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An FFMC License (Full Fledged Money Changer License) is granted by the regulatory authority of a country to entities authorized to deal in foreign exchange and provide money-changing services. In India, this license is issued by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), 1999.
Purpose of an FFMC License:
- To regulate money-changing activities and ensure compliance with foreign exchange laws.
- To facilitate legal and transparent exchange of foreign currencies.
- To promote efficient and fair money-changing services for individuals and businesses.
Activities Permitted for FFMCs:
- Currency Exchange:
- Buy foreign currency in the form of cash, coins, or traveler's cheques from residents and non-residents.
- Sell foreign exchange for permissible purposes such as travel, medical expenses, or education abroad.
- Forex Services:
- Act as an agent of authorized dealers in foreign exchange or of other FFMCs.
- Travelers' Cheques and Forex Cards:
- Issue and encash traveler's cheques and reload forex cards.
Eligibility Criteria for an FFMC License:
- Entity Type:
- The applicant must be a company registered under the Companies Act.
- Capital Requirements:
- Single Branch FFMC: Minimum net owned funds of INR 25 lakhs.
- Multiple Branch FFMC: Minimum net owned funds of INR 50 lakhs.
- Fit and Proper Criteria:
- Directors and key personnel should meet the "fit and proper" criteria set by the RBI, ensuring integrity and competence.
- Infrastructure:
- Adequate office space, secure storage for foreign exchange, and systems to manage money-changing activities.
- No Criminal Record:
- Directors, promoters, and key personnel must not have any criminal or financial misconduct history.
Application Process for FFMC License:
- Prepare Application:
- Complete the prescribed application form available on the RBI website.
- Documentation:
- Submit the following documents:
- Certificate of Incorporation and Memorandum of Association.
- Board resolution authorizing the company to apply for the FFMC license.
- Details of the directors and promoters, including KYC documents.
- Audited financial statements for the last three years.
- Proof of net owned funds certified by a statutory auditor.
- Business plan for money-changing activities.
- Infrastructure details, including office layout and security arrangements.
- Submit the following documents:
- Fee Payment:
- Pay the non-refundable application fee as specified by the RBI.
- Submission to RBI:
- Send the application and documents to the regional office of the RBI under whose jurisdiction the applicant's registered office is located.
- Regulatory Review:
- The RBI reviews the application, conducts background checks, and may inspect the premises before granting the license.
- Grant of License:
- If all criteria are met, the RBI issues the FFMC license.
Renewal of FFMC License:
- Validity:
- The license is usually valid for one year and must be renewed annually.
- Renewal Application:
- Submit the renewal application before the license expires, along with updated compliance documents and fees.
- Compliance Report:
- Provide evidence of adherence to all regulatory guidelines, including KYC/AML norms.
Responsibilities of an FFMC:
- Compliance with FEMA and RBI Guidelines:
- Operate strictly within the framework of the Foreign Exchange Management Act and RBI regulations.
- KYC and AML Norms:
- Implement robust Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) procedures.
- Record Maintenance:
- Maintain accurate records of all foreign exchange transactions.
- Reporting Requirements:
- Submit periodic returns to the RBI, detailing transactions, customer information, and operational performance.
- Prohibition on Speculative Activities:
- Avoid speculative dealings or unauthorized foreign exchange activities.
Benefits of an FFMC License:
- Legitimacy:
- Establishes credibility as an authorized money changer.
- Business Opportunities:
- Provides opportunities to cater to tourists, travelers, and businesses with forex needs.
- Regulatory Support:
- Operates under the guidance and support of the central regulatory authority.
If you need assistance in drafting your FFMC application, business plan, or understanding specific compliance requirements, feel free to ask!