IFSC - IFSC - Financial Services Commission

Who is FSC?

The International Financial Services Commission (FSC) of Belize, established in 1999, serves as the financial regulatory authority responsible for supervising market participants, exchanges, and the formulation and enforcement of financial regulations.

Over the years, Belize has built a stable and transparent financial system, making it one of the most investor-friendly jurisdictions in the world. A number of international forex brokers operate under licenses granted by the FSC.

The FSC operates under the oversight of the Belize Securities Ministry and in accordance with the International Financial Services Commission Act of 1990.

Its supervisory role primarily focuses on monitoring the business practices and operations of companies, assessing potential risks to investors, and strengthening Belize’s reputation in the global financial market. Another objective is to ensure that the international financial services provided by regulated companies are closely aligned with their actual business operations.

How does FSC regulate forex brokers?

1. Client fund protection:
Brokers are required to segregate client funds from company assets.
2. Reporting requirements for forex brokers:
Transaction reports; Audit reports; Anti-money laundering (AML) reports.

How to verify if a broker is licensed by FSC?

In general, broker records supervised by the FSC can be found at:
 https://www.belizefsc.org.bz/license-service-provider/
Check whether the information there matches the details provided on the broker’s official website.

Detailed steps:
1. Find the license number (recommended) or broker name from the broker’s website.

2. Enter the license number or broker name into the search bar at: https://www.belizefsc.org.bz/license-verification/

Note: If the broker’s record cannot be found on the FSC website, it may be a fraudulent broker — please stay away.

3. Verify whether the broker is authorized to provide services such as “Trading in financial and commodity-based derivative instruments and other securities” or “Trading in foreign exchange” at: https://www.belizefsc.org.bz/license-service-provider/

4. Finally, cross-check whether the company details published on the FSC website match those on the broker’s site — especially the website address, email, etc. If not, avoid the broker as it may be unlicensed and your funds will be at risk.

How to resolve disputes with an FSC-regulated broker?

If you have a dispute with an FSC-regulated broker, you can protect your rights and interests as follows:
• Method 1: Contact the broker directly and try to reach a solution.
• Method 2: If not satisfied, contact Belize FSC, which helps resolve disputes between forex brokers and investors.

Submit a complaint online: https://www.belizefsc.org.bz/complaints/
• Method 3: If the first two methods fail, the last option is to take the case to court in Belize.