBC filings through the service provider
- Accurate corporate purpose classification (ISIC codes) since 2025
- Must not hold itself out as regulated for CFD trading
Advantages
- Clear written position from the regulator
- Real licences exist for banking, insurance and money services
Drawbacks
- No forex or CFD licence
- An IBC with CFD objects is expressly not authorised
- Weak with banks and payment providers
How it compares with the alternatives
| Option | Forex licence? | Typical time | Local substance | Recognition | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antigua IBC | No (FSRC: CFDs not regulated) | Days to weeks | Low | Not a licence | Non-regulated company purposes |
| Dominica IBC | No | Days to weeks | Low | Not a licence | Non-regulated company purposes |
| Saint Lucia IBC | No | Days | Low | Not a licence | MT5 licence base |
| Belize FSC | Yes | 3–6 months | High | Moderate | Brokers wanting a Caribbean licence |
A good fit if you…
- Need a company for non-regulated purposes and will describe it accurately
- Are a regional securities firm applying to the ECSRC
Probably not for you if you…
- Want a forex or CFD broker licence
- Were offered an “Antigua forex licence”
- Need to tell clients or banks you are regulated
How to verify a licence or registration
Check the FSRC’s directories of licensees and its news and warnings. Securities firms appear on the ECSRC broker-dealer register. No FSRC directory lists forex or CFD brokers, because no such licence exists.
Recent changes
17 June 2025: FSRC IBC Circular No. 1 of 2025 required service providers to classify each IBC’s corporate purpose with ISIC codes in the eRegistry. 30 January 2026: FSRC public notice on the regulatory status of contracts for difference.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a forex license in Antigua and Barbuda?
No. The FSRC has no forex or CFD licence category, and its public notice of 30 January 2026 states that CFD trading is not an activity it regulates, licenses, supervises or authorises.
Is an Antigua IBC with CFD trading in its objects authorised?
No. The FSRC notice says such incorporation does not constitute regulation, licensing, authorisation, supervision or approval, and that the company must not hold itself out as regulated.
Who licenses securities dealers in Antigua?
The Eastern Caribbean Securities Regulatory Commission (ECSRC). Its broker-dealer register lists Antigua firms such as a local commercial bank.
What licences does the FSRC issue?
Among others: international banking, international trust and insurance, corporate management and trust service providers, money services businesses, gaming and digital assets. None covers forex or CFD brokerage.
What is IBC Circular No. 1 of 2025?
A June 2025 circular requiring service providers to classify each IBC’s corporate purpose with ISIC codes in the eRegistry and to use an unclassified purpose only in exceptional cases.
Do FSRC licensees need physical presence?
Yes. According to the FSRC, licensees under the IBC Act need their own office, open at set hours on weekdays, and at least one full-time employee.
How do I verify an Antigua entity?
Use the FSRC’s directories of licensees and its news and warnings, and check securities firms on the ECSRC register.
What should I choose instead?
A recognised licence such as Belize, Seychelles or Mauritius; or, for an MT5 company base without a licence claim, a Saint Lucia IBC.
Official sources
Primary sources we rely on. Rules change; always confirm current requirements with the authority.
- FSRC public notice: regulatory status of contracts for difference (30 January 2026) fsrc.gov.ag
- Financial Services Regulatory Commission (FSRC) Antigua and Barbuda fsrc.gov.ag
- International Business Corporations Act, Cap. 222 fsrc.gov.ag
- FSRC IBC Circular No. 1 of 2025 (ISIC codes) fsrc.gov.ag
- FSRC: directories of licensees fsrc.gov.ag
- ECSRC: register of broker-dealers ecsrc.com
Similar jurisdictions
St Vincent & the Grenadines
Financial Services Authority (FSA), SVG: registers companies, does not license forex
None. A foreign licence or approval must be filed since 6 January 2023
View profileMarshall Islands
None for forex; companies registered via the Registrar of Corporations
None
View profileDominica
Financial Services Unit (FSU) for financial entities other than commercial banks and securities business; ECSRC for securities
None for forex/CFD brokerage. Securities dealing: ECSRC broker-dealer licence
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