Investment Dealer Licence in Mauritius

Advantages of launching an Investment Dealer in Mauritius
Obtaining an Investment Dealer Licence in Mauritius enables you to build your investment dealing operation with speed, clarity, and global reach. Mauritius offers well-defined licence pathways, a mature capital-markets services ecosystem, bilingual talent, reliable connectivity, and a time-zone bridge across Africa, Asia, and Europe. Flexible product scope - cash equities, FX, and derivatives like CFDs - lets you design a platform that scales across markets.

How Renesis Financial Services helps you succeed?
Renesis manages the journey end-to-end so you can focus on growth. We identify the right licence category for your model, set up the entity and governance, and prepare a complete, ready-to-file application with all core policies, controls, and financials. We vet and integrate your technology stack (OMS/EMS/bridge), liquidity, custody/prime relationships, assemble the local team and operating footprint, and implement client-asset safeguards, reporting, and risk monitoring - delivering a smooth path from concept to go-live and beyond.

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Why an Investment Dealer Licence in Mauritius?

Clear, modern regulation

under the Securities Act and FSC licensing framework, with defined categories and representative types.

Compelling tax regime

subject to conditions, licensed corporate investment dealers may benefit from an 80% income tax exemption on qualifying income where core income-generating activities (CIGA) are performed in Mauritius.

Business-friendly ecosystem

established international financial centre, experienced service providers, no exchange controls, and an extensive network of double tax treaties.

Product flexibility

contracts for difference (CFDs) and a broad set of instruments can be permitted, subject to FSC approval.

What activities can an Investment Dealer Licence in Mauritius be used for?

Full Service (including underwriting)

Act as intermediary in executing client transactions
Trade in securities as principal with intent to resell to the public
Underwrite or distribute securities
Provide ancillary investment advice and manage client portfolios
(Defined under FSC criteria for SEC-2.1A.)

Full Service (excluding underwriting)

Act as intermediary in executing client transactions
Trade in securities as principal with intent to resell to the public
Provide ancillary investment advice and manage client portfolios
(Defined under FSC criteria for SEC-2.1B.)

Broker

Execute client orders
Manage client portfolios
Give advice on securities transactions
(Defined under FSC criteria for SEC-2.2.)

Discount Broker

Execute client orders without giving advice
(Defined under FSC criteria for SEC-2.3.)

FAQs about the Investment Dealer Licence in Mauritius

Capital requirements

Minimum unimpaired stated capital typically set at MUR 10,000,000 (Full Service incl. underwriting), MUR 1,000,000 (Full Service excl. underwriting), MUR 700,000 (Broker), and MUR 600,000 (Discount Broker).

Fees & representatives

FSC processing/annual fees vary by category (e.g., SEC-2.1A, 2.1B, 2.2, 2.3); representative licence codes (SEC-2.6A–F) exist for Full Service, Broker, and Discount Broker.

Representative requirement (domestic vs GBC)

Domestic companies must appoint at least one licensed Representative of Investment Dealer; for Global Business Companies (GBCs) it’s optional.

Core personnel & governance

Applicants must designate a Compliance Officer, MLRO and Deputy MLRO (meeting FSC competency standards), and appoint an auditor approved by the Financial Reporting Council with a MIPA-registered signing partner.

AML/CFT obligations

Dealers must implement a risk-based AML/CFT framework consistent with FIAMLA and the FSC AML/CFT Handbook (updated Sept 2022).

Client money safeguards

Policies and systems must ensure segregation of client funds from the dealer’s own funds.

Trading platforms & execution

Applications must detail platforms used, third-party execution arrangements, liquidity providers, and controls (incl. OTC trading risk mitigations).

Substance & local presence (for GBCs)

GBCs must be managed and controlled from Mauritius—typically shown by at least two resident directors, local banking, books, audits, and board meetings including two Mauritian directors.

Policies & controls

Applicants must provide internal procedures/compliance manuals, risk management, business continuity/disaster recovery, conflict-of-interest policies, and complaints handling.

Public transparency

Licensed domestic entities appear in the FSC’s public Register of Licensees.

FAQs about the Investment Dealer Licence in Mauritius

What’s the main difference between categories?

“Full Service” permits principal trading and (if including underwriting) capital markets distribution; “Broker” allows execution, portfolio management and advice; “Discount Broker” is execution-only.

Are CFDs permitted?

Yes—CFD dealing is permitted in Mauritius subject to FSC approval and proper controls.

What are the core staffing expectations?

The FSC expects a competent team with at least two members dedicated to the investment dealer activity, plus key control functions (Compliance Officer, MLRO/DMLRO).

What corporate form is typical?

Most licensees operate as Global Business Companies (GBCs) to access the tax framework and treaty network, subject to substance and CIGA requirements to claim any partial exemption.

What’s the usual application package?

A formal application with category-specific business plan, financial forecasts, policies/procedures, platform/technology details, agreements, team CVs/PQs, and evidence of capital.

Is there a “Foreign Investment Dealer” option?

Yes. The FSC provides registration for Foreign Investment Dealers under SEC-6.x with separate USD-denominated fees.

How long does licensing take?

Timelines vary by complexity and completeness. A well-prepared, responsive application generally shortens review.

How Renesis Financials can help in applying for an Investment Dealer Licence in Mauritius

End-to-end licensing & structuring

Determine the right category (Full Service/Broker/Discount) and any derivatives segments
Incorporation of the Mauritius entity (GBC), governance setup, and share capital planning

Application drafting & submission

Business plan, financial model, policies/procedures (AML/CFT, risk, client money, best execution, conflicts)
Platform due-diligence packs (liquidity providers, OMS/EMS/bridge, custody/prime relationships)
Agreements and disclosures aligned to FSC expectations

People & substance

Recruitment/appointment of Compliance Officer, MLRO/DMLRO, and the investment dealer team
Office set-up, local operating footprint, and IT/security controls

Regulatory liaison

Respond to FSC queries, coordinate clarifications, and manage the licensing workflow to decision

Post-licence readiness

Go-live checklists, reporting calendars, client-money segregation and reconciliations, risk monitoring, and ongoing compliance support