Client
Startrader
Industry
Regulated Brokerage
Location
UAE
Startrader – From DIFC Delays to SCA CAT 5 Success in Under 2 Months
Services
- SCA CAT 5 Licensing
- Office Setup (SCA-Approved)
- Onshore Banking
- Compliance Advisory
- Staff Hiring & Outsourcing
Background
Startrader, a leading brokerage under the Vantage Group, was stuck in regulatory limbo. After spending over 8 months and more than $80K USD with a well-known DIFC consultancy firm, their SCA CAT 5 license was still out of reach. Time and resources were draining with no results.
They came to WBG seeking a fresh approach—and urgent results.
The Challenge
The client’s SCA application was mishandled, and essential regulatory requirements (like approved office space and qualified personnel) were still missing. They were wasting both money and time without a clear path forward.
Our Solution
WBG stepped in to completely restructure and fast-track the process:
- Fixed the Existing Application
We audited and corrected the SCA application, aligning it with up-to-date regulatory expectations. - Secured a Fully Approved Office
We sourced and secured an office space approved under SCA criteria, enabling the license process to move forward smoothly. - Hired Accredited Team Members
Recruited and deployed 5 qualified staff members, satisfying the key staffing requirements under SCA. - Opened Onshore Bank Account
Provided full banking support, completing the setup with an active corporate bank account in the UAE.
The Outcome
- SCA CAT 5 License Issued in Less Than 2 Months
From zero progress in 8 months to full license in under 60 days. - Cost Savings of Over $60K USD
Startrader saved more than $60K by switching to WBG—paying just $20K to complete the process that the prior firm failed to deliver. - Operational & Fully Legal
Startrader became the first company in the Vantage Group to obtain SCA regulation, unlocking new growth opportunities in the UAE.
Key Metrics
Turnaround Time:
- From 8+ months of delays → License issued in <2 months
Cost Efficiency:
- $80K spent with DIFC firm → $20K to complete the full process with WBG
Office Compliance:
- Fully SCA-approved workspace secured through WBG
Staffing Fulfillment:
- 5 accredited hires onboarded to meet SCA requirements
Banking Enabled:
- Onshore UAE bank account opened
Market Advantage:
First SCA-regulated entity under Vantage Group umbrella
Client Feedback
The strategic mindset, deep industry insight, and expertise of WBG were instrumental in streamlining our application for the SCA Category 5 licence. Thanks to their professional and solution-oriented approach, our license was issued faster than expected. We would definitely recommend WBG to any company seeking expert guidance and real results.
Looking to Fix Delays or Regain Momentum?
We turn stuck applications into approved licenses. Fast.