About Services Enterprise Solutions Financial Institutions Private Clients Fintech Solutions UAE Offering Insights Case Studies Jurisdiction Finder Contact

Financial Institutions

Foreign Investment Dealer Licensing in Mauritius

Mauritius offers a dedicated suite of FSC licences for foreign entities wishing to conduct investment dealing operations from a Mauritius base, providing a regulated, internationally recognised platform for securities dealing across multiple product categories.

Overview

What are Foreign Investment Dealer Licences?

Foreign Investment Dealer (FID) licences are issued by the Financial Services Commission under the Securities Act and are designed specifically for foreign entities seeking to conduct investment dealer activities from Mauritius. Unlike the standard Investment Dealer categories which are open to all applicants, FID licences are reserved for entities that are incorporated or registered outside Mauritius, providing a tailored regulatory pathway for international firms seeking a regulated Mauritius presence without local incorporation.

The FID licence suite comprises four categories: FID Broker, FID in Derivatives, FID Full Service Including Underwriting, and FID Discount Broker. Each category carries distinct activity permissions, capital requirements, and conduct obligations calibrated to the scope of permitted activities. The appropriate category is determined by the nature of the applicant's intended business model and target market.

Holding an FID licence in Mauritius confers regulatory credibility, positions the entity within a well-regarded international financial centre, and provides access to Mauritius's professional services ecosystem. For foreign financial services firms seeking a regulated entry point into the African and Indian Ocean markets, the FID framework represents a compelling and cost-efficient option.

4
Licence Categories
FID Broker, FID in Derivatives, FID Full Service Including Underwriting, and FID Discount Broker, each with defined activity permissions.
FSC
Regulated & Recognised
All FID licences are issued by the Financial Services Commission of Mauritius under the Securities Act, conferring internationally recognised regulatory standing.
Foreign
Entities Only
FID licences are specifically designed for entities incorporated or registered outside Mauritius, providing a dedicated regulatory pathway for international firms.

What We Provide

Key Features of FID Licences

FID Broker
Permits the buying and selling of securities on behalf of clients as a broker or agent, without the authority to deal as principal. Suitable for foreign entities seeking a focused broking mandate for execution of client orders in the Mauritian and international securities markets.
FID in Derivatives
Authorises dealing in derivative instruments including futures, options, and swaps on behalf of clients. Designed for foreign entities with a specialist derivatives business seeking a regulated Mauritius platform for derivatives intermediation.
FID Full Service Including Underwriting
The broadest FID category, permitting trading, dealing, underwriting, and securities placement in addition to standard broking. Suitable for full-service foreign investment firms seeking comprehensive dealing and capital markets capabilities from a Mauritius base.
FID Discount Broker
An execution-only licence for foreign entities operating technology-driven brokerage platforms. Permits order execution for clients without advisory or principal dealing permissions, with proportionate capital and conduct requirements reflecting the limited scope of permitted activities.

Process

How It Works

01
Licence Category Assessment
We assess the applicant's intended business model, target client profile, and product scope to identify the most appropriate FID licence category and confirm that all eligibility criteria are met prior to application.
02
Application Preparation
Aurevya prepares the full FSC licence application, including the business plan, organisational structure, compliance framework documentation, financial projections, and comprehensive KYC packages for all controllers and key personnel.
03
FSC Engagement
The application is submitted to the FSC and Aurevya manages all subsequent regulatory correspondence, responses to FSC queries, and any supplementary information requests throughout the assessment process.
04
Compliance Infrastructure
Prior to licence grant, Aurevya assists in establishing the compliance infrastructure required for licence conditions, including AML/CFT programme documentation, conduct policies, and operational controls appropriate to the licence category.
05
Ongoing Regulatory Compliance
Post-licence, Aurevya provides ongoing compliance support, including annual regulatory returns, licence condition monitoring, and proactive guidance on FSC regulatory developments affecting the FID licence category.

Practical Considerations

Requirements & Timeline

Regulatory Requirements

  • Incorporation or registration outside Mauritius (FID licences are for foreign entities)
  • Minimum stated capital as prescribed by the FSC for the relevant licence category
  • Fit and proper assessment of all directors, shareholders, and key personnel
  • Comprehensive compliance and AML/CFT framework documentation
  • Business plan demonstrating the viability and legitimacy of the intended activities
  • Appointed compliance officer with appropriate qualifications
  • Registered office or operational address in Mauritius

Indicative Timeline

  • Application Preparation: 4-6 weeks from engagement to submission-ready application
  • FSC Assessment: 8-12 weeks from submission, subject to FSC processing and any queries
  • Licence Grant: Following FSC approval and satisfaction of any conditions precedent
  • Compliance Infrastructure Setup: Concurrent with FSC assessment, 4-6 weeks
  • Operational Readiness: Typically 14-20 weeks from initial engagement

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

FID licences are reserved for entities that are incorporated or registered outside Mauritius. Entities incorporated in Mauritius seeking investment dealer permissions should apply for the standard Investment Dealer licence categories. An FID applicant must demonstrate that it is a genuine foreign entity with a credible business model and that its principal of incorporation is outside Mauritius.
The principal distinction is the eligibility criterion: FID licences are for foreign entities, while standard Investment Dealer licences are available to both Mauritian and foreign-incorporated entities. In terms of permitted activities, the FID categories broadly mirror their standard Investment Dealer equivalents. The FID framework is designed to provide a streamlined pathway for foreign firms that wish to operate from Mauritius without locally incorporating a new entity.
Yes. An entity holding an FID licence may open bank accounts with Mauritian banking institutions, subject to each bank's own acceptance criteria and KYC requirements. Aurevya's banking relationships facilitate the account opening process for FID-licensed clients.
Ongoing obligations include filing annual returns with the FSC, maintaining the required minimum capital, meeting all licence conditions, operating an effective AML/CFT programme, and reporting material changes in the business to the FSC promptly. Aurevya's compliance team manages these obligations as part of its ongoing regulatory support service.

Continue Exploring

Related Services

Investment Dealer (Full Licence)
For entities incorporating in Mauritius seeking the broadest investment dealer permissions, including trading, dealing, and underwriting of securities.
Learn More →
Asset Management & Treasury
For foreign institutions seeking to manage third-party assets or conduct global treasury activities from a regulated Mauritius platform.
Learn More →
Risk Management & Regulatory Compliance
Ongoing compliance support, AML/CFT programme management, and proactive FSC engagement for all regulated entities.
Learn More →

Begin Your Engagement

Our regulatory specialists will identify the optimal licence category and guide you through every stage of the application process.

Speak with a Specialist