For forex brokers, securing a PSP or EMI account often feels like the biggest hurdle. With regulatory scrutiny, risk profiling, and tightening onboarding criteria, getting approved is no small win.
But the real challenge starts after that.
✅ Approval isn’t the finish line—it’s just the beginning.
Going Live? Getting Approved Is Just the Beginning: Here’s What No One Tells You
Once your account is active and you begin processing transactions, many firms run into unexpected friction that can derail operations:
- Settlement Delays — Funds held up without warning or clear timelines
- Transaction Failures — Declined payments with minimal explanation
- Compliance Reviews — Requests for updated documents when you’re already transacting
- Processing Caps — Volume restrictions, or even country restrictions, that were not fully disclosed at onboarding
- Chargeback Management Gaps — Lack of support, visibility, or a plan to mitigate risk
For forex businesses—where cash flow and speed are critical—these disruptions can quickly become operational risks.
Why Does This Happen?
Often, the provider itself isn’t the problem. The breakdown tends to come from misaligned expectations, poor communication, or a lack of strategic planning around how payments will actually work post-approval.
Other contributing factors:
- Complex business models that weren’t fully explained during onboarding
- Incomplete or outdated documentation (especially around UBOs and volumes)
- Fund flow designs that raise tax, regulatory, or compliance red flags
- Lack of ongoing oversight or escalation pathways
✅ How to Build a Processing Setup That Works
To avoid disruptions once you go live, it’s important to approach PSP/EMI partnerships with a long-term operational mindset—not just an onboarding checklist.
✔️ Work With Payment Partners That Understand Forex
It’s not about finding exotic providers—it’s about choosing the right fit based on your model, target markets, and client base. Many brokers use similar providers, but outcomes differ depending on how relationships are managed.
✔️ Structure Flow of Funds Strategically
Fund flows shouldn’t be driven by compliance alone. They also need to reflect:
- Tax efficiency
- Commercial viability
- Transparency for both regulators and providers
The best structures are simple to explain, defensible under scrutiny, and aligned with your global strategy.
✔️ Set Expectations Early
Misunderstandings about limits, fees, or review cycles often come from vague communication at the start. Ensure everyone is aligned on:
- Settlement frequency
- Monthly processing volume
- Chargeback thresholds
- Ongoing monitoring obligations
✔️ Maintain Active Oversight
Too many firms go hands-off after onboarding. A successful payment relationship requires proactive management, including:
- Regular communication with account managers
- Monitoring key metrics (approval rates, chargebacks, settlement speed)
- Being prepared to switch or supplement providers if needed
In the world of forex, getting approved by a PSP or EMI is just step one. The true success of your payment setup depends on how well you operate once you’re live.
Clarity, structure, and oversight are key—not just for compliance, but for commercial efficiency and long-term growth.
✉️ Need support reviewing or improving your payment processing setup?
We can help you avoid roadblocks and streamline operations across licensing, flow structuring, and provider relationships.
Contact us for more information on the licensing process or feedback submission.
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