Currently, a forex license Mauritius is an excellent solution for brokers or traders in this area to gain a firm foothold in the global forex market. Many people are usually attracted by the favorable conditions for those wishing to work in this area, as it is a recognized financial center of the Indian Ocean. This demonstrates reliability and the ability to win the trust of clients, partners, and investors.
Benefits of Acquiring a Forex License in Mauritius
Getting a forex license in Mauritius brings a suite of strategic advantages for businesses in the forex sector, emphasizing the country’s position as a global financial hub:
- Mauritius is celebrated for its reputable and transparent financial landscape.
- The country boasts state-of-the-art telecommunications and robust banking systems.
- Mauritius experiences swift expansion in its financial services sector.
- The Financial Services Commission (FSC) offers clear guidelines and support to licensed entities.
- Statutory guarantees protect corporate confidentiality.
- A relatively low share capital requirement for licensing.
- Foreign entities not resident in Mauritius enjoy 0% taxation, with offshore companies facing a minimal corporate tax rate of 3%.
- Over 30 agreements mitigate double taxation concerns.
- The freedom for financial maneuverability and capital movement.
- The flexibility to oversee operations from afar.
- Company registration is completed in 3-4 weeks, with license issuance around three months.
Mauritius Forex License Regulatory Overview
The essential supervisory authority for the non-banking financial sector and international business is the FSC (Financial Services Commission of Mauritius), which was established in 2001. It is authorized to issue licenses and regulate operations in this niche.
To achieve the stability and resilience of the financial system in Mauritius, the FSC does everything necessary, namely, to prevent crime and protect investors in the non-banking financial market. Considering the regulatory framework for trading on the Forex market, it is worth paying attention to the following laws:
The Financial Services Act of 2007
It defines the rules for financial sector companies, requires obtaining a license from the FSC and adherence to strict audit, transparency, and risk management rules.
Responsible for regulating the securities market, requiring business entities to comply with standards of authorization, transparency of transactions, and reporting on securities transactions.
Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Act of 2009
It introduces measures against money laundering and terrorist financing by requiring regulated entities to perform due diligence, monitor transactions, and report suspicious activity.
It is worth noting that companies must obtain a brokerage license in Mauritius if they want to provide services on the Forex market. With this license, it becomes possible to conduct transactions with different currencies and trade in precious metals.
In addition, there is an international business license (CBL1), which requires an application to the FSC. It proves the company‘s international activities, providing investor protection for activities carried out in currencies other than the Mauritian currency.
Capabilities Enabled by a Mauritius Forex License
Obtaining a brokerage license in Mauritius through the Financial Services Commission (FSC) unlocks a suite of operational capabilities for firms in the Mauritian financial sector. With this license, a company gains the authority to:
- Offering personalized portfolio management services.
- Engaging in securities trading for eventual sale.
- Delivering expert investment counsel and strategy recommendations to clients.
- Facilitating transactions in various securities, including currencies, stocks, and other asset classes.
Mauritius Forex License Varieties
The Mauritius Financial Services Authority extends several forex license types to accommodate the specific requirements of financial market participants. These licenses facilitate access to various market operations and financial transactions. Prominent types of forex licenses in Mauritius include:
- Investment Dealer License:
- Enables the operation of forex trading platforms along with exchange and trading services provision.
- Capital Requirement: Approximately $22,500 (1,000,000 Mauritian rupees).
- Application fee of $750 (7,500 MUR); Annual license fee of $2,500 (75,000 MUR).
- Investment Advisor License:
- Authorizes the offering of investment advice, market analysis, and trading strategy recommendations.
- Capital Requirement: Around $22,500 (1,000,000 Mauritian rupees), mirroring the Investment Dealer License.
- Application fee of $750 (7,500 MUR); Annual license fee of $2,500 (75,000 MUR).
- Global Business License (GBL):
- Enables a broad array of financial activities, including forex trading and investment management.
- Capital Requirement: Minimal, about 1 euro (45 Mauritian rupees).
- Application fee of approximately 460 euros (23,000 MUR); Annual fee of about 1,800 euros (90,000 MUR).
Mauritius and Vanuatu Forex Licenses
When getting a forex license in Mauritius, companies must establish a brokerage office, open an account with a local bank, and appoint two local Mauritians with financial experience. Key personnel, such as an anti-money laundering officer, should be hired, and a physical office should be provided. In addition, you should keep in mind thorough financial documentation, deposit a minimum capital of $18,000, and so on.
At the same time, when applying for a forex license in Vanuatu, you need to confirm the trust in the founders and their financial knowledge, as well as demonstrate financial solvency. Of course, it is necessary to comply with the anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing policy and provide a minimum capital of 50,000 US dollars. The process also includes an independent audit, risk management, and a large amount of necessary documentation.
Requirements
- Registration of a brokerage firm.
- Opening a corporate bank account in Mauritius.
- At least two Mauritian directors must be appointed.
- The founders are required to have reliable financial experience.
- Find a local office and hire staff, including an anti-money laundering officer and an accountant under formal employment contracts.
- Regular audits.
- Keep and provide financial statements upon request.
- Implement a strict anti-money laundering and anti-terrorist financing policy.
- A minimum share capital of USD 18,000 is required.
- A comprehensive business plan.
- Hold regular board meetings in Mauritius to comply with local laws.
Stages of Obtaining a Forex License in Mauritius
Initial Documentation
Preferred company name, passport copies of all shareholders and directors, proof of residence (e.g., utility bill) for directors and shareholders, a brief (1-2 pages) business model description, and a company structure chart.
Company Formation and Team Setup
- Company registration and corporate document preparation.
- Hiring of a Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO), Deputy MLRO, and two local directors.
- Designation of a registered office and company secretary.
Licensing Process
- Drafting of broker license Forex Mauritius application documents and AML/KYC policies.
- Filing the application with the FSC and ongoing communication until license issuance.
Corporate Account Opening
- Analysis and selection of Banks/EMIs, comparing the risk appetite of the bank with the client’s AML policies.
- Gathering necessary documents from the client for account opening, including flow of funds, source of wealth, and purpose of account opening.
- Assisting throughout the account opening phase.
Setting Up a Forex Company
Establishing a Global Business Company (GBC) in Mauritius is a strategic move for accessing the forex market, benefiting from a flexible corporate structure, a conducive tax environment, and eligibility for forex activities licensing under the Companies Act 2001. The setup process varies in duration, hinging on business complexity and document readiness.
Key requirements
- A minimum of one shareholder and two Mauritius-resident directors.
- A resident company secretary qualified under Mauritian law.
- Compliance with initial capital requirements specific to the desired forex license Mauritius.
- A registered office in Mauritius for official correspondence and record-keeping.
- Management and control from Mauritius to qualify as a tax resident, with an option for non-residents to be tax-exempt.
- A Mauritian corporate bank account.
- Administration by a licensed management company to liaise with the FSC.
- Preparation and audit of statutory financial statements in Mauritius.
To incorporate a GBC
- Engage a management company.
- Choose a compliant and available company name.
- Compile necessary documentation.
- Cover incorporation fees.
- File documents and applications with the Registrar of Companies.
- Open a corporate bank account.
- Register for taxes with the Mauritius Revenue Authority (MRA) and fulfill employment registrations with relevant authorities.
Required documents for incorporation
- Memorandum and Articles of Association.
- Passport copies for directors, secretary, and shareholders.
- Application for company incorporation and name reservation notice.
- Director, secretary, and shareholder consents.
- Registered office proof in Mauritius.
- A comprehensive business plan detailing trading strategies, market analysis, risk and compliance measures.
- Audited financials reflecting the company’s adherence to capital requirements and regulatory compliance.
Taxation for Brokerage Companies in Mauritius
For those brokerage companies that want to minimize tax costs, Mauritius has become one of the most attractive locations, having a competitive tax system. The island has a general corporate tax rate of 15% under the Income Tax Act of 1995. One of the key reasons for this attractiveness is the reduced rate of 3% for offshore companies.
Tax incentives:
- Tax incentives provide temporary tax exemption for eligible companies.
- Tax exemption for foreign forex companies that are not residents of Mauritius for tax purposes.
- International tax treaties with many countries to prevent double taxation and establish tax protocols.
- Dividend income and capital gains are not taxed in Mauritius.
Among the responsibilities of brokers in Mauritius are compliance with local tax laws ensuring tax returns are filed and taxes are paid, which is vital to avoid fines, interest, or penalties.
FAQ
How long does the process of obtaining a forex license in Mauritius usually take?
The procedure takes about three months. The period may be slightly longer if the regulator needs to clarify the data or request additional documents during the application process.
How long is a Forex license in Mauritius valid for?
Forex licenses in Mauritius have an initial validity period of 1 year as a rule. It is important that the licensee strictly continues to comply with all regulatory requirements, as well as pay all necessary fees in order to renew the license annually after the initial period expires.
What difficulties can be faced when obtaining a Forex License in Mauritius?
The process of obtaining a brokerage license in Mauritius can be challenging due to the strict regulatory requirements. In addition, you need to keep in mind compliance with compliance, financial and infrastructure standards, as well as capital and fee obligations.
Is it possible to have non-resident directors in Mauritius?
It is possible to have non-local directors in a company. Foreign nationals are allowed to be directors of a business registered in Mauritius. It is best to seek professional advice, as specific regulatory requirements may apply.
