MSO License Registration in Hong Kong
Fully remote procedure
12–15 months
Price upon request
An MSO (Money Service Operator) license allows companies to legally provide currency exchange and money transfer services.
An MSO (Money Service Operator) license in Hong Kong is a permit required for conducting business activities related to currency exchange and/or money transfer services. The MSO license is issued and regulated by the Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department.
The MSO license is mandatory for companies engaged in:
The MSO license is mandatory for companies engaged in:
- Currency exchange (foreign exchange operations, buying/selling foreign currencies)
- International money transfers (transferring funds between countries)
Step-by-step procedure
Consultation and Preparation
The process begins with a consultation with licensing and corporate law experts to develop a detailed action plan and understand regulatory requirements. At this stage, the scope of MSO services is defined (e.g., money transfers or currency exchange).
Development of Internal Documentation
An Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Policy and a business plan describing the services and operational procedures are drafted and approved. All documents must comply with AML legislation.
Office Rental
An office space that meets the standards of the Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department (C&ED) is rented. This address is included in the MSO license application and must pass regulatory inspection.
Hiring Local Staff and Specialists
To meet AML requirements, qualified local personnel are hired for the roles of Compliance Officer and Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO). These positions must be held by Hong Kong residents with appropriate experience and knowledge.
Fit and Proper Check
All shareholders and directors undergo a mandatory fit-and-proper assessment. This includes evaluating reputation and professional competence to ensure they are suitable to operate money service activities in compliance with the law.
Exam Preparation
The Compliance Officer and other key employees prepare for the mandatory examination on AML Ordinance knowledge, required for regulatory compliance.
Development of IT Systems, KYC and KYB Services, Client Agreements
An IT system is implemented to automate client verification processes (KYC for individuals and KYB for businesses). Standard client agreements are developed to ensure full AML compliance.
Opening a Bank Account for MSO Operations
A bank account is opened for carrying out MSO-related transactions. The account is registered to the company and must meet the bank’s requirements for this type of business.
Interview with C&ED Officer
An interview is conducted with a C&ED representative to assess the company's readiness, AML procedures, and compliance with regulatory standards.
Waiting for the Decision and License Issuance
Following all checks, C&ED reviews the application. Upon approval, the MSO license is officially issued, allowing the company to begin legal operations as a Money Service Operator.
Documents required to order the service
Business Plan
1
Applicant’s Supporting Documents
3
Premises Supporting Documents
4
- Copy of the valid Business Registration Certificate
- Copy of the Certificate of Incorporation
- Copy of the latest Annual Return (Form NAR1) and all documents filed with the Companies Registry after the submission of the last Annual Return
- Copy of the Incorporation Form (Form NNC1 for a company limited by shares)
- Information on the group structure and the shareholding percentage of each participant
- Copy of the Company’s Memorandum and Articles of Association
- Copy of the certified tenancy agreement or document confirming ownership of the premises
- Floor plan of the premises
- Two 4R-sized photographs showing the exterior and interior of the premises
- Copy of the landlord’s letter permitting the use of the premises for storing books and records
Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing Policy (AML/CFT) (AML Policy)
2
Examples of documents issued upon service completion
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A Money Service Operator (MSO) License is a license issued in Hong Kong to operators that provide services related to money transfers and currency exchange.
Service cost
MSO License in Hong Kong
The cost depends on the set of additional services, such as: developing an Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Policy, preparing a business plan, hiring local specialists, renting an office, consulting on the fit-and-proper assessment, and assisting with communication with the Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department (C&ED).
€
upon request
Related services
Frequently Asked Questions
An MSO (Money Service Operator) License is a permit issued by the Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department (C&ED). It is required for companies engaged in currency exchange and international money transfer services. Without this authorization, providing such financial services in Hong Kong is illegal.
With an MSO License, a company is legally allowed to:
- conduct currency exchange and foreign exchange transactions;
- provide international money transfer services.
To obtain an MSO License, a company must:
- have a registered office in Hong Kong that meets C&ED requirements;
- appoint a Compliance Officer and a Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO), both of whom must be Hong Kong residents;
- pass a Fit and Proper assessment for all directors and shareholders;
- prepare an Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Policy and a business plan;
- attend an interview with a C&ED representative.
The Compliance Officer and MLRO are key personnel responsible for ensuring compliance with anti–money laundering regulations and the company’s internal controls. Both must be permanent residents of Hong Kong. Having these specialists is a mandatory requirement for obtaining an MSO License.
The cost of obtaining an MSO License varies depending on the scope of additional services, which may include:
- developing the business plan and AML Policy;
- recruiting qualified Compliance and MLRO specialists;
- consultation and preparation for the C&ED interview;
- office rental and IT support for KYC/KYB systems.
Useful articles about Hong Kong
Why choose us?
Licensed Corporate Secretary
Direct Services in China and Singapore
We provide services directly in Hong Kong, China, and Singapore without intermediaries. This speeds up the registration process and enables clients to manage their businesses more efficiently in these jurisdictions.
We are a licensed provider of corporate secretary services in Hong Kong, ensuring full compliance with local laws and regulatory requirements. Our license guarantees the reliability and security of the services we provide.
Comprehensive Turnkey Services
We offer not only company registration but also full support services: accounting, assistance with bank account opening, and handling correspondence at the company’s registered address. This ensures convenience and minimizes bureaucratic complexities for our clients.
Experience Since 2016
Since our founding in 2016, we have successfully assisted hundreds of companies in registering and efficiently conducting business. Our experience with international clients allows us to cater to the unique needs of each company, regardless of size.
Personal Manager for Each Client
Each client is assigned a personal manager who guides them through all stages of registration and ongoing support. This individualized approach ensures tasks are handled promptly and according to client expectations.
Confidentiality and Data Security
We guarantee complete confidentiality and protection of client data, strictly adhering to commercial secrecy regulations. Your information is secure at every stage of our cooperation.
Transparent and Fair Pricing
We provide clients with detailed cost breakdowns of all services, avoiding hidden fees. This ensures full transparency and predictable expenses.
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