KUNAISA license · Forex
Forex license in Panama through KUNAISA
A KUNAISA Forex license gives a brokerage, trading platform or FX intermediary a license number, an AML framework and a Panamanian company to operate through. It isn’t issued by the SMV, Panama’s securities regulator, and the difference matters. The section on scope below explains why.
- Setup
- From $20,000, paid once
- Maintenance
- $2,500 a month, yearly renewal included
- Issued by
- KUNAISA (Kuna de Wargandí), not the SMV
Scope
What the license is for
KUNAISA’s Forex license is aimed at companies that take on clients, hold or move client money, give recommendations or execute orders in currency markets. Purely technical providers that never touch funds or orders generally don’t need one.
- Running an online FX or CFD trading platform
- Executing client currency trades as a broker or dealer
- Introducing-broker and white-label structures
- Intermediating FX transactions between clients and counterparties
- Multi-asset brokerage that includes FX
Who applies
Who usually applies
- Retail and institutional FX brokers
- Start-up brokerages setting up their first licensed entity
- CFD and multi-asset platform operators
- Introducing brokers moving to a license of their own
- Groups adding Forex to a crypto or payments business
Price
What the price includes
One setup fee covers the company and the application. A monthly plan then keeps both in good standing.
From
$20,000
one-time setup, then $2,500 a month for the company and license upkeep
Indicative pricing, not a quote. The final figure depends on the business model, the shareholders and the add-ons you choose.
- Panamanian company formation
- Preparation and filing of the Forex application
- AML and KYC policies and the compliance file
- Registered office in Panama
- Utility bill for bank account verification
- Certificate of good standing
- Certificate of incumbency
- A twelfth of the annual license renewal in every monthly payment
Quoted separately: corporate banking, payment processing, trading platform and WebTrader, CRM and liquidity provider connections.
KUNAISA Forex license vs an SMV license
Panama’s Securities Market Law reserves Forex to securities houses licensed by the SMV, and only SMV licensees may carry on that business in or from Panama. The same law restricts the words “Forex” and “FX Trading” in company names to entities the SMV authorizes, so we keep them out of yours.
A KUNAISA license is not an SMV license and doesn’t replace one. Brokers use it to serve clients abroad, where what counts is the law of each client’s country and the policies of the banks and liquidity providers involved. Where your company operates from, and who it serves, matters, and we review both with you before you apply.
If you need to run a brokerage from Panama under national supervision, the route is an SMV securities-house license. It needs more capital, real local substance and a longer review, and we can advise you on it.
How it works
From first call to license
- 01
Free assessment
Tell Vera or our team what you plan to launch. We confirm the license route and send you a written quote.
- 02
Company setup
We form your Panamanian company, or review the one you already have.
- 03
Application file
We draft and collect the documents KUNAISA asks for and check every one before submission.
- 04
Filing
We submit and answer KUNAISA’s follow-up questions. KUNAISA quotes 60 to 90 days for a Forex application; we give you our estimate once your file is complete.
- 05
License issued
You receive the license and we start the monthly maintenance plan.
- 06
Ongoing support
Renewal, corporate certificates and compliance questions, all covered by the monthly plan.
Before you apply
Forex license questions
- How much does a Forex license cost through KUNAISA?
- From $20,000 for setup, then $2,500 a month for company and license maintenance, with the yearly renewal included. Banking, platforms and payment services are quoted separately.
- How long does it take?
- KUNAISA quotes 60 to 90 days for a Forex application. A complete, well-prepared file is what keeps it at the short end.
- How much capital do I need?
- KUNAISA doesn’t set a single figure. It asks for proof of capital that matches your business plan, and we’ll give you a realistic number at the assessment.
- Can I accept clients who live in Panama?
- No. Offering Forex to clients in Panama requires an SMV securities-house license.
Next step
Let’s discuss your plans in Panama.
Vera, our AI assistant, takes the first call. She notes what your matter is about, then a professional at the firm follows up.