RUE Offers Ready-Made Licensed Solutions: EMI and PSP Companies Across Jurisdictions

In today’s global financial landscape, the need for speed, compliance and credibility is greater than ever. For many fintech entrepreneurs and investors, setting up a new licensed operation from scratch can be a lengthy and resource-intensive process involving months, if not years, of preparation, communication with regulators and allocation of capital. Recognising these challenges, RUE has developed a specialised service that bridges this gap by providing ready-made, fully licensed financial companies.

These are not shell entities or inactive firms, but legitimate, fully operational companies that already hold valid Electronic Money Institution (EMI) or Payment Service Provider (PSP) licences in reputable jurisdictions. Through these ready-made solutions, our clients can gain immediate market access and begin regulated financial activities without having to wait for the entire licensing process to be completed. This approach not only saves time, but also reduces the uncertainty and operational delays that often arise during regulatory review.

RUE’s role goes far beyond mere brokerage. We act as a trusted intermediary and compliance facilitator, guiding both sellers and buyers through every legal and procedural step. Each transaction is conducted with strict adherence to the regulatory requirements of the relevant jurisdiction to ensure the highest level of integrity and security for all parties involved.

By combining our in-depth regulatory expertise with a robust due diligence framework, RUE enables clients to enter the fintech ecosystem with confidence, safe in the knowledge that they are backed by a structure that is already compliant, recognised by regulators and ready for business from day one.

Bridging Buyers and Sellers

At RUE, we occupy a unique position in the fintech ecosystem as a trusted intermediary connecting two sides of a highly specialised market: buyers seeking to acquire licensed financial entities and sellers looking to exit or transfer their operational companies. These transactions involve much more than simply transferring ownership: they represent a shift in responsibility, compliance obligations and, often, business direction. For this reason, RUE approaches each case with the utmost professionalism, precision and transparency.

Our role begins with gaining a clear understanding of both parties’ objectives. Sellers may wish to divest for strategic, financial or structural reasons, such as shifting business focus, downsizing or exiting a specific market. Buyers, on the other hand, are usually looking for a way to quickly enter regulated markets, launch fintech or payment operations, or expand geographically without having to undergo the lengthy and uncertain licensing process.

Once both parties have expressed interest, RUE facilitates introductions, ensures confidentiality and coordinates initial assessments. We carefully analyse the buyer’s profile – their experience, business model, and compliance readiness – to confirm their ability to take control of a licensed institution. Likewise, we evaluate the seller’s company, its licence type, activity history, client structure and current regulatory standing.

Our team acts as a neutral intermediary, balancing the interests of both parties. We organise and mediate discussions, prepare the required documentation and coordinate with legal and regulatory bodies where necessary. Clear communication and mutual trust underpin every step of the process, from initial contact to completion.

Our dual-sided service model enables us to safeguard the value of the licensed entity and the integrity of the buyer’s investment. Consequently, RUE has become the preferred choice for individuals seeking a safe, compliant and efficient way to buy or sell EMI and PSP licensed companies.

Due diligence and compliance

When it comes to the transfer of a licensed financial entity, there is no room for shortcuts or assumptions. Each EMI or PSP company is overseen by a financial regulator, so any change in ownership, management or business direction must comply with strict legal requirements. At RUE, we prioritise due diligence and compliance, ensuring that both the buyer and the seller are protected and that the integrity of the licensed company remains intact.

Our due diligence process starts with a thorough evaluation of the selling company. We verify the current status of the licence, the scope of authorisations granted by the regulator and whether the company is meeting all ongoing compliance and reporting obligations. This includes reviewing financial statements, client activity, capital adequacy, anti-money laundering (AML) procedures and the company’s overall operational health. We also examine the company’s historical interactions with regulators to ensure there are no unresolved issues, pending investigations or compliance breaches that could jeopardise the transaction.

Equally important is the due diligence on the buyer. Regulators across Europe and beyond require the new shareholders and key personnel of licensed financial institutions to meet specific ‘fit and proper’ criteria. This involves verifying the buyer’s reputation, their experience in financial services, their financial capacity, and their ability to maintain sound governance and compliance frameworks after the acquisition. To satisfy these standards, RUE conducts Know Your Client (KYC) and source-of-funds verification to ensure that every buyer is transparent, reputable and suitable for regulatory approval.

As the transfer of such entities often requires regulatory notification or approval, RUE assists with preparing all the necessary documentation, including business plans, structural change notices and updates to key function holders. Our legal team coordinates with local authorities to ensure a smooth and compliant handover.

Our two-level due diligence approach, which covers both the company and the acquiring party, significantly reduces the risk of licence revocation, regulatory rejection or post-transfer complications. It gives our clients the reassurance that every transaction is based on solid legal foundations, verified information and regulatory transparency.

At RUE, compliance is not a formality – it is the foundation of trust. We meticulously check, verify and document each transaction we facilitate, allowing all participants to proceed with confidence and peace of mind.

Pricing and evaluation

Determining the fair value of a licensed financial company requires an in-depth understanding of market dynamics and regulatory realities. At RUE, we approach pricing and evaluation with objectivity, professionalism and precision. Our aim is to ensure that the price reflects the financial and operational aspects of the company as well as the intrinsic value of its licence, reputation and long-term potential.

Every transaction begins with the seller setting an initial asking price. This figure is usually based on the company’s history, the jurisdiction of the licence and the perceived demand in the market. However, before any offer is presented to a buyer, RUE conducts a thorough valuation and independent review to verify the accuracy and fairness of the proposed price.

Our evaluation process includes:

• Regulatory standing:
  The foundation of any licensed company’s value lies in its relationship with the regulator. We examine whether the entity has consistently met its reporting, AML/CTF and compliance obligations; whether it has undergone audits without material findings; and whether there are any pending investigations or supervisory actions. A company with a long-standing record of cooperation and transparency with its regulator is seen as reliable and mature, which significantly increases its market value and appeal to potential buyers.
• Operational status:
  A company’s current level of activity is a major factor in its valuation. Those processing transactions, maintaining client accounts and generating ongoing revenue tend to command higher prices. Conversely, dormant or semi-active companies, while still valuable due to their licence, may be priced lower depending on their period of inactivity and maintenance level. RUE carefully assesses operational continuity, the existence of business contracts and whether the company’s infrastructure can be reactivated immediately by a new owner.
• Age and history:
  A company’s age is more than just a number – it reflects trust, experience, and regulatory stability. Entities that have operated for several years without compliance issues often command a significant premium. Their longevity indicates robust internal procedures and sustained adherence to financial regulations. In contrast, newly licensed entities, though fully compliant, may carry more uncertainty regarding their long-term regulatory standing, which is factored into the valuation.
• Client Portfolio and Activity:
  Companies with an existing client base, a diversified transaction portfolio and established business relationships offer tangible advantages to buyers. We evaluate the number and quality of clients, contractual obligations, recurring revenue and long-term service agreements. A well-structured client portfolio provides immediate operational potential and reduces the buyer’s time to market, directly enhancing the overall value of the acquisition.
• Corporate and tax history:
  RUE conducts a comprehensive audit of the company’s corporate records, tax filings and financial statements to promote transparency and mitigate hidden risks. We verify that all statutory filings are up to date and that there are no unpaid taxes or liabilities, ensuring that the company’s financial data accurately reflects its operations. A clean tax and accounting history ensures smooth regulatory approval during the transfer and builds confidence among investors seeking to acquire a company with a solid, transparent foundation.
• Jurisdictional strength:
  The jurisdiction in which a company is licensed plays a crucial role in determining its market value and strategic attractiveness. Entities licensed in leading financial hubs such as Lithuania, Ireland, Cyprus, Malta and the United Kingdom tend to attract more interest due to their well-established regulatory reputation, robust fintech ecosystems and access to the European market. Each jurisdiction offers distinct advantages, from Lithuania’s innovation-friendly fintech landscape to the UK’s global financial reach, and these characteristics are carefully considered in RUE’s final valuation report.

Following RUE’s analysis, the final price is often adjusted to reflect the company’s tRUE market position and current risk profile. This ensures fairness for both parties: sellers receive accurate compensation for the value they have built up, and buyers acquire an asset that matches its financial and regulatory reality.

Furthermore, RUE advises buyers on total transaction costs, including legal fees, regulatory approval costs, and post-acquisition obligations, such as updating management structures or anti-money laundering (AML) frameworks. This transparent approach prevents unexpected expenses and ensures that buyers have a full financial overview before committing.

Ultimately, our pricing and evaluation process is designed to protect all parties and maintain market integrity. Every valuation is supported by documentation and professional analysis, giving clients full confidence that they are entering into a transparent, fair and regulated transaction.

Jurisdictional coverage

RUE’s portfolio of ready-made licensed entities spans a wide range of reputable financial jurisdictions, enabling clients to select the region that best aligns with their strategic objectives, target market and regulatory preferences. Each jurisdiction offers distinct advantages, ranging from the scope of permitted activities and the reputation of the supervisory authority to the tax environment and market accessibility.

We understand that choosing the right jurisdiction is not simply a matter of geography, but of long-term strategic positioning. For example, a company licensed in one EU Member State can often passport its services throughout the entire European Economic Area (EEA), enabling the holder to operate cross-border under a single licence. Therefore, our clients benefit not only from the licence itself, but also from the market access and credibility that come with the jurisdiction of registration.

Below are some of the primary jurisdictions where RUE offers ready-made EMI and PSP licensed companies, each with its own unique strengths:

Lithuania:
Lithuania has rapidly emerged as one of Europe’s leading fintech jurisdictions. Its regulatory authority, the Bank of Lithuania, is renowned for its efficiency, modern approach and transparency. It offers a streamlined licensing framework, advanced payment infrastructure (including SEPA access) and an environment that fosters innovation, attracting dozens of international fintech companies each year. Licensed entities in Lithuania can easily passport their services across the EEA, making this one of the most popular and cost-effective jurisdictions for EMI and PSP licences.

Ireland:
Ireland stands out as a traditional financial hub with a stable and respected regulatory environment overseen by the Central Bank of Ireland. Companies licensed here benefit from Ireland’s international reputation, strong ties to the European Union and proximity to major global financial institutions. This makes the jurisdiction particularly attractive for firms seeking credibility with institutional partners and banks, as well as those planning to operate across multiple EU markets.

Cyprus:
Cyprus offers a strategic advantage for businesses looking to bridge the gap between Europe, the Middle East and Asia. The Central Bank of Cyprus provides clear supervision for EMIs and PSPs, and the country’s business-friendly tax system and English-speaking environment make it an accessible choice for international entrepreneurs. RUE’s Cypriot ready-made licensed entities are particularly appealing to clients focused on cross-border payment services and regional expansion.

Malta:
Malta’s well-established fintech and financial services ecosystem is supported by the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA). The jurisdiction is renowned for its transparent legislation, collaborative regulatory approach, and robust international recognition. Maltese EMI and PSP companies are often chosen by clients seeking a balance between a reputable EU licence and flexibility in structuring international operations.

United Kingdom:
Despite Brexit, the UK remains one of the world’s leading financial centres, regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Companies with existing UK licences retain significant prestige and operational capacity, particularly when it comes to serving clients globally. UK entities are highly valued for their robust compliance standards, rigorous regulation, and recognition by international banking partners.

In addition to these main hubs, RUE occasionally facilitates transactions involving other European jurisdictions, such as Estonia, the Netherlands and Poland, depending on client demand and market availability. Each jurisdiction is vetted to ensure it offers legitimate, active and regulator-approved licences that are suitable for safe transfer and operation.

Thanks to our international reach and our relationships with local professionals in each country, we are able to coordinate cross-border transactions seamlessly. We manage every step, from regulatory consultation to final ownership registration, ensuring compliance with the specific procedures and expectations of each regulator.

By maintaining a strong presence across multiple jurisdictions, RUE provides clients with genuine flexibility and the ability to select a jurisdiction that fits their operational goals and supports their long-term growth within the European and global fintech markets.

Managing regulatory risks

Transferring ownership of a licensed financial company demands more than just signing contracts or completing corporate filings; it requires navigating a highly regulated environment where minor procedural errors or unqualified ownership changes can lead to severe regulatory consequences. At RUE, we recognise that regulatory continuity is one of the most crucial elements in any EMI or PSP transfer – ensuring that the company’s licence remains valid and fully compliant throughout and after the ownership transition.

Every regulator – whether the Bank of Lithuania, the Central Bank of Ireland or the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority – imposes strict ‘fit and proper’ requirements on new shareholders and directors of licensed entities. These requirements are not mere formalities; they ensure that anyone acquiring such a company is financially sound, trustworthy and competent to maintain the standards of a regulated financial institution.

This is why RUE’s role extends well beyond matchmaking. We act as a compliance guardian throughout the entire transfer process. Our team carefully reviews the buyer’s structure, beneficial ownership and business model to confirm that they align with the regulator’s expectations. We prepare and submit all necessary notifications, applications and supporting documents to the relevant authorities, ensuring that every step adheres to local and European legal frameworks.

If a buyer fails to meet these requirements or is deemed unsuitable by the regulator, the company’s licence may be suspended or revoked, resulting in considerable financial losses and reputational damage for both parties. RUE’s rigorous vetting and advisory process minimises this risk by ensuring that only compliant, well-prepared and financially stable buyers are introduced to the acquisition process.

Our regulatory risk management framework includes:

• Pre-transaction assessment: Before any sale is initiated, we conduct an in-depth compliance audit of the licensed company and a preliminary KYC review of the potential buyer. This stage identifies potential red flags early on and ensures that the transaction is feasible under regulatory standards.
• Regulator Communication: RUE maintains direct communication with local authorities to clarify procedural requirements, ensure the timely submission of notifications and obtain preliminary feedback on proposed ownership changes. This proactive approach reduces uncertainty and delays.
• Documentation and structural guidance: Our legal team assists with drafting and reviewing shareholder agreements, ownership structures and business continuity plans that comply with regulatory expectations. We ensure that the new owners can assume control seamlessly while maintaining all compliance functions.Post-transfer monitoring: Once the transaction is complete, we help the new owners with their post-acquisition regulatory obligations, such as updating management roles, anti-money laundering (AML) officers and reporting systems. This ensures uninterrupted compliance from day one under the new structure.

By integrating legal, compliance and strategic expertise, RUE provides a comprehensive risk mitigation system that protects the integrity of each transaction. Experience has taught us that, when handled correctly, such transfers not only preserve the value of the licence, but also enhance the company’s credibility in the eyes of regulators and business partners.
We do not view regulatory risk as an obstacle, but rather as a critical area in which our expertise can add measurable value. Through our meticulous approach, RUE has successfully guided numerous clients through complex ownership transitions while ensuring the continuity of their licences and operations.

RUE maintains an exclusive and carefully curated portfolio of ready-made licensed financial institutions, including Electronic Money Institutions (EMIs) and Payment Service Providers (PSPs), available for acquisition in multiple European jurisdictions. Each company in our portfolio has been verified, vetted and approved through RUE’s internal due diligence procedures, ensuring full legitimacy, regulatory standing and readiness for ownership transfer.
Our listings include active operating companies with an existing client base and transaction volume, as well as compliant dormant entities that have maintained their licences in good standing. This allows buyers to select a structure that best matches their objectives, whether that be an immediate operational launch, market expansion or strategic investment into a regulated financial business.
Each available company profile includes key details such as:

• Jurisdiction of licence: the country in which the company is incorporated and supervised.
• Licence type: EMI, PSP or hybrid authorisation, outlining permitted financial activities.
• Year of incorporation and licence issuance, providing insight into the company’s age and regulatory track record.
• Operational status: whether the company is currently active, semi-active, or dormant.
• Scope of services and authorisations: e.g. issuing electronic money, processing payments, offering merchant accounts or cross-border remittances.
• Corporate structure and ownership history, including transparency of ultimate beneficial owners and compliance records.
• Indicative pricing based on valuation, activity and regulatory standing.

These summaries provide buyers with the essential overview needed to identify suitable opportunities. However, to maintain strict confidentiality and comply with data protection and regulatory standards, full profiles and sensitive financial information are only disclosed after an initial screening process and the signing of a non-disclosure agreement (NDA). This ensures privacy and protection for both the selling and acquiring parties.

In addition to individual listings, RUE’s website offers a section providing an overview where prospective buyers can view current availability by region, licence type and company status. Our internal team regularly updates these listings to reflect the most accurate market conditions. As demand for licensed entities remains high, many of our available companies are reserved or sold quickly, so we encourage clients to express interest early.

RUE not only presents available options, but also provides personalised acquisition guidance. Once a client’s strategic goals have been defined, such as preferred jurisdiction, licence scope or operational focus, we identify the most relevant opportunities and perform targeted outreach to sellers. This custom-tailored approach ensures that every buyer is matched with a company that fully aligns with their business model, compliance requirements and growth ambitions.

Similarly, RUE offers sellers a discreet representation service, enabling them to list their licensed entity confidentially while we handle communication with potential buyers, coordinate due diligence, and negotiate transactions. We ensure that every sale proceeds in compliance with regulatory procedures and achieves the best possible price for the owner.
Through our active involvement in this niche sector, RUE has built one of the most reliable and respected networks for buying and selling licensed financial institutions in Europe. We are constantly expanding our reach and maintain regular contact with regulatory bodies and financial law professionals to guarantee that every listed entity meets the strictest standards of legality, compliance and transparency.

Why choose RUE?

In a complex and highly regulated market such as the financial licensing sector, the choice of intermediary can be the difference between success and failure in a transaction. At RUE, we distinguish ourselves as strategic partners who combine legal precision, regulatory expertise, and real-world market understanding. Our reputation has been built on professionalism, trust and an unwavering commitment to transparency — values that define every transaction we oversee.
Over the years, RUE has established itself as one of the most experienced and reliable firms in Europe specialising in the sale and acquisition of licensed financial companies, including EMIs, PSPs and other regulated entities. Our multidisciplinary team comprises corporate lawyers, compliance officers, financial analysts, and regulatory consultants, ensuring that every aspect of a transaction — from legal structuring to post-acquisition obligations — is handled by an expert.

Deep Regulatory Knowledge and Market Insight.
Our legal experts have an in-depth understanding of regulatory frameworks across Europe and beyond. They stay continuously updated on evolving licensing requirements, ownership transfer procedures and regulatory expectations. This knowledge enables RUE to anticipate potential challenges before they arise, helping our clients to avoid delays or rejections from supervisory authorities.
We understand the nuances that make each jurisdiction unique, such as the procedural differences between transferring an EMI in Lithuania versus Ireland, or the documentation requirements for notifying regulators in Cyprus or Malta. This familiarity enables us to guide our clients through even the most intricate cases, giving them the confidence that their transaction will be handled correctly from start to finish.

Tailored advisory approach.
Every client’s situation is different. Some are established financial institutions expanding into new markets, while others are entrepreneurs seeking to enter the fintech space for the first time. RUE tailors its approach to meet each client’s objectives, ensuring that the company they acquire or sell aligns perfectly with their strategic, operational and compliance goals.
We assist buyers with not only the transaction itself, but also post-acquisition integration, including governance updates, staff onboarding and compliance structuring. For sellers, we handle valuation, buyer qualification, and confidential negotiations, ensuring the sale proceeds efficiently and profitably.

Network and trust.
Our strength lies in our international network of trusted partners, regulators, legal advisers and financial professionals. Over time, RUE has built long-standing relationships with clients, regulators, and institutional stakeholders. This network enables us to obtain accurate information quickly, facilitate communication with the relevant authorities, and ensure that every transaction is executed under full regulatory supervision.
As our reputation for professionalism and integrity precedes us, both buyers and sellers trust RUE to manage their transactions discreetly and effectively. Our involvement often gives regulators and counterparties additional assurance that the process will be handled in full compliance with local and EU standards.

Confidentiality and security.
In the sensitive world of financial licensing, confidentiality is paramount. RUE guarantees the highest level of data protection by using secure channels for communication, document exchange and storage. All parties are required to sign NDAs before any sensitive information is shared, ensuring the privacy of both buyers and sellers throughout the process.

Proven track record.
RUE has a proven track record in successfully managing numerous transactions across Europe, facilitating the acquisition and sale of licensed entities in Lithuania, Cyprus, Malta, Ireland, the UK and other EU jurisdictions. Our clients include well-established payment institutions, international fintech groups and private investors, all of whom trust us to deliver precise, lawful and efficient results.

Each successful transaction reinforces our reputation as a market leader in this niche field. Our combination of practical experience, compliance oversight and client-focused approach ensures that RUE remains the go-to partner for those looking to navigate the complexities of acquiring or selling regulated financial companies.
At its core, what truly sets RUE apart is our dedication to client success. We treat these transactions as strategic partnerships built on trust, expertise, and long-term collaboration, not as one-time deals. Our clients know that when they work with RUE, they are gaining a partner committed to protecting their interests, ensuring compliance, and enabling their growth in the regulated financial sector, not just an intermediary.

In the modern fintech and digital payments landscape, the ability to move quickly while maintaining full regulatory compliance is a defining advantage. Setting up a new financial institution from scratch — from incorporation to licensing and operational approval — can take many months, and in some jurisdictions, years. For investors and businesses who want to begin operations promptly, RUE’s ready-made licensed company solutions offer a secure and strategic alternative.
By acquiring an existing company with an active EMI or PSP licence, clients gain immediate access to the financial ecosystem of their chosen jurisdiction. They can onboard clients, open settlement accounts and conduct regulated transactions almost immediately after the transfer, provided all compliance requirements are met. This dramatically shortens time-to-market, allowing businesses to focus their resources on operations, partnerships and growth, rather than navigating the lengthy and often unpredictable licensing process.
However, speed of entry should never compromise legal certainty or regulatory compliance — this is where RUE’s true value lies. Every transaction we facilitate is guided by a rigorous process of due diligence, KYC verification and liaison with regulators, ensuring that both buyer and seller are fully protected, and that the transferred company remains compliant from day one of new ownership.

Our role does not end with the transfer itself. RUE continues to support clients beyond the transaction, providing post-acquisition assistance with regulatory notifications, corporate structure updates and compliance maintenance. This end-to-end service model ensures that our clients have a partner who supports them throughout the operational lifecycle of their licensed business, not just during the deal.

For sellers, our platform offers a safe, discreet and efficient way to divest their licensed operations at fair market value while protecting the entity and its regulatory standing. For buyers, we offer transparency and reliability, providing access to a competitive market without unnecessary delays.

In essence, RUE’s mission is to bridge opportunity with compliance. We enable our clients to quickly and securely achieve their business objectives while maintaining the highest standards of regulatory integrity. With a proven track record across multiple jurisdictions and a strong reputation built on trust and expertise, RUE continues to be at the forefront of facilitating EMI and PSP licence transfers in Europe and beyond.

As the fintech sector evolves and regulatory environments become more complex, our clients can rely on our experience, knowledge and professional guidance to confidently navigate this intricate market. Whether you are buying, selling or expanding a licensed financial business, RUE will ensure that every step of the process is executed lawfully, transparently and precisely, allowing you to move forward with confidence.