Comoros

The Class B International Banking License in Comoros is an offshore banking license issued by the Autonomous Island of Anjouan. It is designed for banks and financial institutions operating internationally, without serving the local Comorian market.

The license provides formal banking status with minimal capital requirements, fast approval timelines, and a flexible regulatory framework. It is commonly used by international lenders, fintech platforms, payment businesses, and crypto-adjacent financial institutions that need a banking wrapper without onshore complexity.

What Activities are Permitted Under This License?

The Class B license allows a broad range of international banking and financial services. These include accepting deposits, issuing loans, borrowing funds, conducting currency exchange transactions, processing payments, and issuing securities and cards.

It also covers custody and safekeeping of securities, asset management, guarantees, intermediary services in securities trading, and holding financial instruments for third parties. E-commerce activity is permitted, alongside a wide range of additional financial services.

Importantly, the license allows cryptocurrency-related activity when conducted internationally. This includes crypto trading, operating a crypto exchange (utility and security tokens), crypto liquidity provision, crypto storage, and CFD-style financial instruments.

Corporate Structure and Operational Requirements

The corporate structure requirements are intentionally light. Only one shareholder is required, with no obligation to appoint a local shareholder. Corporate shareholding is allowed.

A single director is sufficient, and directors may be residents or non-residents, subject to regulator approval. Corporate directors are not permitted. There is no requirement to appoint a company secretary in Comoros.

There is also no obligation to open a local bank account or maintain a physical office in Comoros. The company is incorporated as an International Business Company (IBC) in Anjouan, which acts as the licensed entity.

Tax Treatment and Regulatory Approach

International banks licensed in Anjouan benefit from a zero-tax regime on foreign-sourced income. There is no corporate income tax, VAT, or withholding tax applied to offshore operations conducted outside Comoros.

Regulatory oversight focuses on approval of ownership and management, rather than ongoing operational micromanagement. This makes the jurisdiction particularly attractive for international-facing financial structures that require speed and flexibility.

How the Licensing Process Works

The licensing process is straightforward and fast compared to traditional banking jurisdictions.

First, an application is submitted, and the company name is reserved. The International Business Company (IBC) is incorporated in Anjouan, typically within a few business days. Once the company is in place, the banking license application is filed for the IBC.

After approval, annual fees are paid, and the full set of corporate and license documents is issued. In most cases, the entire process from start to license issuance takes approximately one to two weeks.

Documents Required

The application requires standard corporate and personal documentation. This includes a completed application form, a copy of the passport for all directors and shareholders, and proof of address for each director and shareholder issued within the last three months.

No business plan or capital proof is required at the level typically seen in onshore banking jurisdictions.

Who This License is Best Suited For

This license is typically used by international banking startups, private lenders, fintech platforms, payment processors, and crypto or digital-asset businesses seeking a formal banking structure.

It is not intended for retail banking within Comoros or for institutions seeking access to EU or US banking passporting regimes.