Apply for an Investment Banking Licence in Mauritius with Zitadelle AG

Mauritius has become a premier destination for setting up international financial services, including investment banking operations. With its robust legal framework, favorable tax regime, and strategic location bridging Africa, Asia, and Europe, Mauritius offers a compelling proposition for investment banks looking to expand globally. At Zitadelle AG, we assist fintech firms, asset managers, and financial institutions in securing an Investment Banking Licence from the Mauritius Financial Services Commission (FSC).

What is the Investment Banking Licence in Mauritius?

The Investment Banking Licence is issued under the Financial Services (Investment Banking) Rules 2016, administered by the Mauritius Financial Services Commission (FSC). It permits a wide range of investment banking activities, making it suitable for firms involved in:

• Mergers and acquisitions (M&A)

• Capital raising and private placements

• Initial public offerings (IPOs)

• Corporate finance advisory

• Securities dealing and underwriting

• Asset management and fund structuring

• Distribution of financial products

Key Features of the Mauritius Investment Banking Licence

• Regulator: Financial Services Commission (FSC)

• Governing Legislation: Financial Services Act 2007 & Investment Banking Rules 2016

• Eligible Sub-licences:

  • Investment Dealer (Full-Service including underwriting)

  • Investment Adviser (Unrestricted)

  • Investment Adviser (Corporate Finance Advisory)

  • Asset Manager

  • Distributor of Financial Products

Financial and Operational Requirements

To qualify for a Mauritius investment banking licence, firms must meet the following thresholds:

Substance and Governance Requirements

Mauritius mandates a strong economic and operational presence to benefit from tax incentives and licensing approval:

• Board of Directors: Minimum of 5 natural persons, with at least 40% being independent directors

• Physical Office: Local office establishment is mandatory

• Staffing: Employment of qualified Mauritian nationals

• Annual Expenditure: At least MUR 5 million on local operations

• Corporate Governance: Detailed framework and compliance systems must be implemented

Application Process – Step-by-Step

At Zitadelle AG, we support you through each stage of the application:

1. Pre-application Stage

• Conduct feasibility analysis

• Prepare a robust business plan outlining strategic objectives, service offerings, and target markets

• Draft financial projections and capital structure

• Create an AML/CFT compliance policy, risk management framework, and IT security policy

2. Application Submission

• Fill out and submit the official FSC licence application form

• Provide all supporting documents, including KYC, corporate documents, governance policies

• Pay the non-refundable processing fee

3. FSC Assessment and Due Diligence

• The FSC reviews the application, assesses fitness and propriety of shareholders and directors

• Site inspection may be conducted

• Upon approval, the licence is issued, enabling the firm to commence operations

Strategic Advantages of Setting Up in Mauritius

Mauritius offers several benefits that make it an ideal jurisdiction for investment banking:

Tax Exemptions

Qualifying licensees enjoy corporate income tax exemption for 5 years, provided they meet economic substance requirements.

Gateway to Emerging Markets

Mauritius is part of over 40 double taxation avoidance agreements (DTAs) and is considered a gateway to African, Indian, and ASEAN markets.

Reputable Regulatory Regime

The FSC is a proactive and internationally aligned regulator, ensuring credibility and stability in financial operations.

Global Recognition

Mauritius is a member of the Eastern and Southern Africa Anti-Money Laundering Group (ESAAMLG) and complies with OECD and FATF standards.

Skilled Human Capital

A multilingual and well-educated financial workforce supports sophisticated investment services, fund structuring, and advisory capabilities.

Examples of Licensed Investment Banking Firms in Mauritius

Several prestigious firms have chosen Mauritius as their investment banking hub:

• MCB Capital Markets – Part of Mauritius Commercial Bank Group; offers investment banking, asset management, and corporate finance advisory.

• AXYS Group – Specializes in trading, portfolio management, and financial product structuring.

• SBM Capital Markets Ltd – A fully licensed dealer and advisory arm of SBM Holdings Ltd.

• Grit Real Estate Income Group – Operates capital raising and REIT advisory functions out of Mauritius.

These firms illustrate the attractiveness of Mauritius for both regional and international players in the investment banking space.

Mauritius vs. Labuan: Which Investment Banking Jurisdiction is Right for You?

While both Mauritius and Labuan (Malaysia) offer compelling frameworks for establishing international investment banks, each jurisdiction serves different strategic goals. Mauritius is ideal for firms targeting Africa, India, and the Middle East, with a strong regulatory focus under the FSC, robust substance requirements, and generous 5-year tax exemptions. In contrast, Labuan offers a more flexible regulatory regime under the Labuan FSA, and attractive 3% tax on net profits, making it well-suited for firms looking to minimize costs while serving Asia-Pacific markets. Also, Labuan Investment Banks can apply for additional services, such as digital currencies (bitcoin, etc), payment services and other innovative digital technology services.

Zitadelle AG can help you assess both options to align your license with your long-term regional growth strategy.

Why Choose Zitadelle AG?

With offices in Mauritius, Cyprus and Malaysia, and a specialized focus on financial licensing and compliance, Zitadelle AG is your trusted partner for:

• End-to-end licence application support

• Regulatory advisory and FSC liaison

• Preparation of governance, compliance, and operational documents

• Post-licensing support and AML/CFT audits

Whether you are a fintech startup, boutique advisory firm, or global financial group, we streamline your entry into the Mauritius investment banking market.

Contact Us Today

Ready to launch your investment bank in Mauritius?
Get in touch with Zitadelle AG for a free consultation and personalized licensing roadmap.