Among other things, a licensed and regulated investment firm cuts a considerable amount of time from time to market and business paths that would lead to a stream of new revenues in the present swirling global financial environment.
One of EU’s fully fledged member states with well-established regulatory framework—Cyprus has grown as one of the most favored destinations in the world for any financial service provider that is in need of a strategic opening to the EEA.
This article will delve deeper into the chance for one to invest in a Cyprus Investment Firm with the dual activities of a brokerage and integrated payment services, offering a unique combination that would provide broad scope and scale for one’s business across the continent.
Why Cyprus then?
Cyprus CIF STP for sale is famous, because of its tax and regulatory environment, in addition to an investor-friendly financial institution and very friendly running atmosphere.
It is governed by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC). For example, CIFs get advantages, such as:
- Access to the EU single market through MiFID II passporting rights.
- Strong reputation for regulation among European and global investors.
- Increasingly, there is an ecosystem of Fintechs, brokerages, and investment funds.
- A nice low rate of 12.5% in corporate tax.
- Resources of a talented multilingual financial workforce.
What does it mean to be a Cyprus Investment Firm (CIF)?
CIFs are legal entities established by CySEC to engage in certain investment activities individually or collectively, such as:
- – Reception and transmission of orders on behalf of clients
- – Execution of orders for clients
- – Dealing on own account
- – Portfolio management
- – Investment advice
- – Underwriting of financial instruments and/or placement of financial instruments
This means CIFs are effectively empowered to act as retail or institutional brokers, asset managers, and/or market intermediaries—depending on the type of CIF license such entities apply for. Additionally, CIFs are subject to further obligations with respect to AML/KYC, financial reporting and capital adequacy, the regulation through normal audits being subject to EU directives; hence, this gives them better suitability internationally.
What Makes This Sale Unique? – Brokerage with a Payment License
Unlike most CIFs available on the secondary market, this opportunity includes a CIF payment license Cyprus alongside the traditional brokerage license. This dual structure offers major advantages, including:
Services as a Functional Extension
A STP licensed broker company can carry out, under a Payment Institution License, the following non-investment services:
- Money remittance
- Payment processing
- Issuance of payment instruments
- Acquiring, that is to say, a service related to merchants that accept electronic payments
- Issuing electronic money
The above service gives a wide-range financial services model that supports both trading and transactional business.
2. An Integrated Financial Ecosystem
The fact that both licenses exist in a corporate entity makes it a one-stop center for clients who would need investment and payment services.
For example:
- A client from the brokerage side makes a deposit into the same legal entity through an in-built payment gateway.
- User experience friction is reduced, as transfers internally between investing accounts and payment accounts are simplified.
3. Cross-Sector Scalability
The company can easily pivot to sectors such as fintech, neobanking, crypto-fiat gateways, and alternative payments to boost the flexibility of its adaptability in this market.
4. Regulatory Synergy
Operating under both CySEC and the Central Bank of Cyprus (CBC), the firm demonstrates a high level of compliance readiness and regulatory trustworthiness—often a critical factor in onboarding clients and partners.
Strategic Benefits of Acquisition
Buying an existing CIF with a payment license comes with a series of operational and strategic advantages:
Fast Market Entry
Building a licensed financial institution from scratch can take 12–24 months due to complex compliance requirements and regulator backlogs. Acquiring an operational CIF provides immediate access to the market, including banking, licensing, and client onboarding readiness.
Cost Efficiency
While a new license application can be capital-intensive (with costs ranging from €200,000–€500,000 or more), acquiring a ready-made and active firm reduces upfront investment and avoids unforeseen regulatory expenses.
Regulatory Reputation
An established CIF with a payment license and clean history is often more attractive to banking partners, investors, and B2B clients, particularly those wary of onboarding newer entities.
Compliance and Governance
Acquiring a CIF with a payment license requires careful due diligence and regulator notification. Key areas of compliance include:
- Shareholding Changes: Any transfer of shares (above certain thresholds) must be approved by CySEC and the CBC.
- Fit & Proper Requirements: New directors and shareholders must pass regulatory assessments for integrity, competence, and financial soundness.
- Continuity of Operations: The firm must demonstrate that ongoing services will not be disrupted post-acquisition.
Due Diligence Checklist
Before purchasing, buyers should review:
- License documentation and scope
- Internal policies (AML/KYC, risk, complaints handling)
- Financial statements and audit reports
- Tax records and VAT compliance
- Contracts with IT providers, banks, clients
- Staffing structure and employment contracts
- Legal disputes, if any
- Source code or ownership of proprietary tech
Post-Acquisition Steps
Once acquired, the new owner can proceed to:
- Update the structure – appoint new directors, shareholders, or beneficial owners.
- Integrate new services – upgrade platforms, expand client base, or enter new markets.
- Rebrand – if necessary, the company can be renamed, rebranded, or relocated within Cyprus.
- Apply for additional authorizations – including crypto registration or expanding the PI license scope.
Who Should Consider This Acquisition?
This opportunity is ideal for:
- Forex and CFD brokers looking to enter the EU market
- Fintech startups seeking dual investment and payment capabilities
- EMIs or PSPs looking to expand into portfolio management
- International investors seeking passporting into the EEA
- Crypto exchanges wanting to obtain regulated forex Cyprus fiat gateways
Final Thoughts
Purchasing a Cyprus Investment Firm with a brokerage and payment license is a rare and high-value opportunity in the European financial services landscape. It combines the benefits of established compliance, diversified income streams, and immediate access to the EEA market. For entrepreneurs, fintechs, and financial institutions ready to scale, this turnkey solution can offer a competitive edge in a highly regulated but lucrative space.
What services can a Payment Institution offer?
They can provide payment transfers, issue debit or credit cards, and process electronic payments.
How long does it take to buy an existing CIF firm?
The process typically takes 1 to 2 months, depending on the speed of due diligence and regulatory procedures.
Can foreign investors buy CIF firms?
Yes, foreign investors are permitted to acquire CIF firms, but they must obtain approval from the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC).