FSCA FSP Licence Categories

Figures current at 27 September 2026. Source: TradeAnswers.

The categories
CategoryWhat it permits
Category IAdvice and intermediary services on financial products
Category IIDiscretionary management, trading on a client's behalf without asking each time
Category IIAHedge fund management specifically
Category IIIAdministrative services, platforms and LISPs
Category IVAssistance business administration
ODPOver the counter derivative provider, issuing derivatives as principal
What a trader should check
CheckWhy
Is the licence activeA lapsed or suspended licence still shows a number
Which category is heldCategory I alone does not cover issuing CFDs
Is an ODP licence heldRequired to issue OTC derivatives to South African clients
Which products are listedEach category names the product subcategories it covers
Are there conditionsA licence can carry restrictions that limit what may be offered
Which category covers what a trader meets
What is offered to youCategory required
Advice on a financial productCategory I
Placing a trade on your instructionCategory I
Issuing a CFD as principalODP
Managing your account at their discretionCategory II
Running a platform holding your investmentsCategory III
Managing a hedge fundCategory IIA

Data maintained by TradeAnswers · updated as the figures change