Africa & Indian Ocean · MU
Mauritius
A financial centre with a dedicated framework for virtual asset service providers and established licences for investment dealers.
At a glance
- Status
- Sovereign state
- Region
- Africa & Indian Ocean
- Regulated sectors
- CryptoInvestment
- Authorities
- FSC · Bank of Mauritius
- Licensing routes
- 2
Overview
The framework
The Financial Services Commission licenses investment dealers and other capital markets participants, and administers the Virtual Asset and Initial Token Offering Services Act, which introduced licensing for virtual asset service providers and issuers of initial token offerings.
Mauritius is often considered by groups seeking an international entity with credible supervision and access to African and Asian markets.
Authorities
Who regulates what
- Financial Services Commission (FSC)
- Investment dealers, funds and virtual asset service providers.
- Bank of Mauritius
- Banking and payment systems.
Regimes
Licensing routes
Investment dealer licence
For brokerage and dealing activities.
Sectors: Investment
VASP licence
Licensing under the Virtual Asset and Initial Token Offering Services Act.
Sectors: Crypto
Applications and regulator engagement for these routes are handled by our Regulatory & Licensing practice.
Considerations
What to weigh up
- Substance requirements apply to licensed entities.
- Useful as part of a multi-entity international structure.
This overview is general information, summarised at a high level. Requirements change and depend on the specific activity; seek advice on your circumstances before acting.
Across jurisdictions
Cross-jurisdiction capabilities
Services we support across the jurisdictions in our directory, described once on their own pages. How each is delivered depends on the local requirements that apply; where local qualification is required, we coordinate locally qualified counsel.
- Privacy & Data ProtectionPrivacy compliance and GDPR programmes, notices and DPAs, DPIAs, data mapping and ROPA, transfers, audits and breach response.
- AML & Financial Crime ComplianceAML/CFT programmes, MLRO-as-a-Service, independent AML/CFT audits, risk assessments, monitoring, sanctions and inspection support.
- IP Registration & ProtectionTrademark and patent registration and protection, copyright protection, domain name disputes, portfolio support and IP agreements.
- Legal OpinionsRegulatory, business model, perimeter, payment, gaming, crypto-asset and cross-border opinions for banks, partners and investors.
- Bank Account OpeningSupport with corporate and operational accounts at banks and EMIs, prepared for how their compliance teams assess high-risk businesses.
- Merchant Account / Acquiring SetupSupport with merchant account applications and acquiring setup at acquirers and PSPs, including for high-risk merchant categories.
Support
How we support businesses in Mauritius
- Regulatory & Licensing01Strategy, applications and regulator engagement for the crypto and investment routes listed above.
- Corporate Structuring02Group architecture, incorporation, substance and governance built around your licences, banking and investors.
- Market Entry & Regulatory Strategy10Market prioritisation, regulatory roadmaps and launch readiness for businesses expanding into new jurisdictions.
Discuss your matter with a senior advisor.
Share a few details about your business and plans. We will come back to arrange a confidential initial conversation.