Fast-Track Authorisation Regime

The Fast-Track Authorisation Regime provides a streamlined authorisation process for financial firms that are already licensed and supervised in regulatory regimes recognised by AFSA as acceptable. 

The regime allows eligible firms to apply through a proportionate authorisation process that takes into account their existing regulatory status, supervisory history and regulatory standards. 

Who is eligible? 

The Fast-Track Authorisation Regime is available to firms licensed and supervised by a regulator included in AFSA’s list of Acceptable Regulatory Regimes. 

AFSA currently recognises the following regulators: 

• Financial Conduct Authority (FCA);  

• Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC);  

• Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS);  

• Securities and Futures Commission of Hong Kong (SFC);  

• Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA);  

• Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM FSRA);  

• Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA); 

• Qatar Financial Centre Regulatory Authority (QFCRA). 

How does the Fast-Track process work? 

Under the Fast-Track process, AFSA may take into account the applicant’s regulatory history, track record and current licensing status. 

Eligible applicants may benefit from reduced application requirements, while certain matters may, where appropriate and on a risk-sensitive basis, be addressed through post-authorisation supervisory engagement. 

AFSA assesses each application individually and may request additional information or documentation where necessary. 

What activities does it cover? 

The Fast-Track Authorisation Regime is available for a range of Regulated Activities, including: 

Dealing in Investments as Principal; Dealing in Investments as Agent; Managing Investments; Managing Collective Investment Schemes; Providing Fund Administration; Advising on Investments; Arranging Deals in Investments; Providing Custody; Arranging Custody; Operating a Representative Office; and Advising on a Credit Facility and Arranging a Credit Facility. 

Eligible firms may establish their presence in the AIFC through several entry models, including a subsidiary, branch or representative office, subject to the applicable requirements and permitted scope of activities. 

Important information 

The Fast-Track process does not affect AFSA’s ongoing supervisory or enforcement powers. 

AFSA retains discretion to: 

• request additional information or documentation;  

• conduct further assessments;  

• impose appropriate conditions or requirements; and  

• revert an application to the standard authorisation process where necessary.  

The full requirements and eligibility criteria are set out in the AFSA Notice on the Fast-Track Authorisation for Firms Having Been Licensed under the Acceptable Regulatory Regimes, available AFSA Notice No. AFSA-ATD-NOT-2026-0018 from 20 August 2026 on the Fast-Track Authorisation for Firm…