The Investment Advisor Licence is granted by the Mauritius Financial Services Commission (FSC) and allows firms and individuals to provide investment advisory services to clients. It is designed for businesses involved in advising on the purchase or sale of financial products or investments such as stocks, bonds, real estate, and other securities. The licence is ideal for firms that seek to offer professional, regulated investment advice while benefiting from Mauritius’s favourable regulatory and tax environment.
Key Features of the Investment Advisor Licence
- The licence allows firms to provide personalised investment advice to clients based on their financial goals, risk tolerance, and investment preferences. This can include advice on securities, portfolios, and asset management.
- Portfolio management advice
- Financial planning and wealth management
- Advice on structured products, bonds, equities, and alternative investments
- Risk assessment and asset allocation
- Retirement and tax-efficient planning
- Facilitates trades on behalf of clients without taking a position (i.e., not acting as principal)
- Cannot hold or control client assets
- Minimum stated capital: MUR 700,000
- The firm must maintain a minimum capital (typically MUR 1 million)
- The firm must have qualified staff (advisors with appropriate professional qualifications such as CFA, CFP, or equivalent)
- A robust compliance framework must be in place, including AML/KYC procedures
- The firm must submit a business plan outlining its advisory services, target market, and revenue models
- Firms holding an Investment Advisor Licence are supervised by the FSC and must adhere to the Securities Act 2005 and other applicable regulations. This ensures that clients receive high-quality advice, with the firm acting in the best interests of the clients at all times.
Regulated Advisory Services
Types of Services
Investment Dealer (Broker)
Requirements for Licensing
Regulatory Oversight
Benefits of the Investment Advisor Licence in Mauritius
- Reputable Jurisdiction: Mauritius is a well-regulated financial centre that provides access to global markets, especially across Africa and Asia.
- Tax Efficiency: The jurisdiction offers a favourable tax regime with a flat 15% corporate tax rate and the possibility of substantial exemptions, making it ideal for global advisory firms.
- Global Market Access: Mauritius’s extensive network of Double Taxation Avoidance Agreements (DTAAs) opens up opportunities for cross-border investment advice and wealth management.
- Low Operating Costs: Compared to major global financial hubs, Mauritius offers competitive operational costs, making it an attractive option for firms looking to provide cost-effective advisory services.