Handbook · STRUCTURE

Corporate structure & licensing

Where you incorporate, how the entities stack, and which license you hold decide whether a processor onboards you at all — before anyone looks at your volume. These articles cover the operating-versus-contracting entity split, choosing a jurisdiction, the payment-agent setup, and the license that has to match the business.

6 articles in this topic

STRUCTURE

How your corporate structure affects PSP approval

PSP approval is a structural decision, not a quality one. Underwriters check entity domicile, ownership, director, substance, and license match — a mismatch is an automatic no.

3 min read · May 2026Read article

STRUCTURE

Where to incorporate so PSPs will onboard you

High-risk structures usually need two entities — one where you operate, one PSPs will contract with. The right jurisdiction for each is what unlocks onboarding.

3 min read · May 2026Read article

STRUCTURE

What Is a Payment Agent Entity (and When Do You Need One)?

A payment agent gives offshore operators an EU entity that PSPs will actually onboard. Here's how the structure works and when you need it.

3 min read · May 2026Read article

STRUCTURE

Where to set up a payment agent entity

Cyprus is the default EU payment-agent jurisdiction — but Malta, Estonia, Lithuania, and Ireland each fit certain profiles better. The right choice depends on the acquirers you're targeting.

4 min read · May 2026Read article

STRUCTURE

Why you need the correct license, not just any license

PSPs don't care that you have a license. They care which license, from which jurisdiction, covering which activities. A mismatch blocks everything.

3 min read · May 2026Read article

STRUCTURE

Do you need a license to run a prop firm?

Under the standard challenge model — a paid evaluation in a simulated environment, no client funds traded — generally no. But it depends on your model and jurisdiction.

4 min read · May 2026Read article

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