Those persons carrying on investment business either in the Isle of Man or through a Manx incorporated company are required to hold a licence under Section 3 of the Investment Business Acts 1991 to 1993.

The types of organisation licensed under this Act range from brokers selling life, pensions and unit trust products to discretionary portfolio managers (including the managers of captive insurance funds) and managers/administrators of collective investment schemes.  Such investment businesses provide their services not only to residents of the Isle of Man, but also to the expatriate community.  Most investment businesses offer nominee services for their clients.

All investment businesses are expected to exercise a 'Know Your Customer' policy in order to minimize the possibility of being unwittingly used in laundering the proceeds of drug trafficking or other criminal activities.

Details of the regulatory framework for investment businesses, including those activities which require a licence, the Commission's licensing criteria and the ongoing regulatory requirements may be found in a Regulatory Guide to Investment Business which can be purchased from the Commission's offices.