Mauritius Forex License

Advantages of the Mauritius Forex License

Mauritius is known for its political stability, good governance, and investor-friendly environment which provides secure and transparent conditions for forex businesses to operate and invest. The country has streamlined regulatory processes and reduced bureaucratic hurdles for starting and operating forex businesses which supports the ease of doing business and encourages entrepreneurship. Moreover, Mauritius boasts modern and well-developed infrastructure, including transportation, communication networks, and technology facilities that are crucial in running a successful forex business.

In Mauritius, there are zero government-imposed exchange controls. In other words, there are no strict restrictions on foreign exchange transactions and the movement of funds in and out of the country for Mauritius forex licensees. It creates a favorable regulatory environment that allows forex traders to conduct their activities with relative ease and flexibility in terms of currency conversion, fund transfers, and international transactions. Zero exchange controls also generally lead to simplified administrative procedures related to foreign exchange transactions.

Mauritius offers an advantageous tax regime, including exemptions on Capital Gains Tax, Withholding Tax, and a relatively low Corporate Tax rate (15%). This tax efficiency can contribute significantly to the profitability of forex businesses operating under a Mauritius license. Furthermore, the Mauritius double taxation agreements often provide for reduced rates of Withholding Tax on interest, royalties, and other income. This can enhance the after-tax returns for businesses engaged in cross-border transactions.

Mauritius boasts a robust and well-regulated banking sector that offers a variety of financial services tailored to the needs of forex trading operators. These services include multi-currency accounts, efficient fund transfers, and access to cutting-edge banking technologies that facilitate frictionless and secure transactions. It also provides efficient foreign exchange facilities, allowing forex licensees to seamlessly convert currencies and manage exchange rate risks associated with international trading activities.

Mauritius’s respected legal system, rooted in the common law tradition, offers many benefits for forex operators and investors, providing them with a familiar and reliable legal framework that governs their activities. It contributes to a stable and secure environment for conducting forex trading and investment operations. Mauritius’s legislation provides clarity and predictability to forex operators and investors regarding their legal rights, obligations, and potential liabilities.

Forex Regulations in Mauritius

The Financial Services Commission (FSC) of Mauritius oversees and regulates financial services, including forex trading. The FSC has established stringent standards to ensure compliance, transparency, and investor protection, contributing to a secure and well-regulated environment for forex operators. The authority duly performs ongoing due diligence on forex licensees to ensure that they continue to meet regulatory requirements. This may involve periodic reviews of financial statements, business operations, compliance procedures, and risk management practices.

Key legislation and regulations governing forex businesses in Mauritius:

• The Financial Services Act of Mauritius
• The Securities Act of Mauritius
• The Securities (licensing) Rules 2007
• The Companies Act 2001 of Mauritius
• The Prevention of Corruption Act 2002
• The Prevention of Terrorism Act 2002
• AML-CFT Handbook
• The Financial Intelligence and Anti-Money Laundering Act 2002 (FIAMLA)

The Financial Services Act of Mauritius is the cornerstone of financial regulation and provides the legal framework for licensing and supervising financial services, including forex trading activities. It outlines the licensing process, operational requirements, and regulatory oversight for financial service providers. Overall, the act aims to promote financial stability, investor protection, and the integrity of the financial sector.

The Financial Intelligence and Anti-Money Laundering Act 2002 (FIAMLA) is among the main pieces of legislation aimed at combating money laundering and the financing of terrorism. The act establishes a comprehensive framework for the prevention, detection, investigation, and prosecution of these activities. FIAMLA mandates forex licensees to conduct customer due diligence measures to identify and verify the identity of their clients.

Mauritius’s regulations also emphasize the protection of clients’ funds and interests. Forex brokers are often required to segregate client funds from their own operational funds to ensure that client funds aren’t used for the broker’s operational expenses. This practice serves as a crucial safeguard that helps ensure the security, transparency, and integrity of client assets, including safeguarding them against broker insolvency or bankruptcy.

Advantages

Types of Mauritius Forex Licenses

The FSC offers different types of licenses depending on the nature of the intended forex trading activities. These licenses enable companies to engage in various aspects of forex trading and related financial services. The specific requirements for each type of forex license can vary, including capital requirements, compliance measures, reporting obligations, and other regulatory considerations.

The main types of Mauritius forex licenses are as follows:

• Investment Dealer License – for companies that wish to operate as forex brokers, providing trading platforms and facilitating forex trading for clients; it allows the licensee to offer forex trading services, including the trading of currency pairs and related derivatives, to retail and institutional clients
  • Initial capital – 700,000 MUR (approx. 14,000 EUR)
  • Application processing fee – 5,000 MUR (approx. 100 EUR)
  • Annual fee – 60,000 MUR (approx. 1,200 EUR)
• Investment Adviser License –  for companies that provide forex-related investment advice and consultancy services to clients; licensees can offer recommendations, analysis, and guidance regarding forex market trends, trading strategies, and investment opportunities
  • Initial capital – 600,000 MUR (approx. 12,000 EUR)
  • Application processing fee – 5,000 MUR (approx. 100 EUR)
  • Annual fee – 57,000 MUR (approx. 1,200 EUR)
• Global Business License (GBL) – not a specific forex license, but licensees can still engage in various financial activities, including forex trading and investment management; it allows for a broader range of financial services, including forex trading, investment holding, and other financial activities
  • Initial capital – from 45 MUR (approx. 1 EUR)
  • Application processing fee – 23,000 MUR (approx. 460 EUR)
  • Annual fee – 90,000 MUR (approx. 1,800 EUR)

Best Mauritius Forex Brokers

Requirements for Mauritius Forex License Applicants

To obtain a forex license and start forex trading in Mauritius, you’ll have to meet quite a few legal requirements as the FSC has established strict eligibility criteria for obtaining a forex license in Mauritius.

During the initial licensing process, the authority conducts a thorough assessment of the applicant’s financial stability, competence, business plan, and compliance with AML/CFT regulations, including know-your-customer (KYC) procedures.

A company preparing to apply for a forex license in Mauritius should meet the following requirements:

• Incorporate a local company
• The directors, officers, and key personnel of the company must meet the FSC’s Fit and Proper criteria, which assess their integrity, competence, and experience in the financial industry
• Key personnel should have relevant qualifications and experience in forex trading, financial services, risk management, and compliance
• Develop and implement robust AML/CFT policies and procedures, including the verification of the identity of clients, transaction monitoring, and reporting suspicious activities
• Establish effective risk management protocols, including measures to manage market risk, credit risk, and operational risk associated with forex trading activities
• Demonstrate the capabilities of the trading platform, including order execution, pricing transparency, and risk management tools
• Commit to timely reporting and disclosure requirements to the FSC, including regular financial reports, risk assessments, and compliance reports

The following documents should be submitted along with the application form:

• Certified copy of the Certificate of Incorporation of the company
• Certified copy of the company’s Constitution (Memorandum and Articles of Association)
• A detailed business plan or a feasibility study outlining the nature of the intended forex trading activities, target markets, marketing strategies, risk management procedures, and compliance measures
• Description of intended forex services, such as currency pairs, trading platforms, leverage levels, and order execution methods
• Audited financial statements of the company to demonstrate its financial stability and ability to meet ongoing obligations
• Details of measures to safeguard client funds, including the segregation of client funds from operational funds, as well as mechanisms to ensure clients’ interests are protected
• Proof of meeting the minimum capital requirements
• A CV of each director, officer, and key personnel involved in the forex trading activities
• Declarations of Fit and Proper status for each director, officer, and key personnel, including information about their experience, qualifications, and any past regulatory or legal issues

FOREX LICENSE IN MAURITIUS

How to Establish a Forex Company in Mauritius

A Global Business Company (GBC) is a widely used corporate structure in Mauritius that offers flexibility, and accessibility to the favorable tax regime and can hold licenses for conducting forex-related activities. It can be incorporated under the Companies Act 2001 of Mauritius. The incorporation process can take several business days, depending on the complexity of the business and the quality of the provided documents.

The main requirements for a GBC are as follows:

• At least one shareholder
• At least 2 directors resident in Mauritius
• A qualified company secretary who is a resident of Mauritius
• Initial capital requirements as per the type of license
• A registered office address in Mauritius where official communications and notices can be sent and accounting records maintained
• To become a tax resident in Mauritius and avail of the tax benefits, the GBC must be managed and controlled from Mauritius (alternatively, a non-resident can be tax-exempt)
• A corporate bank account in Mauritius to facilitate GBC’s financial operations
• A GBC must be administered by a management company that acts as an intermediary between the company and the FSC
• Statutory financial statements must be prepared and audited in Mauritius

To incorporate a company in Mauritius, you should take the following steps:

• Find a management company
• Select a unique and suitable name that complies with national naming conventions and is available for reservation
• Prepare all the required documents
• Pay the incorporation fees
• Submit the required documents and application forms to the Registrar of Companies
• Once the GBC is incorporated, open a corporate bank account in Mauritius
• Register the GBC for taxation purposes with the Mauritius Revenue Authority (MRA)
• Register as an employer with the Ministry of Labour, Industrial Relations and Employment
• Register your employees for the National Pension Fund (NPF) and the National Savings Fund (NSF)

The following documents are, inter alia, required to incorporate a company in Mauritius:

• A Memorandum
• Articles of Association
• Copies of passports of the directors, secretary, and shareholders
• An application form for company incorporation
• A notice of reservation of name issued by the Registrar of Companies
• The consent of the directors of the company
• The consent of the secretary of the company
• The consent of every shareholder of the company
• Proof of the company’s registered office address in Mauritius
• A detailed business plan outlining your trading activities, target markets, risk management, and compliance procedures
• Audited financial statements demonstrating the company’s financial stability and compliance with minimum capital requirements
• Documented procedures for maintaining accurate records, reporting to regulatory authorities, and fulfilling ongoing compliance obligations

Mauritius

Capital	Population	Currency	GDP
Port Louis	1,295,789	MUR	$29,164

How to Apply for a Mauritius Forex License

Once a local company is incorporated, you can submit an application to the regulatory authority. The application process may take 4-8 months, depending on the complexities of the business and the quality of the submitted application.

The key steps of applying for a forex license in Mauritius are as follows:

• Prepare all the required documents
• Fill out the application form and personal questionnaires of directors and shareholders of the company
• Pay the required application fees
• Submit the application along with the documents to the FSC
• Expect thorough due diligence and background checks on the company’s directors, shareholders, and key personnel that may need to take relevant tests or attend a meeting with the authority to provide more details

The application is successful only if the FSC is convinced of the following:

• The applicant meets the criteria set out under the applicable relevant Act for the grant of the license
• The applicant has adequate resources, infrastructure, and staff with the appropriate competence, experience, and proficiency to carry out the activity for which the license is sought
• The applicant has adequate arrangements for proper supervision of everything done under the license in order to ensure compliance with the law and the conditions of its license
• The applicant and each of its controllers and beneficial owners are fit and proper persons to carry out the business for which a license is sought
• The applicant, once licensed, will be able to satisfy criteria or standards, including prudential standards, applicable to its business activity
• No harm would be caused or would occur in the financial services industry if the license is granted

Ongoing Requirements for Mauritius Forex Licensees

In accordance with national legislation and regulations, forex licensees in Mauritius must adhere to various legal requirements in order to maintain high standards of forex trading activities and safeguard the reputation of the jurisdiction. In particular, it’s worth paying attention to AML/CFT requirements, financial reporting, and advertising.

The key aspects of AML/CFT regulations for forex companies in Mauritius are as follows:

• Forex companies are required to implement robust customer due diligence (CDD) procedures when establishing business relationships with clients, including verifying the identity of clients, assessing their risk profile, and obtaining relevant documentation
• Forex companies must maintain accurate and up-to-date records of their clients’ identities, transactions, and business relationships (these records should be retained for a specified period as required by law)
• Forex companies are obligated to report any transactions or activities that they suspect to be related to money laundering or terrorist financing to the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) of Mauritius
• It’s obligatory to have effective internal controls and risk management practices in place to mitigate the risk of being used for money laundering or other illegal activities
• Adequate training should be provided to employees to raise awareness of AML/CFT regulations and their responsibilities in identifying and reporting suspicious activities
• Forex companies must also screen clients and transactions against sanctions lists to ensure they are not dealing with individuals, companies, or countries subject to international sanctions
• It’s mandatory to submit regular reports to regulatory authorities regarding the company’s AML/CFT activities, procedures, and compliance efforts
• Every forex company in Mauritius should conduct ongoing monitoring of client transactions and relationships to identify any unusual or suspicious activities

Another notable requirement is that every year forex licensees must file with the FSC audited financial statements prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards. They must be filed within 6 months after the closure of the financial year (the FSC may extend this period during an emergency period).

Forex licensees are also obligated to adhere to ethical and fair advertising standards. Only forex license holders can publish or cause to publish an advertisement in connection with the conduct of the licensed activities. All license holders must publish or cause to publish an advertisement in connection with the conduct of the licensed activities in a manner that is clear, true, and doesn’t mislead the public.

If you wish to obtain a forex license in Mauritius and start forex trading, our team here at Regulated United Europe will be delighted to support you in incorporating a company and applying for the license. With dedicated legal advisors, tax experts, and financial accountants at your side, you will find the processes of obtaining a forex license in Mauritius easy, frictionless, and transparent. Contact us now to schedule a personalized consultation and set the stage for long-lasting success.

FULL INVESTMENT DEALER LICENSE IN MAURITIUS

In terms of financial and investment services, Mauritius has made great strides in becoming a sound, reputable, and competitive center. By establishing, developing and expanding the Financial Services Commission (FSC), Mauritius, the supervisory body for non-bank financial services and global businesses, these initiatives have been significantly strengthened.

By licensing, regulating and supervising securities services, insurance services, and virtual assets services, the FSC Mauritius contributes to a fair, transparent, and efficient financial system. There has been an increase in startup companies, established financial groups and firms interested in expanding their reach and presence in this evolving region.

REASONS TO CHOOSE MAURITIUS

An investment firm can benefit from the political, social, and financial advantages of Mauritius. Apart from being a member of the British Commonwealth, the International Organization of La Francophonie and the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa, Mauritius is also a member of the African Union, the United Nations, the World Trade Organization, and the World Trade Organisation.

Over 40 double tax treaties and 28 investment promotion and protection agreements confirm the country’s strong ties with countries from every continent. Mauritian investors and firms have been able to enter African markets due to friendly relations with African states. Mauritius has also created substantial ties with European Union Member States because of its political heritage and dependence on western markets.

FSC

Investment Dealers operate within the legal framework established by the Securities Act 2005 (“the Act”) and the Securities (Licensing) Rules 2007. All Investment Dealer licenses are issued by the Financial Services Commission (“FSC”) under a Global Business Licence (“GBL”). By way of business, a person who does not hold an Investment Dealer License may not:

• Obtain securities transactions on behalf of others by acting as an intermediary;
• Speculate on the possibility of trading in securities as principal, with the intention of selling them to the general public, or hold himself out to be a professional trader.
• Without an investment dealer license issued by the Commission or without being a representative of an investment dealer licensed by the Commission, an individual may underwrite or distribute securities on behalf of an issuer or a holder of securities.

A license for investment dealers may only be obtained by a body corporate.

FRAMEWORK

The Securities Act of 2005, as amended from time to time, governs the operation of an Investment Dealer license in Mauritius. For matters concerning licensees in the securities sector, the FSC has published rules and regulations that reinforce the Act. Matters of this type may relate, among other things, too:

• Auditing and accounting standards,
• A financial statement, an annual report, or another document’s content and form.
• Securities offering and issuance requirements,
• An application for granting or renewing a license,
• Licenses are granted based on criteria,
• The process of determining whether an individual meets the Act’s qualifications.

As well as compliance with the anti-money laundering, terrorist financing, and corruption legislation, all financial institutions have to comply with the post-crisis regulatory framework. Acts included in this are:

• the Financial Intelligence and Anti-Money Laundering Act of 2002,
• the Prevention of Corruption Act of 2002, and
• the Prevention of Terrorism Act of 2002.

LICENSE CATEGORIES FOR INVESTMENT DEALER

License holders of Investment Dealer licenses are permitted to establish trading platforms in Mauritius and execute transactions on their clients’ behalf.

Under section 29 of the Act, under the Securities (Licensing) Rules 2007, any person intending to carry out an investment dealer activity needs to apply for a license, which may be issued in the following categories:

Investment Dealer License
(Full Service Dealer Including Underwriting)

• Execute securities transactions on behalf of clients (CFDs, FX, commodities, shares, bonds);
• Investing in securities with the intention of reselling them;
• A securities issuer or holder can underwrite or distribute securities;
• Provide investment advice in addition to his regular business activities; and manage client portfolios.

Investment Dealer License (Full Service Dealer Excluding Underwriting)

A license in this category has similar objectives to the previous one, except that financial products cannot be underwritten by the licensee.

Discount Broker

Without giving advice, authorized to execute orders for clients.

​​Broker

Managing client portfolios, placing orders for clients, and advising clients on securities transactions.

THE LICENSE AUTHORIZES THE FOLLOWING ACTIVITIES

1. Provide clients with securities transactions as an intermediary;
2. Buying and selling securities as principal with the intention of reselling them;
3. Advising issuers or distributing securities on behalf of holders;
4. Advising clients on investments outside the normal course of business;
5. Take care of client portfolios.

INVESTMENT DEALERS’ LICENSE CONDITIONS

If the Financial Services Commission is not satisfied that the applicant meets all requirements of the checklist, including the minimum stated unimpaired capital requirement, it may not issue an Investment Dealer License to the applicant.

The minimum stated capital requirement for a full investment dealer license is 10,000,000 Mauritian rupees, or approximately 200 000 euros.

REQUIREMENTS FOR APPLICANTS

Several requirements pertain to the organizational, compliance, and operational aspects of the Investment Dealer license, including:

• The creation and composition of a detailed business plan;
• Platform information;
• Liquidity providers’ services;
• Client market of the applicant;
• The team of investment dealers;
• The framework for AML/CFT compliance;
• Implementation of policies and procedures;
• Information regarding Mauritius’ physical presence.

TAXATION

A GBL should be used as the structure for ALL applications for Investment Dealer Licenses. Consequently, Tax Legislations offer a preferential fiscal regime to businesses.

The Partial Exemption Regime allows Investment Dealers to exempt 80% of their ‘Gross Revenue’ from taxation and 15% of their ‘Taxable Income’ from tax. This reduces the effective tax rate to a paltry 3%.

Global Business License and Investment Dealer License in Mauritius

The advantages of Mauritius

Mauritius offers businesses looking to expand their operations a stable political and economic environment, favourable tax regulations, and a well-educated workforce.

It’s an entrepreneur’s dream land when there is an upcoming infrastructure, skilled labour, and more favourable regulatory environment, including favourable tax policies, labour laws, and business regulations.

With a GDP growth rate of 7.4% (2022), Mauritius boasts a diverse and thriving economy. Approximately 11.53 billion dollars were generated by Mauritius’ GDP in 2021, according to official World Bank data.

Growing economies generally lead to higher incomes for people, which in turn leads to better access to healthcare and education, as well as other essential services. Foreign investors flock to Mauritius as a result of the country’s reputation, which eventually attracts more funds.

The country’s financial and banking sectors provide finance, investment capital, and other financial services. A number of international awards and accolades have recently been received by Mauritius’ banking sector, which is not surprising.

Global Business in Mauritius

Mauritian corporations wishing to conduct business outside Mauritius have access to the Global Business (GB) regime. Under S71 (1) of the Financial Services Act 2007 (FSA), GB is governed by the Financial Services Commission (FSC).

A Global Business Licence can be divided into two categories:

• License Category 1 Global Business (GBC1);
• The Global Business Category 2 License (GBC2)

A Global Business Licence (GBL) is available to those who meet the following criteria:

There are certain requirements for operating in the GB sector, including:

The FS/GB01-14 was published on March 14, 2013:

1. GBL applicants must be “resident corporations” according to S71 (1) FSA:

The term “resident corporation” in the FSA applies to GBC1 companies that are incorporated or registered under the Companies Act, sociétés or partnerships registered in Mauritius, trusts, or other individuals established under Mauritius’ laws.

Additionally, foundations and limited partnerships are also permitted under Mauritian law, which are governed by specific laws.

1. Private companies are considered “resident corporations” under S71(3) of the FSA for GBC2 companies.

Taking care of business

Corporations based in Mauritius that conduct business abroad can choose to operate the GB regime.

In order to qualify for a GB Licence, a company must pass the ultimate business purpose test, which determines whether the applicant will be operating outside of Mauritius. The FSC uses this test to determine if the ultimate purpose of a GBL application is to make an investment outside Mauritius or to provide a service outside Mauritius.

Managing and controlling

The FSC may, as it deems necessary in the circumstances, take into account whether the corporation is conducting business from Mauritius according to S71 (4) (b) of the FSA:

• A company’s directors shall be resident in Mauritius and of a sufficient caliber to exercise independent judgment and thought;
• The organization’s principal bank account must be maintained in Mauritius at all times;
• In addition, the company’s accounting records must be maintained at its registered office in Mauritius at all times;
• A statutory financial statement shall be prepared, or proposed to be prepared, or to be prepared, and shall be audited in Mauritius;
• A director’s meeting shall be held, or shall be provided for, in accordance with this provision

Getting started

There will be two kinds of licenses for the proposed company, namely the Investment Dealer License based on the Securities Act 2005, Securities (Licensing Rules 2007 & the Financial Services (Consolidated Licensing and Fees) Rules 2008 and the Global Business License (GBL) based on the Financial Services Act.

In addition to underwriting, Full-Service Dealers are authorized to:

• Execute securities transactions on behalf of clients as an intermediary
• As principal, trade securities with the intent of reselling them

Aspects to consider

• You project a good image of your company to your clients when you do business in Mauritius
• Prominent trade operations with great reputation
• Fees related to stamps, registrations, and similar charges are exempt
• In the case of royalty payments to non-residents, there is no taxation
• No public records, high level of confidentiality
• In Mauritius, you can open a bank account
• There are no blacklists

Process of obtaining a license

Organizational structure

• The minimum number of shareholders is one (physical shareholders do not have to be of a particular nationality)
• There must be at least two resident directors

The tax system

• Dividends and income are not taxed;
• There is no capital gains tax or inheritance tax;
• The exchange control system is not restricted;
• Tax rates for corporations are reduced from 15% to 3%;
• Capital, dividends, and profits are free to be repatriated.

 Auditors and accountants

• Within three months of the date of the balance sheet, the Company is required to file audited financial statements and a tax return.
• Mauritius should be the place of audit.
• Companies may be audited by the authorities on a half-yearly basis.
• Administrators should keep accounting records at their local offices.
• A registered agent is required
• The registered office must be located
• The position of secretary is required

Name of the company

• You can choose either English or French as your language
• Identical or similar names or names that suggest the patronage of the Mauritius Government or President are prohibited.
• Consent or license is required for the following names and derivatives: Bank, Building Society, Insurance, Assurance, Trust, Chamber of Commerce, chartered, co-operative, government, imperial, municipal, royal, state, or any name that suggests the patronage of the Mauritius Government or President, as determined by the Registrar.
• A limited liability company may be denoted by the suffixes Limited, Corporation, Incorporated, Public Limited Company, Sociedad Anónima, Sociedad Anónima, Société Anonyme à Responsabilité Limitée, Berhad, Proprietary, Naamloze Vennootschap, Besloten Vennootschap, Aktiengesellschaft, or the relevant abbreviations.

Licensing will be obtained by following these steps:

• Reserving the name of a company
• Obtaining a Global Business Company License from the Financial Services Commission (FSC) and submitting it to the commission
• Documents for incorporation and application preparation and submission to the Registry
• The company is incorporated
• Establishing a bank account in the local area
• Obtaining the License

Required documents

• Directors and shareholders must provide a notarized copy of their passports
• A notarized copy of each director’s proof of address (ex. a utility bill)
• Each director and shareholder is required to submit a character reference letter from a professional.
• References for each director’s bank
• A detailed CV of each Director and Shareholder (dated and signed by the applicant)
• Higher education diplomas with certification
• Criminal history notarized
• Plan for your business in detail
• The following manuals are available: procedure manual, privacy policy, disaster recovery plan, complaints handling policy, anti-money laundering policy, security policy and procedures

Whenever a company is the shareholder, it is required to provide:

• Certificate of registration certified as true copy
• Listed below are the shareholders
• An official copy of your last annual/financial report
• Good Standing Certificate apostille

The Financial Services Commission may prescribe additional due diligence:

• Proof of capital source: original documents

Documentation must be provided in English.

To certify specific information, the FSC or local bank may request additional documents.

A notarized translation must accompany non-English documents.

A minimum amount of capital is required:

1. Investment Dealer (incl. underwriting) – MUR 10 000 000
2. Investment Dealer (excl. underwriting) – MUR 1 000 000

Obtaining the license typically takes six months.

Investment Dealer License Excluding Underwriting in Mauritius

Choosing Mauritius

Businesses looking to expand their operations may find Mauritius an attractive location due to its stable political and economic climate, favourable tax regime, strategic location, and well-educated workforce.

The dream environment for entrepreneurs is one that consists of thriving infrastructure, skilled labour, and favourable business regulations.

An elected president serves as head of state and a prime minister serves as head of government in Mauritius. With a multiparty system and a long history of political stability, you can expect predictable economic conditions and consistent policies.

There is typically a lower level of risk associated with the jurisdiction. An organization is less likely to be negatively impacted by sudden policy changes or regulatory shifts. Their long-term planning, investment decisions, and avoiding conflicts with foreign partners are facilitated by this.

Framework

Global brokerage communities are increasingly demanding Mauritius Investment Dealer Licenses. In Mauritius, the Securities Licensing Rules 2007 and The Mauritius Securities Act 2005 define the legal framework for Investment Dealer Licenses. It is also necessary for an applicant to hold a GBC license in order to apply for an Investment Dealer License.

As an Investment Dealer operates within the framework of the Securities Act 2005 and Securities (Licensing) Rules 2007, the Securities Act and Securities (Licensing) Rules provide the legal framework. Investment Dealer licenses are issued by the Financial Services Commission (“FSC”) under a Global Business Licence (“GBL”). Persons without Investment Dealer Licenses may not engage in the following business activities:

• Execute securities transactions on behalf of others as an intermediary;
• Sell securities to the public as principal or represent himself as trading in securities as principal; or
• A person who is not licensed as an investment dealer by the Commission or who is not licensed as a representative of an investment dealer without holding himself out as an underwriter or distributor for an issuer or a holder of securities.

Investment dealer licenses may only be applied for by corporate bodies.

Underwriting is not included in the service offered by an investment dealer (Full-Service Dealer)

This license allows you to perform the following activities:

• Assist in the purchase and sale of securities by acting as an intermediary
• Securities trading and resale
• Assist him in his business activities by providing investment advice
• Managing the portfolios of clients

Underwriting, however, is not permitted.

REQUIREMENTS FOR LICENSING

A license for an Investment Dealer (Full-Service Dealer, excluding Underwriting) cannot be granted until the FSC is satisfied that the applicant has implemented procedures aimed at preventing conflicts of interest and misuse of inside information by effectively segregating its different operations.

To ensure business continuity, the applicant should appoint at least two investment dealers.

An important component of the application is the investment dealer team.

REQUIREMENTS FOR COMPLIANCE

FSC regulations require the appointment of a Money Laundering Reporting Officer (“MLRO”) and a Deputy MLRO.

Regulations 2007 stipulate that a minimum stated unimpaired capital of MUR 1 million (approximately USD 25,000) must be maintained.

Should the licensee’s unimpaired capital fall below the minimum required, it must inform the FSC immediately.

The tax system

A GBL should be used for applications for ANY Investment Dealer Licence. A preferential fiscal regime is available under our Tax Legislations to the business as a result.

A dealer in investments may take advantage of the Partial Exemption Regime, in which 80% of its ‘Gross Revenue’ is exempt from taxation and the remainder is included in its ‘Taxable Income’ and is subject to 15% taxation. This results in a meager 3% effective tax rate.

Also, lawyers from Regulated United Europe provide legal services for obtaining a crypto license in Europe.