In this article, we look at how to go about setting up a money remittance or an online money transfer business.

1. Establish your business model

Before setting up a money transfer business, you should have an idea of which countries you wish to enable your customers to send money to and from. You should also consider whether you will focus on cash remittance or electronic transfers, as the former option presents a higher risk as far as money laundering is concerned and therefore the ability to obtain a bank account, both for your business and segregating client monies. You should have an understanding of your pricing strategy as well as your customer acquisition and growth strategy.

2. Company formation

The next step is to form your company with Companies House. This is a fairly straight forward step and should take you no longer than 1-2 days to set up. We can help you with if required.

3. HMRC registration

You will be required to register with HMRC for Fit and Proper certification as well as money laundering regulations (MLR). This is a fairly straight forward procedure and involves providing HMRC with some information about yourself and your company and what you intend to offer by way of business services. The fee for Fit and Proper certification is £50 per person. The fee for MLR registration is £100.

4. Register as a Small Payment Institution (SPI) with the FCA

We recommend that you apply for SPI registration at the same time as your HMRC registration. The application will require details about your directors, shareholders, business model, payment flow, safeguarding measures and information security, to name a few. Please note that client fund safeguarding (keeping your client money separate from your day to day money is optional for SPIs.

5. Choosing a software partner

The above will enable you to operate a money service business. From here on, you can speak with software providers to enable you to operate a digital remittance business. In relation to choosing a software provider, you should ask them about their functionality, in particular with AML, KYC and CTF.

Time frame?

It can take 3 months to obtain the licence.

Next steps

Here at Buckingham Capital Consulting, we can manage the entire process of registration as a money remittance business. We can help with your HMRC registration as well as preparing and managing your small payment institution (SPI) registration application.

Buckingham Capital Consulting is a leading international consulting firm, specialising in payment services, electronic money, banking and investment services. We are able to advise you on the best course of action and strategy based upon your business plan and financial product or service. We can help you with licencing, compliance, operational setup and related services, including, obtaining banking facilities. For more information, visit our website on www.buckinghamcapitalconsulting.com

Call us today on 020 7866 2512 or 0800 689 0501. Alternatively, please send an email to info@buckinghamcapitalconsulting.co.uk to arrange a telephone call or to discuss your requirements and plan. We are also able to arrange calls or conference calls using Skype. Our Skype ID is BCC54321. If you wish, we can arrange a meeting at one of our offices.

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