Financial License · SMV · Panama

Panama Financial License —
Investment Advisors
and Securities

Expert legal guidance for Panama SMV financial licenses — investment advisors, broker-dealers, fund managers and securities firms.

Why Góndola & Góndola
  • Investment Advisor license — SMV regulated
  • Broker-dealer license for securities activities
  • Fund administration and management licenses
  • Securities issuance and exchange listing
  • AML/CFT compliance program
  • Full English service for international applicants
Our Expertise

Why Góndola & Góndola

Panama's capital markets regulator — the Superintendencia del Mercado de Valores (SMV) — oversees investment advisors, broker-dealers and fund managers operating in Panama.

We guide financial institutions through the complete SMV license application process, from eligibility assessment through approval and ongoing compliance.

Ex-DGI Official

Deep insight into Panama's tax authority processes.

Cornell University MPA

Master in Public Administration — law, economics and policy.

Direct partner access

You always deal directly with the attorney handling your case.

Panama Bar No. 17,005

Licensed attorney in the Republic of Panama.

SMV
Capital Markets Regulator
Market Access
Panama
Jurisdiction
EN
English Service

"Panama's capital markets offer a regulated, internationally recognized framework for financial services. The SMV license is the gateway to operating legally in this market."

— Lic. José Manuel Góndola Escudero · Idoneidad No. 17,005
SMV License Types

Panama capital markets
licenses available.

Investment Advisor

License for providing investment advice and portfolio management services in Panama.

Broker-Dealer

License for buying and selling securities on behalf of clients in Panama.

Fund Administrator

License for administering investment funds registered with the SMV.

Investment Fund

Registration of collective investment funds with the SMV for public or private offering.

Securities Issuer

Registration of securities with the SMV for public offering in Panama's capital markets.

Exchange Listing

Listing of securities on the Panama Stock Exchange (BVP) with SMV approval.

License Process

Getting your
SMV license.

01

Eligibility Assessment

We assess your activities, capital and governance structure against SMV requirements.

02

Application Preparation

Complete application package: business plan, governance, compliance program, capital documentation.

03

SMV Filing

Filing with the SMV with full legal representation and follow-up.

04

Approval and Operations

License issuance and ongoing regulatory compliance support.

SMV License Cases

Who gets
SMV licenses.

International investment advisor expanding to Panama

Obtaining SMV investment advisor license for regional wealth management expansion.

Investment Advisor

Family office seeking formal license

Formalizing family office investment activities through SMV registration.

Family Office

Fund launching Panama structure

Registering investment fund with the SMV for Latin American investor distribution.

Fund Registration
SMV License FAQ

Capital markets license
questions answered.

What activities require an SMV license?

Providing investment advice, managing client portfolios, buying/selling securities for clients, managing investment funds and offering securities publicly all require SMV licenses.

What is the capital requirement?

Capital requirements vary by license type. Investment advisor licenses have lower capital requirements than broker-dealer or fund licenses.

How long does SMV licensing take?

Typically 6–12 months from submission to approval, depending on license type and application completeness.

Can foreign companies get SMV licenses?

Yes. Foreign companies can establish Panama subsidiaries and obtain SMV licenses. We have experience with international financial firm applications.

What compliance is required after licensing?

Ongoing compliance includes annual SMV filings, AML program maintenance, financial reporting, client disclosure requirements and audit.

Get in Touch

Get your Panama
financial license.

Confidential consultation. We assess eligibility and provide a complete roadmap.

Office

Torre Banesco, P19 · Panamá