If you consider opening an EMI in New Zealand, you should be aware that these businesses require the necessary license to operate. Prospective investors should be aware of the fact that New Zealand does not have separate authorizations for the supply of payment services and the operations of EMI. If you plan to provide these services, you must get a Financial Service Provider (FSP) license in New Zealand.

Business benefits of acquiring an EMI license in New Zealand

Starting a financial business in this country has a number of advantages:

  1. New Zealand boasts a highly developed infrastructure and is thought to have the most advanced and stable economy in the world.
  2. The legislation does not establish a minimum acceptable threshold for authorized capital.
  3. Many businesspeople who want to conduct business in the nation find it simpler to adapt because English is the primary language and is widely spoken worldwide.
  4. This state is not a member of the European Union and is not required to comply with the EU savings tax directive.

Other benefits of obtaining an EMI license

For the these reasons, businesspeople like New Zealand as a domain:

  1. There is no set minimum allowed capital;
  2. This jurisdiction, a participant in the British Commonwealth, primarily uses English, follows a common law system, and bases most of its laws on British law.
  3. Experienced experts and a dynamic and sustainable economy coexist in New Zealand's sophisticated infrastructure.
  4. The obligations outlined in Part II of the Securities Act regarding investment reports, supervisory trustees, and prospectuses do not apply if financial services are not provided to the public in New Zealand.

Features of obtaining an EMI permit in New Zealand

Enrolling as an FSP requires submitting an application to the Financial Markets Administration (FMA). Financial services regulation and securities market supervision fall within the purview of the FMA. To keep the system stable, the Reserve Bank of New Zealand does its part. The Department of Inner Affairs and the Commerce Commission have been granted some regulatory power over the monetary sector in New Zealand.

Receiving a monetary certificate in New Zealand entails issuance of a single license covering both payment system operators and electronic money providers. Acquiring an FSP license in New Zealand entitles the licensee to engage in the following activities:

  • issuance of electronic money;
  • payment services within legal transactions;
  • operational services and related electronic issuance and payment transactions;
  • lending as part of payment transactions;
  • other activities permitted by law;
  • operation of the payment system.

Registration of an entity with an EMI permit in New Zealand necessitates consultations regarding the prospective operations of such a firm with the licensing authority FMA. New Zealand is a judicature with a contemporary regulatory framework aimed at fostering development across all sectors of business, including financial services and electronic commerce. The process of obtaining a New Zealand FSP license for the company takes no less than 3 months, with potential extension to 6 months if additional scrutiny is required.

What documents are needed to obtain an EMI license in New Zealand?

To apply for a New Zealand FSP license, you must:

  1. Enroll a legal entity in New Zealand.
  2. Have a registered office and carry out management in this jurisdiction.
  3. To participate in a state-approved dispute resolution program, submit an application (for services delivered to retail consumers).
  4. Create a corporate account in the bank.
  5. In New Zealand, keep accurate business and monetary information.
  6. Observe all local legitimate prerequisites for accounting, payroll, auditing, and other areas.
  7. Submit an annual report in accordance with the provisions of the AML Act.
  8. Maintain a minimum of one local director and implement an AML program and risk management from the enrollment date.

The following details must be included in your application in order to receive an Authorized EMI permit in New Zealand:

  • An organization's structure should include a list of top authorities, such as compliance, deputy, and AML reporting officers, and other officials in charge of daily operations.
  • A business plan for three years that projects operations, target market, services, and solutions to be offered.
  • Manual of Internal Procedures.
  • Measures to protect your clients' funds.
  • Business continuity measures.
  • AML and Compliance Guide.
  • Thorough explanations of the protocols and guidelines established to avoid clashes of interest and illicit money activities.
  • An expression of the locations where the company plans to conduct business.
  • Indicating the profile and location of the company's target customers.
  • Due diligence documentation for executives, shareholders, beneficial owners, and all officers.

Conclusion

Entities seeking to procure an EMI license in New Zealand should submit their applications to the FMA, the chief regulatory body for such institutions. Due to the necessity for thorough preparation and a nuanced comprehension of the legislative environment and governing regulations, it is prudent to secure the services of consultants with proven expertise in navigating the regulatory landscape. Representatives from TK Deal are ready to provide expert consultation and assist with the enrollment of financial companies in New Zealand.