BSA LAW has advised Altus Investment Management Limited, a London-based investment management firm regulated by the UK Financial Conduct Authority, on successfully obtaining a Category 5 license from the UAE Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA).
The Category 5 license authorises Altus Investment Management Limited to promote and carry out regulated financial activities in the UAE, enabling the marketing of its foreign financial products to professional investors across the country.
As the UAE continues to strengthen its position as a leading regional investment hub, the Category 5 license provides international fund managers and product issuers with a streamlined and low-footprint route into the local capital markets, without the requirement for a full onshore presence.
BSA LAW advised on the full legal and regulatory process, including application strategy, documentation, regulatory clarifications and correspondence with the SCA. The firm structured the license application to align with SCA expectations and advised on the regulatory positioning of the product suite for UAE market access. BSA LAW Banking & Finance team also ensured compliance with licensing conditions, investor classification rules and post-licensing obligations. In addition, the firm advised on the outsourcing of mandatory roles, including Compliance Officer and Promotion Manager and prepared a tailored regulatory control framework with the required policies, procedures and documentation to meet supervisory standards.
With cross-border regulation evolving and investor demand in the region continuing to grow, the Category 5 license has become an essential tool for firms seeking efficient and strategic entry into the UAE financial market. Successful licensing, however, depends on careful timing, regulatory positioning and execution.
BSA LAW's Banking & Finance team regularly advises international financial institutions, fund managers and product issuers on regulatory licensing and market entry strategies across the UAE.