An Anjouan forex licence is a brokerage approval issued by the Anjouan Offshore Finance Authority (AOFA) on Anjouan, one of the islands of the Union of the Comoros. It has been popular because it is fast and cheap, but its legal status is disputed: in December 2025 the Central Bank of the Comoros described AOFA as a fictitious entity issuing unauthorised financial licences, and in October 2026 the Comoros government said it was preparing legal action over Anjouan licensing. Banks, payment providers and other regulators may not accept it. Most brokers should consider Seychelles, Mauritius or another recognised regulator instead.
- Anjouan licences are issued by the Anjouan Offshore Finance Authority (AOFA), an island-level body.
- In December 2025 the Central Bank of the Comoros called AOFA a fictitious entity issuing unauthorised financial licences.
- Banks, payment providers and regulators in client countries may not recognise an Anjouan licence.
- Low cost and speed do not help if you cannot bank or market your brokerage.
- Seychelles, Mauritius and similar regulators are safer starting points for most brokers.
Looking for licence application support? Choose a recognised jurisdiction and get help preparing and managing your licence application.
"Anjouan forex licence" is one of the most searched offshore licence terms. Many providers still sell it as a quick, low-cost way to start a brokerage. Before you pay for one, you should understand who issues it and why its legal status is now in dispute.
Who issues the Anjouan licence?
The Union of the Comoros has three islands: Grande Comore, Mohéli (Mwali) and Anjouan. The Anjouan Offshore Finance Authority (AOFA) issues brokerage approvals to International Business Companies registered on Anjouan, usually through registered agents. The process is fast and costs are low, with no local office requirement according to providers that sell it.
Why its status is disputed
| Date | What happened |
|---|---|
| January 2023 | The Central Bank of the Comoros' list of approved financial intermediaries did not include island-licensed brokers |
| December 2025 | The Central Bank of the Comoros described AOFA as a fictitious entity issuing unauthorised financial licences |
| October 2026 | The Comoros government said Anjouan licensing bodies were operating without authorisation and that it was preparing legal action (reported in the context of gambling licences) |
Whatever the outcome, the practical effect is the same: an Anjouan licence may not be accepted by banks, payment providers, liquidity providers, advertising platforms or regulators in your clients' countries.
What this means for a new broker
- Banking: bank and payment accounts are harder to open; see bank accounts for brokers.
- Liquidity: some providers will not onboard brokers on disputed licences.
- Marketing: ad platforms may reject financial ads without a recognised regulator.
- Client trust: traders increasingly check regulators before depositing.
- Exit risk: if the licence loses all standing, you may need to relicense quickly.
Better alternatives
| Jurisdiction | Regulator | Why brokers choose it |
|---|---|---|
| Seychelles | Financial Services Authority (FSA) | Established offshore route; see Seychelles forex licence |
| Mauritius | Financial Services Commission (FSC) | More credible and bankable; see Mauritius guide |
| Onshore regulators | For example FSCA, CySEC, DFSA | Highest trust, higher cost; see licence cost comparison |
Already hold an Anjouan licence? Plan a move to a recognised regulator and keep your technology portable; see switching providers.
How we help
We help clients choose a jurisdiction that fits their markets, prepare the licence application and supporting documents, and coordinate the process through to approval, with legal opinions from qualified local counsel. We also supply the technology documentation regulators ask for, and the platform, CRM and liquidity to launch once you are approved. See forex licence and company formation.
General information reviewed November 2026, not legal advice. Licensing rules and regulators' positions change; confirm with the regulator and qualified local counsel before you apply. MetaTrader is a trademark of MetaQuotes Ltd.