Welcome to the offical Website & Registry of the Anjouan Offshore Finance Authority (AOFA)

This Website and Registry serves as the authoritative source for up-to-date information on all licenses issued by the AOFA.
It also provides a formal channel for submitting grievances or complaints related to entities licensed under the AOFA.

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AOFA Regulatory Status Checker

Use this service to verify whether a financial firm:
  • Is authorized and regulated by the AOFA.
  • Holds a valid license to offer the specific financial services you require.
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About

Anjouan

Anjouan, one of the three Autonomous Islands of the Union of the Comoros, is a sovereign island nation located in the Indian Ocean. Known for its favorable regulatory framework and attractive tax regime, Anjouan has become a preferred jurisdiction for businesses seeking to establish an offshore presence. Whether you are an entrepreneur, investor, or company looking for strategic advantages, Anjouan offers a range of opportunities to thrive in today’s competitive global marketplace.

Strategically situated at the northern end of the Mozambique Channel, Anjouan benefits from its prime location within the Indian Ocean. As part of the Union of the Comoros—an independent country comprised of three islands in southeastern Africa—Anjouan enjoys the stability of a growing economy and a secure political environment. The capital city of the Comoros, Moroni, serves as a gateway to the region, providing access to both local and international markets.

The Anjouan Offshore Finance Authority

The Anjouan Offshore Finance Authority (AOFA) is the central regulatory body responsible for overseeing and supervising the financial sector in Anjouan, one of the Autonomous Islands of the Union of the Comoros. Established in line with the principles outlined in the Comoros Constitution, the AOFA was created to promote the integrity, transparency, and stability of the financial system, ensuring that it aligns with international best practices and regulatory standards.

Mandate and Functions
The AOFA’s primary mandate is to regulate and supervise all financial institutions and activities within Anjouan. This includes overseeing offshore banking, insurance, investment services, and other financial services operating in the jurisdiction. The Authority is responsible for ensuring that these institutions operate in a manner that is consistent with sound financial principles and regulatory requirements, thereby fostering a secure and stable financial environment for both domestic and international investors.
Licensing and Supervision

The AOFA is responsible for the licensing of financial institutions and ensuring they meet strict regulatory standards. This includes evaluating applications for offshore banks, insurance companies, and other financial entities, ensuring that they comply with Anjouan’s financial regulations and the broader legal framework of the Comoros.

Regulatory Framework Enforcement
The AOFA enforces comprehensive regulations that govern financial institutions operating in Anjouan. These regulations ensure that businesses operate with transparency, accountability, and in adherence to principles of sound financial management
Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Counter-Terrorism Financing (CTF):
In line with international financial regulations, the AOFA enforces stringent anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing (CTF) measures. This includes monitoring financial institutions for compliance with the Money Laundering Prevention Act (Government Notice 008 of 2005) and ensuring that all financial entities adopt effective mechanisms to prevent illicit financial activities.
Consumer Protection:
The AOFA also works to safeguard the interests of consumers and investors within the financial ecosystem. This includes ensuring that financial institutions adhere to ethical business practices, maintain adequate capital reserves, and provide transparent information to clients.
Promoting Sustainable Economic Growth:
By maintaining a well-regulated financial environment, the AOFA aims to support Anjouan’s broader economic development goals. The Authority encourages investment in Anjouan’s financial services sector, fostering economic growth and enhancing the island’s attractiveness as a competitive offshore jurisdiction.
Global Integration and Compliance

The Anjouan Offshore Financial Authority aligns its regulations with international standards, ensuring compliance with key global frameworks such as those established by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and other financial regulatory bodies. This adherence to international norms not only reinforces the credibility and legitimacy of the jurisdiction but also positions Anjouan as a reliable and secure destination for offshore business activities.

The Anjouan Offshore Financial Authority is a critical institution that supports the sustainable growth and global competitiveness of Anjouan’s financial services sector. Through its comprehensive regulatory oversight, commitment to financial integrity, and adherence to international standards, the AOFA plays an essential role in ensuring that Anjouan remains a stable, transparent, and attractive jurisdiction for businesses and investors in the global financial landscape.

Anjouan Offshore Finance Authority (AOFA) Licenses

The Anjouan Offshore Financial Authority (AOFA) offers a variety of licenses to financial institutions and service providers seeking to operate within Anjouan’s offshore financial sector. These licenses are designed to ensure that entities meet the regulatory requirements and standards necessary to maintain the integrity, transparency, and stability of the jurisdiction. Each license is tailored to specific types of financial services, allowing businesses to leverage Anjouan’s favorable regulatory environment for their operations. Below is a brief overview of the key licenses offered by the AOFA:

Banking License

The Banking License allows financial institutions to offer a range of banking services, including deposit-taking, lending, foreign exchange, and other related financial services. This license is available to entities that meet the strict capital and operational requirements set by the AOFA. Offshore banks operating under this license benefit from Anjouan’s favorable tax regime and regulatory framework, enabling them to serve international clients while maintaining a high standard of financial governance.

Forex License

The Forex License authorizes companies to operate as foreign exchange brokers, providing currency trading services to individuals and institutions. Licensed entities must adhere to strict operational and risk management standards to ensure transparency and protect clients from fraudulent activities in the highly volatile forex market.

Crypto License

This license is intended for companies dealing with digital assets, including cryptocurrency exchanges, block chain-based platforms, and other virtual asset service providers. The AOFA regulates these entities to ensure compliance with international standards for combating money laundering and protecting against fraud

Insurance License

The Insurance License authorizes companies to provide insurance and reinsurance services, including underwriting, claims management, and policy issuance. This license is intended for both life and non-life insurance businesses. The AOFA ensures that licensed insurers adhere to sound risk management practices and maintain sufficient capital reserves to safeguard policyholders’ interests.

Finance License

The license permits the offer of diverse financial services, including deposit products, loans, currency exchanges, and asset management (bonds, shares, precious metals). It also includes current and fixed-term deposits, multi-currency accounts, guarantees, investment consultancy, and acting as an intermediary in securities trading for both corporate and individual clients.

Gaming License

The Anjouan Gaming License is a flexible, affordable option for online gambling operators. It covers casino games, sports betting, lotteries, and more—under multiple brands or websites. Issued to Anjouan-registered companies, it allows global server hosting and international payment processing with a simple application process.