Dealer licence in Mauritius

Dealer licence in Mauritius

Many experienced investors are interested in a licence from this country because it has many advantages and features. This interest has grown especially recently, as European countries are establishing more and more rules and restrictions to regulate the flow of funds for their own and foreign companies. In this article, we will consider the advantages of Mauritius and talk about how to obtain a dealer licence.

Investment dealer licence: What it is and what it gives

That’s permission provided by the Mauritius Financial Services Commission (FSC) to trade in shares and other investments. This license is necessary for persons who want to trade securities professionally in Mauritius, such as stocks, bonds, and derivatives.

As previously said, you must apply to the FSC in order to receive it. The organization will undertake a full examination of the application and check the applicant's ability to meet the standards for financial stability, professional abilities, and other criteria established by Mauritian legislation for the issuing of such a licence.

Obtaining a dealer's licence in Mauritius provides some significant opportunities and benefits:

1. Legal activity: The licence allows you to trade in securities and other financial instruments following the laws of Mauritius.
2. Access to financial markets: The trading permit provides access to various financial markets and platforms for transactions.
3. Professional status: Obtaining a licence enhances professional status and credibility among clients, increasing their trust in your financial services.
4. Access to clients: A licence will allow you to work with clients who are looking for experts in financial services.
5. Potential profit: Trading securities can generate a steady stream of income through commissions and price differences.
6. Portfolio diversification: The ability to trade different financial instruments allows you to further diversify your portfolio and risks.
7. Professional development: Working with securities requires analysis, research and strategic planning, which contributes to professional development.

Additional advantages include the ability to serve clients from a variety of countries, access to global financial markets and cooperation with investment banks and funds. Mauritius' strategic location near the coasts of South Africa, India and Southeast Asia provides you with convenient access to a large client base. In addition, the infrastructure, including modern ports, airports and advanced telecommunications networks, facilitates efficient operations.

Additional opportunities for investment dealers

Apart from the above advantages, obtaining a dealer licence in Mauritius also provides some other opportunities that have a positive impact on the activities of investment dealers. Let us take a closer look at the following factors:

• Legality: Obtaining a dealer licence establishes your status as a legal and authorised participant in the financial market, which promotes customer confidence and control over your activities.
• Flexibility in the use of credit facilities: Having a licence allows you to use credit facilities more flexibly, which can be important for scaling and developing investment operations.
• Investment protection: Licensed investment dealers are required to comply with regulations and standards that are designed to protect the interests of investors and maintain transparency of operations.
• Competitive capital requirements: Mauritius sets competitive and reasonable initial capital requirements for obtaining a licence, making market entry more accessible to new entrants.
• Compliance with international standards: When you comply with international standards and regulations, you raise your profile on the global stage, which can attract international clients and partners.
• Banking advantages: With a dealer's licence, you can more easily interact with banks and financial institutions to secure funds for your operations.
• Favourable tax policy: Mauritius is known for its favourable tax policy, including low-income taxes and no capital investment tax, which facilitates efficient management of tax liabilities.

Step-by-step instructions for obtaining

Obtaining a dealer's license in Mauritius require compliance with certain procedures and requirements. Let's take a closer look at each step:

1. Preparation of documents: Gather all the necessary documents required by the Mauritius Financial Services Commission (FSC). This may include a licence application, passport details, and references from financial institutions where you have previously worked.
2. Creating a business plan: Develop a detailed business plan in which you describe your objectives, trading strategies, the types of securities you plan to work with, as well as marketing and financial strategies.
3. Company registration: Incorporate a company in Mauritius or use an existing legal structure to operate. This can be a limited liability company (Ltd) or other suitable structure.
4. Capital requirements: Ensure that you meet the minimum capital requirements set by the regulator. You must have sufficient cash to ensure financial sustainability.
5. Preparation of documentation for FSC: Prepare all the necessary documents for submission to the Mauritius Financial Services Commission. This includes a completed application, business plan, company documents, and information about directors and other key executives.
6. Submission of the application: Submit your application along with all required documentation to the Mauritius FSC. The application can be submitted online or in paper form, depending on the regulator's requirements.
7. Verification: After submitting your application, Mauritius FSC will conduct a thorough review of your documentation and your company's eligibility.
8. Visit to FSC: You may be requested to meet in person or be interviewed by Mauritius FSC representatives, where you will be required to outline your intentions, activities and plans.
9. Obtaining a licence: If your application is approved, you will be issued a dealer licence. This will allow you to officially deal in securities in Mauritius.
10. Post-licensing activities: After obtaining your licence, you must comply with all requirements and standards set by Mauritius FSC, as well as keep records and reports of your activities.

Types of dealer licences in Mauritius

There are different types of dealer licences available, which can be chosen depending on the specific needs and capabilities of the business. Below is a table describing dealer licences for your convenience:

Legal framework

There are a number of laws and regulations that govern financial activities in the country. The main laws and regulations to consider:

1. Financial Services Act 2007: The main law that regulates financial activities. It sets the framework for the licensing and registration of financial institutions, including brokerage firms.
2. The Securities Act of 2005 establishes the laws and regulations for dealing in the market. It governs the issuance, distribution, and exchange of stocks.
3. Financial Intelligence and Anti-Money Laundering Act 2002: An Act aimed at preventing money laundering and terrorist financing. It sets out requirements for internal controls, customer identification and reporting.
4. Data Protection Act 2017: A law that regulates the processing of personal data. It is important to ensure compliance with the collection, storage and use of customer data.
5. Code on the Prevention of Market Abuse: A code aimed at preventing market abuse and unfair behaviour with securities.
6. Code on Takeovers and Mergers: A code governing mergers, acquisitions and takeovers of companies.
7. Companies Act 2001: The law that sets out the rules for corporations and their governance, including the duties of directors.
8. Exchange Control Act: An act that establishes controls over foreign exchange and capital transactions.

Taxes in Mauritius

Conclusion

In conclusion, it should be noted that obtaining a dealer licence in Mauritius opens up a wide range of opportunities for financial activities and investments. Convenient geographical location, access to international markets, and a favourable tax system make Mauritius a favourable choice for those seeking to expand their financial opportunities.