Anjouan’s offshore license framework is marketed as a flexible, low‑tax route for international operators, with the Anjouan Offshore Finance Authority (AOFA) positioned as the sector’s regulator. AOFA states it licenses and supervises finance businesses—banking (including crypto‑enabled services), brokerage/FX, insurance, investment, and virtual asset services—while enforcing AML/CFT obligations under the 2005 Money Laundering Prevention Act in line with FATF standards. A public license check is promoted to verify a firm’s name, license number, status, validity dates, and authorized activities. For gambling, a separate “Anjouan Gaming” register lists licensees, status, expiry, and approved URLs. Note the conflict: the Central Bank of the Comoros contests island‑level financial regulators, and FATF reports gambling is prohibited under the Comorian Penal Code. In practice, cross‑verify incorporation, international permissions, and that any platform URL truly matches the cited license before you send funds or onboard clients.
What an Anjouan offshore license really is
Anjouan is a small, autonomous island of the Union of the Comoros in the Indian Ocean, perched at the northern end of the Mozambique Channel. Despite its size, it has made waves in the offshore space by marketing a light-touch regulatory environment and an attractive tax profile. That combination has pulled in founders who need speed, cost control, and access to international business rails.
An Anjouan offshore license is a formal authorization issued by a local authority that allows a company to offer defined financial or gaming services from Anjouan to clients abroad. The pitch is simple: faster onboarding for banks, brokerage/FX, crypto, insurance, and—lately—the online gambling sector. The reality is less simple. The quality of any license, anywhere, hangs on two things: the legal foundation behind the authority that issues it, and the verifiable supervision that follows. In Anjouan, both points require careful, public, and documented checks.
The regulatory map: who is the authority and what it covers
The Anjouan Offshore Finance Authority (often styled AOFA) is presented as the central regulator for the island’s offshore sector. Its public-facing role includes licensing and supervising offshore banking, insurance, investments, and related finance activities. In parallel, service firms on the island promote solutions that cover brokerage/FX, crypto, and online gaming.
In practice, the lines between “who issues” and “who administers” can blur. You’ll see references to AOFA, to an Anjouan Gaming Authority or Betting and Gaming Board for gambling, and to private agents that process applications. That web of actors makes due diligence essential. If you cannot independently confirm the authority’s mandate and the licensee’s standing, treat the license as unverified until proven otherwise.
AOFA’s mandate at a glance
AOFA describes itself as a supervisor that enforces transparency, prudence, and alignment with international standards. Its stated remit includes licensing, on‑going supervision, enforcement of AML/CFT rules, and consumer protection. It also positions itself as supporting sustainable economic growth by attracting responsible offshore business.
On paper, that framework mirrors the global compliance playbook: authorization, oversight, sanctions where needed, and a channel for grievances. The open question is how consistently those promises translate into day‑to‑day enforcement. That’s why a documented license check is non‑negotiable before you engage with any AOFA‑licensed brand.
AML/CFT, consumer protection and global alignment
AOFA references the Money Laundering Prevention Act (Government Notice 008 of 2005) and claims alignment with FATF‑style standards. It highlights AML onboarding, suspicious activity reporting, and counter‑terrorist financing measures. It also references consumer protection themes such as fair dealing, capital adequacy, and clear disclosures.
Those are the right headlines. But in offshore, you don’t rely on headlines. Ask for proof of the actual AML program, screening tools, independent audit letters, and compliance governance. Good actors will show you their toolkit. Bad actors will wave the license and dodge the details.
The online gambling angle: hype, reality, and risk
Anjouan’s name has become increasingly tied to online gambling. You’ll find sites and agents branding themselves as the island’s “sole authorized” processors for gambling applications and publishing a “register” of gaming license holders. They promote a clear process, authorized activities, and a promise of player protection.
Here is the friction point. Public reporting has raised red flags about the legal footing of gambling in the Union of the Comoros and about the recognition of island-level regulators in finance. Some analyses cite national laws that prohibit gambling, while others point to warnings from national institutions disputing island‑level authority in offshore finance. That tension matters. If the national framework doesn’t squarely authorize what a local body issues, the enforcement value of the license can be weak outside marketing materials.
For operators, this means reputational and payments risk. For players, it means limited recourse when things go wrong. If you plan to rely on an Anjouan gambling license, be candid about the risk profile, your geoblocking, and the payment rails you can keep open. If you’re a player, treat an Anjouan‑licensed gambling site as high‑risk unless you can confirm robust dispute handling, escrowed balances, and transparent KYC/withdrawal rules.
How to run a clean license check before you wire a cent
Start with the public register. Use the authority’s verification service to check whether the firm is authorized and regulated by the stated authority, and whether the license covers the specific services you intend to use. Don’t stop at a logo or a PDF—cross‑check the exact corporate name, registration number, and status.
Match the license to the brand. If the register does not map the licensed entity to the operating website/domain, ask the firm for an official letter from the authority confirming the authorized URLs and trading names. Without that, you cannot link the license to the site in front of you. This gap is common in offshore and is where many scams hide.
Check scope, dates, and conditions. Confirm the authorized activities, territorial restrictions, and the License End Date or renewal cycle. Look for suspensions or conditions. If the service you need (e.g., derivatives dealing, custody, or gambling verticals) is not listed, the license does not cover it.
Validate operational compliance. Request AML/KYC policies, provider contracts for sanctions/PEP screening, responsible gambling tools (for gaming), capital attestations, and audit confirmations. Ask who the MLRO/Compliance Officer is and how complaints are handled.
Test the complaints channel. Authorities typically publish a grievance route. For AOFA, the Compliance Department lists compliance@anjouanoffshorefinancialauthority.org. Send a short, factual enquiry to verify a license and how to escalate a dispute. A responsive authority is a positive signal; silence is not.
Banking, brokerage, crypto and insurance: what an Anjouan license does—and doesn’t—do
A local offshore license authorizes activity from Anjouan. It does not “passport” into the EU, UK, UAE, US, or other major markets. If you serve residents of those places, you usually need local authorization or an exemption. If a brand claims that an Anjouan license lets them market to the EEA or the UK without more, that is a red flag.
Payment providers, banking partners, and ad platforms will evaluate the jurisdictional risk themselves. Many will still onboard Anjouan‑licensed entities—but only with strong compliance evidence, tight geoblocking, and enhanced monitoring. If you can’t maintain those controls, expect account closures and frozen funds.
Practical playbook for operators considering Anjouan
Plan for substance, not just paperwork. Even in a favorable offshore setup, you need demonstrable governance: named directors, clear shareholding, real decision‑making, and a compliance function that actually functions. Regulators and banks look for this substance, not just a certificate.
Design your compliance stack up front. For finance, that means KYC tiers, KYB for merchants, sanctions/PEP screening, transaction monitoring, case management, and SAR processes. For gambling, add self‑exclusion, affordability checks where applicable, anti‑bonus‑abuse controls, and transparent T&Cs. Document everything. When a bank or card scheme asks, you should be able to show controls, not just intentions.
Vendor strategy that works offshore
Use credible vendors with audit trails. Pick screening tools with robust watchlists, payment processors with clear chargeback flows, and platform logs that are exportable. Offshore is not the place to cut corners on vendor quality. Your partners are your evidence.
Build an audit spine. Keep policy versions, training logs, transaction samples with reviewer stamps, and board minutes for compliance decisions. If you cannot reconstruct a decision in six months, it’s as if it never happened.
Red flags and signals of credibility
Big promises, small details. If a brand waves an Anjouan license but cannot give you the exact corporate name, license number, authorized activities, and the current status, pause. Real companies keep that data handy.
No link between license and domain. If the authority’s register does not list authorized URLs, insist on an official confirmation tying the license to the website you will actually use. If you can’t get it, act as if the license does not cover the site.
Silence at the authority. Send a neutral, factual check to the authority’s compliance inbox. A regulator that never replies to verification or grievances is a governance concern, especially in gambling where dispute resolution is vital.
Tax and structuring notes you should not skip
Anjouan markets an attractive tax environment for offshore business. That helps with cost and speed. It does not cancel your home‑country tax rules. Expect CFC rules, economic substance tests, transfer pricing scrutiny, and management‑and‑control analysis where you and your clients are based.
If you sell into the EU or UK, factor VAT/GST, platform rules, and consumer laws. Many operators run an Anjouan entity for licensing while placing real substance—finance, risk, product leaders—where the clients sit. Speak with local tax counsel before you sign a single supplier agreement. The right structure saves you years of cleanup.
Dispute resolution and consumer complaints
Every proper authority publishes a complaint lane. If your counterparty displays an AOFA badge, you should find a way to escalate to the Compliance Department. The published contact is compliance@anjouanoffshorefinancialauthority.org. Keep your submission tight: entity name, license number, dates, sums, and copies of correspondence.
Document three things: the license check outcome, the contractual relationship (site T&Cs and corporate name), and the transactions in dispute. If the authority cannot connect the domain to the license, your best route may be the payment provider, card scheme chargebacks, or law enforcement where you reside. Offshore or not, payments rules still bite.
Frequently asked checks I perform on Anjouan‑licensed brands
- Corporate identity: Does the licensed name match the website’s legal footer and KYC docs? If not, why?
- Scope: Do authorized activities include exactly what the firm offers (e.g., margin FX, custody, or specific gambling verticals)?
- Dates and status: Is the license active today, with a clear renewal or License End Date? Any conditions or suspensions?
- Domain linkage: Is there an official register entry or letter listing the authorized URLs and trading names?
- Complaints path: Has the authority historically responded to grievances? If not, what alternative recourse exists?
- Multi‑jurisdiction reality: If the brand claims presence in Dubai, London, or elsewhere, do local regulators list them? If they are invisible where they claim to operate, assume marketing, not authorization.
Gambling‑specific considerations you must address
Player protection is the core test. Show your self‑exclusion, time‑outs, deposit limits, and dispute timelines. If you are an operator, publish your responsible gambling policy and your internal complaints SLA. If you are a player, avoid sites that can’t explain withdrawals and verification timeframes in plain English.
Payments decide your fate. Card networks, PSPs, and banks constantly re‑rate offshore gambling risk. If your license sits on shaky legal ground, expect tightening. Plan multiple rails, keep chargeback ratios controlled, and maintain transparent KYC. If a casino confiscates winnings after accepting deposits from “restricted” countries, that is a regulatory red flag—walk away.
Using the authority’s tools the right way
Treat the regulator’s portal as the starting point, not the finish line. Use the service to verify whether a financial firm is authorized and regulated by the authority and whether it holds a valid license for the specific services you require. Screenshot every step. Save PDFs. Record the date of your check, because registers change.
If you find inconsistencies, write to the authority for clarification. Keep your note factual and short. “Our team is available should you need any support or clarification” is the tone you should expect from a functioning supervisor. If you get no answer, factor that into your risk decision and choose accordingly.
The balanced view for founders and investors
Anjouan offers speed, low cost, and a relatively open door for offshore finance and gambling. Those features can be useful for early‑stage operators who understand the trade‑offs and run world‑class compliance anyway. But none of this replaces hard due diligence, especially when national and island‑level rules appear to conflict or when the authority does not link licenses to operating domains.
If you are a founder, be candid about your jurisdiction in investor decks and partner talks. If you are an investor or player, run the checks, escalate questions to the authority, and choose only those operators who act like they are regulated in a tier‑one market—because that operational discipline is what actually protects you, license or not.
| Topic | What it means in Anjouan | Key facts | How to check | Risks and practical notes | Who to contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jurisdiction overview | Anjouan is an autonomous island of the Union of the Comoros in the Indian Ocean. It promotes an offshore services hub. | Known for a favorable regulatory narrative and light‑touch administration. Marketed to international entrepreneurs. | Confirm country context via official Comoros sources when needed. | Perception varies widely among banks, PSPs, and regulators. Recognition outside Anjouan can be limited. | — |
| Regulator and authority status | The Anjouan Offshore Finance Authority (AOFA) is presented as the finance regulator for offshore activities. | AOFA states it regulates licensing and AML/CTF for offshore finance. It offers a verification service to check authorizations. | Use AOFA’s license check service to confirm if a firm is “authorized,” licensed type, and validity. | Public alerts and commentary note disputes over AOFA’s recognition at the Union level. Expect enhanced scrutiny from counterparties. | AOFA Compliance: compliance@anjouanoffshorefinancialauthority.org |
| Available offshore license categories | Commonly marketed categories: banking, brokerage/FX, clearing, crypto/virtual assets, insurance/reinsurance, financial services, gambling. | “Ready‑made” or “off‑the‑shelf” licensed entities are advertised by service providers. | Request the original license, corporate extracts, and the regulator’s confirmation. | Off‑the‑shelf packages may not include operational readiness, risk frameworks, or bank accounts. | Licensed service providers and registered agents in Anjouan |
| Licensing process (general) | Application to the authority or its designated agent. Includes corporate formation plus sector‑specific approval. | Typical items: KYC/KYB, beneficial owners, responsible officers, business plan, AML policy, IT and risk controls. | Ask for the filing receipt, approval letter, and license register entry. Verify the license end date. | Some packages focus on speed, not substance. Build compliance before launch to avoid payment bans. | Your appointed registered agent; AOFA (for finance) |
| Ongoing compliance | Maintain AML/CTF, record‑keeping, reporting, customer disclosures, and complaints handling. | AOFA refers to AML/CTF aligned with Money Laundering Prevention Act (Gov. Notice 008 of 2005). | Request current policies, SAR/STR procedures, training logs, and compliance calendar. | Inadequate controls can trigger bank/PSP exits and partner offboarding. | Internal compliance officer; AOFA Compliance |
| Tax and corporate environment | Marketed as a low‑tax offshore setting for international operations. | Corporate setup is streamlined by service providers; remote onboarding is common. | Get a written tax opinion for your structure and cross‑border flows. | Tax substance and economic presence rules in client markets still apply. | Local tax advisor; international tax counsel |
| Online gambling license (Anjouan) | An online gambling license is offered under “Anjouan Gaming” or “Anjouan Betting and Gaming Board” references, often linked to AOFA. | Registers list licensees with status and authorized URLs. Agents assist with applications and renewals. | Check the published register for the licensee name, number, status, valid URLs, and end date. | External reports question the legal basis and player‑protection efficacy. Some players report slow or absent dispute responses. | The relevant gaming license administrator; published support contacts |
| Legal conflict signals | FATF’s 2024 Mutual Evaluation for Comoros notes gambling is prohibited by the Comorian Penal Code. | This creates a conflict between national law and island‑level licensing narratives. | Ask counsel for an opinion on enforceability and conflict‑of‑laws. | Banks and PSPs may treat the license as high‑risk due to legal uncertainty. | Independent legal counsel in Comoros and your target markets |
| Finance license verification | AOFA offers an authorization check for financial firms. | You can verify if a firm is authorized and for which financial services. | Match: legal name, number, license class, status, dates, and registered address. | Many registers do not list domains. A license match does not confirm a specific website. | AOFA Compliance: compliance@anjouanoffshorefinancialauthority.org |
| Gambling license verification | “Anjouan Gaming” registers often show licensee, number, issue/expiry, status, authorized activities, and approved URLs. | Some registers warn: if not listed, the operator is not in good standing. | Cross‑check license number, company name, status, and authorized URLs. Confirm the site you use is on the approved URL list. | Absence of URL mapping is a red flag. Cloned licenses are common in offshore gambling. | The official register operator or support desk shown on the register |
| Data points to verify on any license | Documents and register entries must align. | Verify: company legal name; registration number; license number; class/scope; issue and end date; status; registered office; responsible officer; authorized URLs (for gambling); permitted activities. | Compare the license PDF, registry data, WHOIS/domain ownership, and payment descriptors. | Keep a verification log with screenshots and timestamps. Renew checks quarterly. | Internal compliance; regulator help desk |
| Due diligence checklist | Practical steps to vet an Anjouan‑licensed counterparty. | – Corporate extracts and UBOs – License copy and register link – Board/MLRO CVs – AML/CTF and complaints policies – Proof of funds and banking letters – Website–license mapping – Jurisdictional T&Cs and geo‑blocks | Test: support response, KYC flow, withdrawal times, dispute channel, and responsible gambling tools (if gambling). | If evidence is partial or delayed, pause engagement. | External KYC providers; regulator contact |
| Payment and banking | Banks and PSPs scrutinize offshore licenses. | Expect enhanced due diligence, rolling reserves, or rejections. Crypto PSPs may be more flexible than card acquirers. | Share full compliance pack and live monitoring dashboards. | Prepare fallback PSPs and segregated accounts. | Your PSP relationship manager |
| Marketing and geo‑compliance | Many target markets restrict offshore financial and gambling services. | Local approvals may be required even if you hold an Anjouan license. | Geo‑block restricted countries. Tailor T&Cs and disclosures per market. | Non‑compliance risks site blocking, fines, and chargebacks. | Local counsel; ad platform policy teams |
| Red flags and scams | Common patterns with disputed offshore setups. | – License number with no registry proof – No URL listed for a gambling license – Unverifiable “head office” – Aggressive bonuses but no withdrawals – Support ignores complaints – “Government” emails using generic domains | Use independent forums and watchdogs to check complaints. | Treat high yields and guaranteed returns as fraud signals. | Regulator complaints desk; consumer ombuds where available |
| Dispute and complaints | Where to escalate issues with an Anjouan‑licensed entity. | AOFA publishes a Compliance Department for grievances concerning entities it licenses. Gambling registers provide support contacts. | File a structured complaint: timeline, amounts, IDs, screenshots, and legal basis. | Keep copies. If no response, escalate to your home regulator or law enforcement. | AOFA Compliance: compliance@anjouanoffshorefinancialauthority.org; the gaming register’s support |
| Example verification flow (broker/FX) | How to check a broker claiming an AOFA license. | 1) Collect legal name, license number, and PDF license 2) Check AOFA authorization and status 3) Match registered address and directors 4) Confirm the trading domain’s ownership matches the licensee 5) Test withdrawals with small amounts | If the domain is not tied to the licensee or status is unclear, do not proceed. | Document all steps for audit. | AOFA help desk; WHOIS and corporate registry tools |
| Shelf companies and ready‑made licenses | Pre‑licensed shells marketed for speed to market. | Fast onboarding but often no banking, no policies, and no staff. | Demand the full compliance pack and operational playbooks. | Without substance, vendor and PSP approvals are unlikely. | Corporate service provider; independent compliance consultant |
| Renewal and end date management | Licenses carry fixed terms. | Track the license end date, renewal filings, and fees. | Re‑check the register after renewal. | Expired status can cause instant PSP termination. | Internal compliance calendar; regulator billing |
| Alternatives and complements | Consider multi‑layer licensing for credibility. | Add licenses or approvals in core customer markets. Examples include EU/UK for finance or well‑known gambling hubs. | Map revenue by country and license by country. | This reduces de‑risking by banks and ad platforms. | Local regulators and counsel in target markets |