Business idea: agency for selling ready-made businesses

Hello, dear friends!

Although investment activity is rapidly gaining popularity, there is still no concrete step-by-step guidance - where to go, where to go. But only the organizer of trades and intermediaries make stable money on the stock exchange; the risks for ordinary traders are disproportionately higher.

Therefore, I propose to discuss how to become a broker in Russia from scratch, what is included in brokerage services, who can provide them, as well as what documents and licenses need to be issued.

Who is a broker

A broker (from the English broker - “broker”) establishes a connection between the seller and the buyer.
This is a legal entity, an intermediary, which provides the client with access to the stock market and commodity exchanges. Having received a license from the local regulator (for example, the Central Bank of Russia), the broker acts on behalf of the client and carries out transactions with securities on the stock exchange. He is paid a commission for performing these functions.

Let me make a reservation right away that a broker is not a specific person, but an intermediary company. She works legally, i.e. received the required documents and certificates, helps to conclude transactions, trade, and provides professional advice.

How to become a business broker?

Business brokers are not taught at universities. Anyone can become a specialist in this field. Having a legal education will be a big plus. Required skills:

• business valuation;
• searching for objects for sale and searching for buyers;
• ability to negotiate;
• understanding the process of buying and selling a business;
• legal knowledge in the matter of concluding transactions for the purchase and sale of an existing business.

It is important for a business broker to be a competent specialist at each stage of the business purchase and sale process. 5 main stages: oral agreement, showing the property, concluding a preliminary agreement and transferring the property, introducing the buyer to the business, concluding the main contract.

What types of services does it provide?

Traditional range of brokerage services in Russia:

• buy and sell shares on behalf of the client;
• provide advice if you need information about securities;
• provide the client with financial recommendations (market analysis from scratch) - for example, whether it is worth purchasing shares of a certain company;
• forecasting price trends for certain assets.

I would like to note that in order to carry out professional activities in Russia, a broker must obtain a special license.

What risks does the brokerage agency expect?

Any line of business related to financial transactions, banking and securities is highly risky. The most significant risks for a brokerage agency will be:

• — unstable situation in the financial market;
• — high barrier to entry into the market;
• — lack of trust on the part of potential clients;
• - increasing competition.

A high level of cost and the possibility of financial losses are the most important and dangerous risks that do not allow many new companies to stay on the market for more than a year. To prevent this danger, it is necessary to make accurate financial calculations, taking into account the profits with the lowest profitability threshold.

Types of brokerage activities

Conventionally, all trade and intermediary operations carried out by brokers in Russia comprise three groups:

• agency;
• brokerage;
• dealer

Agency (otherwise representative) operations are understood to be those performed on behalf of another person. They are carried out at his expense and on his behalf, but without the right to sign contracts.

Brokerage operations are mediation, establishing connections from scratch and carrying out transactions between sellers and buyers. As a rule, they have a clearly defined deadline. There are several types of brokers - stock brokers, freight brokers and insurance brokers.

Dealership operations involve concluding transactions with real goods on one’s own behalf and at one’s own expense. This stock speculation generates profit due to the difference in prices on several trading platforms.

Financial assets are what the broker works with, so there is another classification:

1. No-Dealing-Desk. Cooperate with suppliers directly. Profit consists of commissions and spread.
2. Straight-Through-Processing. These attract banks to cooperate.
3. Electronic Communications Network – those that develop their own (uniform for all clients) trading strategy.

Dealing Desk stands apart - perhaps the most dishonest variety. The exchange they created copies the real one with adjustments to certain points. Transactions opened against clients are the main profit of such brokers.

What does a business broker do?

A business broker is a specialist in selling an existing business.
He acts as an intermediary between the buyer and seller of the business when concluding a transaction. Most often, business sellers resort to the services of these specialists. The broker helps them sell the property quickly and profitably:

• provides assistance in preparing the property for sale;
• distributes advertisements for sale;
• searches for buyers and conducts dialogue with them;
• advises both parties on legal issues;
• present when the object is shown;
• accompanies the conclusion of the transaction.

A business buyer may turn to a business broker to reduce the risk of acquiring an unprofitable company. However, in Russia people are rarely willing to give money for this; they prefer to rely on their own intuition.

A broker's salary depends only on himself. The more sales, the higher the income. The broker receives a percentage of each transaction. Typically this is 10% of the business value. If we talk about the price of a business today, it varies and depends on many factors (availability of premises and other tangible assets, brand awareness and other intangible assets). Some objects are sold for 300 thousand rubles, others for 40 million rubles.

Where does the broker work?

Conventionally, all existing vacancies form two large groups - home and office. The first includes offers from the field of freelancing: a specialist can work for himself on the Internet through specialized exchanges and platforms in Russia.

The second group includes job offers from brokerage companies. You can apply for a position in them only after completing courses and successfully passing exams: to become employees in the office, you will have to provide a diploma confirming your knowledge.

How to open an agency for selling a ready-made business?

The first thing you need to do is register a legal entity or individual entrepreneur. We recommend that you choose a simplified tax system at a rate of 6%.

The next important stage is the development of a website on which you will place objects for sale. We advise you to contact an experienced marketer or internet marketing agency. Specialists will develop a website structure that will further help you advance in searches on Yandex, Google, etc. for key queries such as “sell an existing business,” “buy a business,” and so on. A website made taking into account the requirements of search engines will in the future allow you to attract customers via the Internet effectively and at minimal cost.

There is no need to open an office right away. The presence of premises does not play a big role, at least at the first stage. Clients usually make appointments on their own territory or on a neutral one, for example, in a cafe.

It's better to start a business alone. You can outsource and hire an accountant. If necessary, you can hire a content manager - a person who will post new objects for sale on your website and electronic bulletin boards.

It is worth opening an office and recruiting employees only after your company begins to gain momentum and make a profit.

The salary of a broker working in an office is usually a salary (30 thousand rubles in Moscow) + a percentage of the transaction (30%). Some companies work without salary, but in this case the percentage of the transaction is set at 40-50%.

Is it hard or easy to become a broker in Russia?

There is no simple answer to this question. It all depends on the personal qualities, ambitions and abilities of the person. Thus, many lose enthusiasm even at the licensing stage. Hence the conclusion: if preparing the necessary documents seems complicated and time-consuming to you, most likely, the brokerage profession is not for you. If going through the authorities doesn’t frighten you, continue reading!

Stock broker is one of the most fashionable and prestigious professions in Russia. It attracts young people who plan to connect their lives with investments and become successful in the financial market. Let me briefly outline the current economic situation in Russia.

Gaining popularity began with the development of capitalism. For a long time there were no stock markets in Russia, but in the nineties the first financial platforms began to emerge.

Perhaps the process of their formation would have been longer if not for the Internet. Modern capabilities and communication methods help domestic brokers quickly master the basics of investment activity from scratch and adopt global experience.

The main difficulty is getting the first experience. You must find clients and then prove your reliability by closing successful deals. Players with an analytical mind and the ability to soberly assess the situation cope with this, gradually gaining a reputation. Those who know how to analyze the financial market and are willing to work hard achieve success quite quickly.

Who can become a broker in Russia

Anyone can become a broker in Russia. Experienced stock market players recommend that beginners start by taking specialized courses (and I completely agree with this approach).

The average duration of courses in Russia is from two weeks to several months. You will learn to correctly understand the financial market, predict price trends, and seize the right moments to close transactions. As a logical conclusion to all lectures and seminars, there is an exam.

Having successfully passed it, you can apply for a license; the document is issued by the Central Bank of Russia. It is required to become a broker.

Let me note: persons whose own funds exceed the mark of 2 million rubles can apply for a license.

How to choose a broker for the Moscow Exchange

The investor has decided on the choice of exchange - it will be the Moscow Exchange, on which the investor plans to conduct trading operations. All that remains is to choose a broker who will help you achieve the result - profit.

What to look for when choosing a broker to work on the Moscow Exchange:

• The broker must have a license from the Central Bank. Different types of activities have their own licenses: brokerage, dealer and depository. All purchased securities are stored in a depository, which is called a separate center of the company. Even if the broker is unable to continue operating due to bankruptcy, the investor remains entitled to the funds. However, it is important that the broker accounts for all transactions correctly, otherwise difficulties may arise. Therefore, it is in the investor’s interests to find a reliable and responsible company that values ​​its reputation.
• Access to the market. Depending on the market in which the broker plans to trade, it is also necessary to choose a company for trading. So, if your priority is the stock or currency markets of the Moscow Exchange, then you can work with any major broker. There are banks that provide access only to the markets of the Moscow Exchange. For them, such a business remains an additional activity, and not their main job. There are companies that deny access to trading operations on the St. Petersburg Exchange. Given the above information, it is worth finding out in advance what restrictions a particular broker may have.
• Bidding via telephone. Situations arise when the client is uncomfortable using a computer, so he is interested in the possibility of working by phone. Sometimes such a service is very expensive. Also, a particular broker may not have a completely similar service. Therefore, if a trader is interested in providing such a service, then it is worth checking with the company.
• Providing consultations. Novice traders are still poorly versed in trading strategies, exchange rate forecasts and analytics. Therefore, many clients are interested in the issue of learning the basics of trading. However, it is worth understanding that if the exchange has a low commission, then there is no training in exchange trading. There are companies that provide paid courses. Another option is online webinars. If a broker has his own personal vlog, then you can listen to a course on trading on the stock exchange. Many brokers offer a similar initiative, helping novice traders feel confident in making trades. It is also a convenient option due to the ability to get useful information at any time.
• Installing a trading program . To trade via the network, you need to download the terminal to your computer or any other device. This is a special program for conducting trading operations. Brokers in Russia often use QUIK, but it can also be other software. Payment for the provision of the program depends on the operating system of the device. So, if the client has Android, then you will have to pay a certain amount for installing the terminal.
• Availability of commissions. Each broker may have its own commissions: replenishing the balance, withdrawing funds, storing securities and other services. It is worth clarifying in advance which services are subject to commissions.

From simple to complex: start trading with a broker to gain experience

A novice trader is often misled by a large amount of information about tariffs and services. Therefore, it is worth choosing a broker that offers services at the best price. In this case, it is easier for the client to get accustomed to the market without fear of losing a large amount of money at once. In this case, the well-known saying works best: “The slower you go, the further you go.”

A situation may arise that the broker was suitable at first, but later became unsuitable for some reason. Perhaps the client has gained experience, but the company does not provide a wide selection of trading instruments. All these are natural results of gaining experience, which will lead to a change of brokerage company and new trading opportunities.

Many clients do not ask support questions that could help resolve difficult situations. While a trader is learning to trade, he can learn a lot of new things from support staff. In addition, you can get new information about the work of the company itself, which is also important. Moreover, if the client does not know how quickly and clearly the support service responds to the request, then he will not be able to calculate how much time it will take to resolve the problem. It is also important to learn this nuance in working with a broker not at the last moment.

You should definitely find out whether the broker with whom the investor plans to work has a license. Before starting work, it is important to obtain information about the trading program and the cost of its installation. When choosing a broker for the Moscow Exchange, it is worth finding out about the availability of commissions, consultations and the work of the support service. It is important to take your time and start with a broker that offers low rates to gain experience in trading.

What should it be

A broker, first of all, must be able to soberly assess the situation under stressful conditions. Composure is one of the main traits of a stockbroker when trading securities.

You must develop your own trading strategy and learn to feel the market. Analyzing the tactics of successful traders and studying the fundamental rules and principles of stock trading will help with this. A competent stock broker is always aware of the latest economic and political news in Russia and in the world.

What does it take to become a broker in Russia from scratch?

I have already mentioned that stock market knowledge alone is not enough. To become a broker, you must have a license confirming the right to conduct brokerage activities. Its registration is handled by the Central Bank of Russia. Other licensing conditions include own funds of at least 2 million rubles.

Required Education

People who dream of working as a broker are trying to find a university that offers such a specialty. If you belong to this category, I hasten to disappoint you: there are no higher educational institutions in Russia that focus on narrow-profile professions such as stock market specialists.

The easiest way to master this area is after receiving a bachelor's degree through advanced training or retraining courses.

Where to buy a license

The Federal Financial Markets Service is responsible for issuing a license confirming the right to act as an intermediary; the standard processing time is about 3 months.

Required Documentation

When you have received the coveted permit and become a licensed broker in Russia, you can provide services to both individuals and legal entities. To do this, you need to pay the state fee and apply with the established package of documents to the Department of Access to the Financial Market. Please note: documentation for individuals and legal entities will differ.

For a legal entity

In this case, the broker needs to prepare:

• registration and constituent documentation;
• certificate of entry into the Unified State Register of Legal Entities;
• papers confirming registration with the Federal Tax Service;
• accounting statements;
• receipts for payment of state fees.

You must have both originals and copies of these papers with you.

For an individual

A broker - an individual collects the following package:

• letter of recommendation;
• application in the appropriate form;
• certificate confirming accreditation;
• duty payment receipts.

It is also better to have both photocopies and originals with you.

Project Features

The project to create a brokerage agency provides for the creation of an enterprise and its development for a period of 2 years. The nature of the activity is formulated as a company providing professional brokerage services in the financial market.

The goals of the project can be defined as:

• — meeting the demand of the relevant segment of the consumer market;
• — creation of an enterprise with a high level of profitability;
• — obtaining high and stable profits.

The main financial details for the creation and development of the project are as follows:

• — financing will be carried out by obtaining a commercial loan. The approximate loan size is 9 million 700 thousand rubles. Additionally, it is assumed that the founder has his own funds of about 5 million;
• — the cost of the project is 9 million 700 thousand rubles;
• — project duration – from the start of the enterprise to reaching a profitable level – 2 years;
• — interest rate on the loan – 17.5% with the prospect of decreasing in the future;
• — loan payments will begin from the first month of the company’s operation;
• — the investor’s income for the entire lending period, amounting to the total amount of interest paid – 660,900 rubles;
• — payback period from the moment the business starts – up to 16 months. Taking into account discounting – 24 months;
• — the total economic effect for the indicated period will be equal to 13 million 85 thousand rubles.

When calculating these data, all possible risks must be taken into account. More detailed data regarding the financial component of the enterprise is in the financial part of the plan.

How a broker works - in the video:

The nuances of a broker's work

When submitting documentation, make sure that all copies are notarized, complete with signatures and seals. A document with more than one sheet must be stitched according to GOST. The state fee and the details for its payment are the same for all categories of applicants.

Professional responsibility

You must be fully aware of the full extent of the responsibility. Since a broker is a business entity, all his actions and transactions on the exchange market are regulated by the laws and regulations of Russia.

Warning about Forex and exchanges

Expert opinion

Vladimir Silchenko

Private investor, stock market expert and author of the Capitalist blog

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I strongly advise against contacting Forex and sites that advertise binary options. When you come to such dubious exchanges, you automatically start playing against them, and sooner or later you will be scammed. Thus, brokers whose jurisdiction is Cyprus or Malta most often simply disappear with all your savings.

Documents: registration and license

The need to obtain a brokerage license is provided for by special Resolution No. 739 (https://www.consultant.ru/cons/cgi/online.cgi?req=doc&base=LAW&n=307718&fld=134&dst=1000000001,0&rnd=0.4590929293458641#029216484927093567. According to regulations, It will be mandatory to have equity capital on the company's balance sheet (in addition to credit funds). The amount of such capital must be at least 10 million rubles. In cases where the agency is engaged in brokerage services in the securities market, this minimum figure is 50 million rubles. In addition, When applying for a license, you will have to pay a state fee in the amount of 20 million rubles.

The basic rules regarding brokerage activities are also set out in Federal Law No. 39 “On the Securities Market” (https://www.consultant.ru/document/cons_doc_LAW_10148/). It defines the concept and measures of broker qualifications.

The license is valid for 3 years. Then it is subject to updating.

The package of documents submitted to obtain a license is as follows:

• — application with a completed questionnaire;
• — copies of all constituent documents in accordance with the registered form of the enterprise;
• — a copy of the document that confirms the registration of the new organization with the tax authority;
• — payment order confirming payment of the state duty by the founder;
• — a copy of the balance sheet as of the last reporting date, including a copy of the statement of all profits and losses up to the last reporting date;
• — copies of documents that confirm that all employees have the appropriate qualifications and, if necessary, a brokerage license;
• — certificate of persons who are members of the board of directors or other governing body of the structure;
• — copies of personal documents of all founders and a number of other documents. The exact list may be changed in accordance with new regulations or depending on the territorial factor. Therefore, the composition of the package of documents in each specific case must be determined separately.

Another important requirement is that according to Resolution No. 32 (), the brokerage company is obliged to keep strict internal records of all transactions carried out in the interests of clients.

In addition to the special license, the company will need to be registered as a business entity. In the case of a brokerage agency, the only possible option would be a legal entity. The most suitable form is LLC. Registration of a limited liability organization involves a separate procedure, carried out by contacting the Federal Tax Service. There you also need to fill out a special form. In it, in addition to the personal data of all founders, you need to provide the official name and legal address of the company, indicate the type of activity, which is confirmed by providing the OKVED code. The required code can be selected using the current classifier.

The main regulatory documents that you will need to refer to before opening a brokerage company include:

Resolution No. 739 Fin. market

Federal Law of April 22, 1996 N 39-FZ On the securities market

Secrets of success

You can significantly expand your client base and become successful from scratch with persistence.

Additional steps will not hurt:

• opening trading platforms in the form of special software;
• regularly taking advanced training courses;
• providing demo versions of released programs and applications;
• providing potential clients with information about major political and economic events.

Your long-term goal is to work on your reputation and create an impeccable image.