Asset Management License
in Mauritius

Mauritius stands out as a reputable financial hub among the island nations of the Indian Ocean. Its financial market is one of the fastest-growing and most innovative in the world, offering a wide range of offshore services. This makes Mauritius a prime destination for investors seeking to obtain a brokerage license. The jurisdiction offers an attractive tax system, flexible regulations, and a straightforward company registration process, facilitating the acquisition of a Forex license or a broader Investment Dealer License.

Mauritius is particularly advantageous for startups targeting clients in Africa and Southeast Asia, with virtually no restrictions on the types of assets or brokerage services a licensed company can offer.

Advantages of Mauritius Jurisdiction

• Clear and Transparent Legislation: Well-defined and transparent licensing procedures.
• Simplified Financial Reporting: Flexible financial reporting requirements.
• Compatibility with International Providers: The license is suitable for cooperation with leading brokerage software providers.
• Supportive Regulator: The Mauritius Financial Services Commission (FSC) maintains a balanced and flexible approach to licensing.

Key Requirements for Obtaining a License

• Submission of a comprehensive application form, a detailed business plan, and information about founders, beneficial owners, and directors.
• Mandatory professional indemnity insurance.
• Opening a local bank account in Mauritius.
• Appointment of at least two resident directors.
• Appointment of a local representative and an AML officer.
• Maintenance of a physical office with staff in Mauritius.
• Annual external audit and quarterly financial reporting.

Taxation for Licensed Companies in Mauritius

• Corporate Tax: The standard corporate tax rate is 15%. However, the effective tax rate can be reduced to 3% if the actual business activities are conducted outside of Mauritius.
• Capital Gains Tax: Gains from asset sales are generally not subject to tax unless considered business income.
• VAT: The standard VAT rate is 15%. Exported services are subject to a 0% rate, and certain financial services are VAT-exempt. VAT registration is mandatory for companies with an annual turnover exceeding 6 million MUR.

Types of Investment Dealer Licenses in Mauritius

Mauritius offers several categories of Investment Dealer Licenses under the FSC framework:

• Full Service Dealer:
  • Minimum paid-up capital: approx. EUR 211,000.
  • Permitted activities: proprietary trading for resale, brokerage advisory services, portfolio management, client order execution, underwriting.
• Broker:
  • Minimum paid-up capital: approx. EUR 21,000.
  • Permitted activities: proprietary trading for resale, brokerage advisory services, client order execution, portfolio management.
• Investment Dealer (Broker):
  • Minimum paid-up capital: approx. EUR 12,000.
  • Permitted activities: client order execution, portfolio management, brokerage advisory services.

The “Investment Dealer (Broker)” License (Type 3) is often considered the most suitable for Forex, binary options, and other trading projects, as it allows for the full range of essential services.

Key Steps and Timeline

The typical timeline for obtaining a brokerage license in Mauritius is as follows:

• Months I-II: Company registration in Mauritius.
• Months III-VI: Preparation and submission of documents to the FSC.
• Months VII-VIII: Opening a local bank account.
• From Month VIII onwards: License issuance.

Required Documents

To initiate the licensing process, the following documents are required:

For each individual founder:

• Notarized copy of the founder’s and director’s passport.
• Notarized proof of residential address (utility bill or bank statement).
• Notarized tax identification number (TIN).
• Notarized and translated police clearance certificate.
• Notarized and translated bank reference letter.
• Director’s CV and supporting documents for experience and education.
• Bank solvency certificate.

Additionally:

• Three proposed company names.
• Detailed business plan (including a 3-year financial forecast).
• Developed company website.

Why Choose SBSB?

SBSB Fintech Lawyers is one of the leading law firms supporting gambling and fintech projects since 2013. We provide a full range of services — from concept to large-scale launch. Our experts have extensive experience in crypto-gambling, licensing of online casinos, sportsbooks, poker tournaments, and other related sectors.