Selling an AFSL?
Whether you're winding down, exiting the industry, or repositioning, we connect you with qualified, pre-vetted buyers from our active book. We facilitate the introduction; you and your advisers control the deal.
Sell your AFSLAFSL Exchange · Australia · Since 2017
Buy or sell an Australian Financial Services Licence.
A specialist intermediary matching buyers and sellers of AFSL-licensed entities, with an active book of qualified buyers in FX, derivatives, and digital assets.
- Since 2017
Eight years matching AFSL buyers and sellers
- Active buyer book
Pre-qualified domestic and international buyers
- FX & derivatives specialists
Deep focus on the most active licence category
- Confidential by default
Specialist introductions, NDAs available
What we do
Both sides the transaction. One specialist intermediary.
Buying an AFSL?
Acquiring an existing AFSL-licensed entity is often faster than applying for a new licence, particularly for international firms entering the Australian market. We help you find the right licensee, with the right authorisations, at the right price.
Buy an AFSLWho we work with
Specialists in high demand licence categories.
-
FX, CFD & derivatives brokers
Our largest segment by deal volume.
-
Digital asset exchanges
Increasingly active as crypto firms seek Australian market access.
-
Financial planners & advisers
Practice sales, succession, and consolidation.
-
Managed Investment Scheme operators
Including responsible entities.
-
Insurance brokers
Authorised representative and standalone licensees.
-
MDA operators & remittance providers
Specialist categories with limited buyer pools.
How it works
A clear, confidential process.
- 01
Confidential conversation
Tell us what you have or what you need. No commitment, no public listing. We assess fit before any introduction is made.
- 02
Qualified introduction
We introduce you to the other side of the deal, only after both parties are vetted and aligned on category, size, and timeline.
- 03
Independent advisers, clean handover
We introduce independent solicitors and accountants experienced in AFSL change-of-control transactions. You retain control of the deal. We facilitate; we don't dictate.
Beyond the transaction
Get the deal done, and the licence working.
AFSL Applications
When acquiring an existing licence isn't the right path, we manage new AFSL applications end-to-end. Authorisation scoping, Responsible Manager nomination, compliance frameworks, and direct ASIC liaison.
AFSL ApplicationsResponsible Manager Sourcing
ASIC requires every AFSL holder to nominate Responsible Managers with demonstrable knowledge and skill. We source qualified RMs for new applicants, post-sale continuity, and keyperson condition coverage.
Responsible Manager Sourcing- Director Sourcing Australian-resident directors for AFSL and ACL holders.
- Solicitor Introductions Independent legal advisers experienced in AFSL transactions and change-of-control.
Why AFSL Exchange
Why work with us.
Specialist intermediary, not a law firm.
We're specialist intermediaries for AFSL transactions in the licensed financial services sector. Legal advice is delivered by independent solicitors we introduce, keeping advice independent and fees transparent.
FX and derivatives are our core.
Most buyers we work with are FX, CFD, or digital asset operators. If that's your category, we already know who's buying.
International buyer access.
A growing share of our buy-side comes from offshore firms, particularly crypto exchanges and brokers, seeking Australian market entry. If you're selling an FX or derivatives licensee, your buyer is often international.
Recent deals
Recent transactions.
-
Retail financial planning licensee → Domestic acquirer, 2026
Introduced a retail financial planning AFSL holder to a local purchaser. The responsible manager agreed to remain with the business for 12 months post-completion, supporting continuity of advice relationships. Transaction completed in five weeks.
-
NCP issuing licensee → International stablecoin operator, 2026
Matched a non-cash payment issuing licensee with an international buyer operating in the crypto and stablecoin space. The responsible manager and a director remained in the business post-acquisition, satisfying ASIC's residency and keyperson requirements.
-
Wholesale MDA operator → International CFD broker, 2025
Connected a retiring wholesale managed discretionary account operator with an international CFD broker seeking Australian market entry. The acquisition provided the purchaser with immediate MDA authorisation without the delay of a new application.
Frequently asked questions
How do I sell my AFSL in Australia?
You sell the company that holds the licence, not the licence itself. ASIC does not permit licence transfers between entities. AFSL Exchange introduces you to pre-qualified buyers, then independent solicitors handle the change-of-control transaction subject to ASIC approval.
How do I buy an AFSL?
You acquire the company that holds the licence. The process involves identifying a suitable licensee, conducting due diligence on its authorisations, compliance history, and liabilities, then completing a share sale subject to ASIC's change-of-control approval. AFSL Exchange facilitates the introduction and matching; independent solicitors handle the documentation.
How much is an AFSL worth?
AFSL valuations vary based on the authorisations held, the licensee's compliance history, any keyperson conditions, the size of the existing business, and demand in the category. FX, derivatives, and digital asset authorisations typically command higher premiums than generalist authorisations because new applications in these categories face longer ASIC processing times.
How much does a new AFSL application cost in Australia?
The cost of a new AFSL application varies significantly based on the authorisations requested, the complexity of the business model, and the level of external compliance, legal, and Responsible Manager support required. Contact us for a scoped estimate based on your specific authorisations and circumstances.
How long does an AFSL application take?
Most AFSL applications take 8 to 12 months from submission to grant, depending on the complexity of authorisations sought, the responsiveness of the applicant to ASIC's requests for information, and current ASIC processing backlogs. Acquiring an existing licensee can be faster, typically 1 to 3 months, subject to ASIC change-of-control approval.
Can foreign companies buy an Australian AFSL?
Yes. Foreign companies regularly acquire Australian AFSL-licensed entities, particularly in the FX, derivatives, and digital asset categories. The transaction must satisfy ASIC's change-of-control requirements, and the acquired entity must continue to meet Australian residency requirements for its Responsible Managers and directors post-acquisition. AFSL Exchange has facilitated multiple international acquisitions.
What is a Responsible Manager?
A Responsible Manager (RM) is an individual nominated to an AFSL holder who demonstrates the knowledge and skills required to oversee the financial services authorised under the licence. ASIC requires every AFSL holder to nominate at least one RM, and most licences carry a keyperson condition tied to named RMs. AFSL Exchange sources qualified RMs for new licensees and for post-sale continuity.
Get in touch
Ready for a confidential conversation?
Whether you're considering selling your AFSL, looking to acquire a licensed entity, or exploring a new application, start with a confidential discussion. No commitment, no obligation.