DIFC (DFSA) Regulated CSP
Book Free Consultation
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Category 3A License
Dealing in Investments as Agent & Operating Trading Venues
Execute client orders and run regulated trading platforms from DIFC, without taking positions on your own book. For agency brokers, crypto brokers, and alternative trading system operators.
What is a DFSA Category 3A License?
A DFSA Category 3A License is an authorization issued by the Dubai Financial Services Authority for firms in DIFC that deal in investments as agents or operate an alternative trading system.
Category 3A firms execute transactions on behalf of clients or provide a venue where others trade. They do not take positions on their own account. A firm that does, including as a matched principal, moves into Category 2.
Because 3A firms carry less market risk than principal dealers, the base capital is a tenth of Category 2. Supervision focuses on best execution, client assets, market conduct, and systems.
Category 3A is designed for securities and FX brokers on an agency model, crypto brokers dealing in DFSA-recognized tokens, and operators of multilateral and organized trading platforms.
Which Financial Services Fall Under Category 3A?
A Category 3A firm is authorized to carry out one or both of the following Financial Services:
1. Dealing in Investments as an Agent
Buying, selling, subscribing for, or underwriting investments on behalf of clients, without taking positions on the firm's own account.
2. Operating an Alternative Trading System
Running a multilateral or organized trading facility where multiple buyers and sellers trade investments under set rules.
Category 3A firms often hold additional permissions on the same license, such as Arranging Deals in Investments, Advising on Financial Products or Arranging Custody.
Business Models That Typically Need Category 3A
Agency Securities Brokers: Executing client orders in equities, bonds and funds on exchanges or with counterparties.
FX and CFD Brokers (STP / Agency Model): Passing client orders straight through to liquidity providers without acting as counterparty. Brokers that take the other side of client trades need Category 2.
Crypto Brokers: Executing client orders in crypto tokens recognized by the DFSA, as agent. Dealing in crypto as principal needs Category 2, holding client crypto needs Category 3B custody permission.
Trading Platform Operators: Multilateral trading facilities, organized trading facilities and digital asset trading venues operating as an alternative trading system.
Introducing and Execution-Only Brokers Firms that execute orders for professional or retail clients through third-party venues and clearing brokers.
The exact scope depends on the firm's business model, client base, and whether it holds client assets.
Regulatory Characteristics of Category 3A Firms
Category 3A firms are subject to:
Prudential Capital Requirements proportionate to an agency model, lower than for principal dealers.
Conduct of Business Rules covering client classification, best execution, order handling and disclosure.
Client Asset and Client Money Rules where the firm holds funds or investments for clients.
Market Integrity Obligations, including trade surveillance and reporting suspicious transactions.
Regular Regulatory Reporting on capital, client assets, and trading activity.
DFSA Supervision, with additional rulebook requirements for trading venues and crypto token activities.
This category provides a regulated framework for brokers and trading venues operating within DIFC.
Governance & Control Expectations
The Dubai Financial Services Authority expects Category 3A firms to demonstrate:
DFSA-Approved Key Individuals, typically a Senior Executive Officer, Compliance Officer, MLRO, and Finance Officer.
Board Oversight of execution quality, client asset protection, and conflicts of interest.
Independent Compliance and Risk Functions, with internal audit proportionate to the firm's size.
Clearly Defined Senior Management Accountability for order execution, client onboarding and platform operations.
Systems and Technology Controls, including order management, trade surveillance, cyber security and, for venues, fair and orderly trading rules.
Enterprise-Wide Financial Crime & AML Controls across client onboarding, trading and crypto token activities.
Governance quality is assessed alongside capital and conduct standards.
Capital & Prudential Considerations
Category 3A firms must hold the higher of the base capital requirement and any other applicable capital requirement. The DFSA may also set an additional, firm-specific amount.
Base Capital of $200,000.
Liquid Assets held at or above the capital requirement.
Expenditure-Based Capital for firms that hold client assets, based on a share of annual operating costs.
Activity-Based Capital, in force from 1 July 2026, linked to assets safeguarded and trading volumes where it applies.
A Clear Funding Plan showing how the firm will cover operating costs while staying above its capital requirement
Capital adequacy is assessed before authorization and monitored throughout the firm's operations.
Why does DFSA Category 3A Licensing Require Specialist Judgment?
Securing a Category 3A License is more than a procedural formality. The key decision is the dealing model: an agency broker fits 3A, but a firm that fills orders from its own book, needs Category 2, with base capital of $2 million, or $500,000 if it deals only as matched principal.
Firms must also show the DFSA sound execution arrangements, client asset protection, trade surveillance and, for crypto or trading venues, the extra controls those rulebook sections require.
Failure to meet these requirements can lead to extended reviews or refusal of the application.
Get Business Setup Cost in Dubai
Dedicated DIFC Advisory
RadiantBiz DIFC provides a dedicated, one-on-one corporate service experience led by Founder Rizwan Ansari, bringing 15+ years of banking and business consulting experience.
Save time | Reduce risk | Operate compliantly in DIFC
Get Consultation
Process
How to Obtain a DFSA Category 3A License
Obtaining a Category 3A License is a structured, multi-stage process, typically taking 6 to 12 months, depending on the brokerage or platform model and responsiveness to DFSA requirements.
The key steps are as follows:
The key steps are as follows:
01
Initial Assessment & Business Analysis
We start by understanding your business model, products, clients, and execution venues.
This includes confirming whether you act as agent, matched principal or principal, since that decides the category and capital.
02
Regulatory Structuring & Documentation Preparation
We structure the application to meet DFSA prudential and conduct standards.
This covers the business plan, capital model, best execution and order handling policies, client asset arrangements, platform rules where relevant, and compliance manuals.
03
Submission & DFSA Engagement
The application is submitted to the DFSA, which may request clarifications on execution, client assets, systems, or crypto controls.
We manage this engagement and respond to queries.
03
Review, Assessment & Licensing Decision
The DFSA reviews capital, conduct arrangements, systems, and key individuals.
Gaps lead to further questions or adjustments. Once satisfied, the DFSA grants the Category 3A License.
03
Post-Licensing Compliance & Operational Readiness
After licensing, the firm puts client asset reconciliations, trade surveillance, regulatory reporting and AML controls into operation.
Ongoing engagement with the DFSA keeps the firm compliant.
Support
How Do We Support DFSA Category 3A License Applicants?
At RadiantBiz DIFC, we work with founders, boards, brokers, crypto firms, and platform operators through every stage of the Category 3A licensing process.
This includes confirming whether Category 3A or Category 2 fits your dealing model, defining the right activity scope, and building regulator-ready conduct, client asset, and governance frameworks.
We also prepare senior leadership for DFSA engagement and guide firms from initial concepts through to full authorization.
Our approach is market-focused, compliance-led and execution-driven, delivering credible, compliant and operationally sound outcomes.
.png)
Frequently asked questions
Got Questions?
We’ve Got Answers
What types of companies can be set up in DIFC?
What licenses are available in DIFC?
What are the main regulatory authorities for DIFC companies?
Do DIFC companies have tax benefits?
How long does it take to set up a company in DIFC?
Can foreigners own 100% of a DIFC company?
Is there a minimum capital requirement to set up a company in DIFC?
Do you provide post-setup support after incorporation?
More
Explore More DFSA Licenses & Activities Categories
Find the License that Fits Your Business Model
Accepting Deposits- Managing an Unrestricted PSIA
- Providing Credit
- Dealing in Investments as Principal (including matched principal)
- Managing Assets
- Managing a Collective Investment Fund
- Advising on Financial Products
- Arranging Deals in Investments
- Arranging Credit
- Advising on Credit
Other categories, including 3B (Custody & Trustee Services), 3D (Money Services) and 5 (Islamic Financial Institutions), are available on request.