Mauritius Investment Dealer Licence: Establishing a Regulated Brokerage Business

Mauritius has become an established jurisdiction for internationally focused financial-services businesses seeking a regulated base within a respected international financial centre.

Investment Dealer activities in Mauritius fall under the regulatory supervision of the Financial Services Commission (FSC) and the Securities Act framework.

What is an Investment Dealer Licence?

An Investment Dealer Licence enables a licensed entity to conduct securities dealing activities falling within the particular category of licence granted by the FSC.

Depending on the licence category and approved scope of business, an Investment Dealer may undertake activities associated with executing securities transactions, intermediary services and other authorised dealing activities.

The exact licence category is important because regulatory permissions, capital requirements and operational obligations vary according to the activities proposed.

Who Should Consider Mauritius?

Regulatory Expectations

Obtaining an Investment Dealer Licence involves substantially more than incorporating a company.

The FSC will assess the proposed business model, ownership and control structure, financial resources, governance arrangements and the fitness and propriety of the persons responsible for the business.

An application will typically require a detailed regulatory package covering the business plan and financial projections, shareholding and beneficial ownership, directors and key officers, compliance arrangements, AML/CFT framework, risk management, internal controls, client onboarding, conflicts of interest, complaints handling, business continuity, technology and operational infrastructure, and applicable capital requirements.

Applicants must demonstrate that the proposed business has adequate resources, governance and substance appropriate to its scale and complexity.

Tax Environment

Mauritius also provides a competitive environment for qualifying regulated financial businesses.

The Mauritius tax framework provides for an 80% partial exemption on certain qualifying income derived by an Investment Dealer licensed by the FSC, subject to satisfying the applicable statutory and substance conditions.

Accordingly, the tax position should be analysed as part of the licensing structure rather than treated separately from it.

Why Work With AcuFin?

A regulatory application requires coordination between licensing, corporate structuring, compliance, banking, accounting and operational implementation.

The objective is not simply to obtain a licence, but to establish a structure capable of maintaining ongoing regulatory compliance.

Disclaimer: Licensing is subject to FSC assessment and approval. Nothing in this article should be interpreted as a guarantee that a licence will be granted.