The Fund Manager Licence is granted by the Mauritius Financial Services Commission (FSC) under the Securities Act 2005, allowing a company or individual to manage securities or a portfolio of assets on behalf of clients. This licence is essential for professionals or institutions seeking to operate collective investment schemes, private equity funds, hedge funds, or discretionary accounts for high-net-worth individuals and institutional investors.
Mauritius, with its international credibility, investor-friendly regulation, and access to global markets, is an ideal jurisdiction for launching or relocating fund management operations.
Scope of Activity
A licensed Fund Manager in Mauritius may:
- Manage Collective Investment Schemes (CIS) or Closed-End Funds (CEFs)
- Provide portfolio and discretionary account management
- Offer investment advisory services (if appropriately licensed)
- Execute asset allocation, risk management, and performance reporting
- Structure investment strategies across multiple asset classes (equities, bonds, alternatives, etc.)
Licensing Requirements
To obtain a Fund Manager Licence, the applicant must:
- Be a Mauritius-incorporated company (typically a GBC)
- Have a minimum stated capital of MUR 600,000 (or higher based on activities)
- Employ qualified personnel with relevant fund management or financial industry experience
- Appoint at least two resident directors with strong financial or investment backgrounds
- Maintain an effective compliance function and internal controls
- Submit a robust business plan, compliance manual, and risk management framework to the FSC
Tax and Regulatory Benefits
- 15% corporate tax, with up to 80% exemption on qualifying income (effective rate: 3%)
- No capital gains tax, no withholding tax on dividends to non-residents
- Access to Mauritius’s DTAA network (40+ countries)
Fund managers licensed as GBCs may benefit from
Regulatory environment is transparent, modern, and aligned with international standards (FATF, OECD, IOSCO)
Advantages of Fund Management in Mauritius
- Cost-effective setup and operational environment
- Access to a growing market of Africa-focused and emerging market investors
- Efficient licensing timelines and proactive FSC support
- Robust legal framework for compliance, governance, and investor protection
- Easy access to professional service providers, including fund administrators, auditors, and legal advisors