Obtain an Investment Banking Licence in Mauritius and Labuan

Mauritius and Labuan are two popular destinations for obtaining an investment banking licence. Mauritius offers a favourable business environment with a well-established financial sector.

The Financial Services Commission (FSC) of Mauritius regulates the financial services industry, including investment banking. To obtain a licence, applicants must meet specific requirements, such as having a minimum paid-up capital of MUR 50 million.

Labuan, on the other hand, is a financial hub in Malaysia that offers a range of financial services, including investment banking. The Labuan Financial Services Authority (LFSA) is responsible for regulating the financial services industry in Labuan.

To obtain an investment banking licence in Labuan, applicants must meet the LFSA's requirements, which include having a minimum paid-up capital of MYR 2 million.

Mauritius offers a unique opportunity for businesses to secure an investment banking licence and unlock new growth potential.

Don't miss out on the opportunities that Mauritius has to offer. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you secure your Investment Banking Licence.

Mauritius is a hub for investment banking, providing a favorable business environment that attracts international investors and businesses.

Applying for an Investment Banking Licence in Mauritius offers numerous benefits.

Mauritius has a business-friendly environment, which makes it an attractive location for investment.

The country has a well-established financial sector, providing a solid foundation for investment banking activities.

Don't miss out on the opportunities that Mauritius has to offer.

Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you secure your Investment Banking Licence and unlock new growth potential for your business.

To apply for an Investment Banking Licence in Mauritius, you'll need to go through a multi-step process. The first step is to incorporate your company under the Companies Act of Mauritius or register it as a branch of a foreign company.

You'll need to submit various documents, including your company's constitution, corporate governance infrastructure, and internal procedures manual. These documents must demonstrate your company's ability to prevent conflicts of interest, money laundering, and financing of terrorism, as well as protect client interests.

The FSC requires evidence of sufficient financial resources, organisational structure, and management capacity. This means you'll need to show that your company has the necessary funds and expertise to operate a successful investment banking business.

You'll also need to maintain a fully paid minimum stated unimpaired capital of at least 50 million rupees or as determined by the FSC. This ensures that your company has a solid financial foundation.

Your company must also have a board of directors consisting of at least five natural persons, with 40% being independent directors. This helps ensure that your company is well-governed and that decisions are made with the best interests of your clients in mind.

Here's a summary of the key requirements:

By meeting these requirements, you'll be well on your way to obtaining an Investment Banking Licence in Mauritius. Remember to carefully review the FSC's regulations and guidelines to ensure you're meeting all the necessary criteria.

To obtain an investment banking licence, you'll need to consider the Labuan Licence package, which includes the incorporation of a Labuan or comparable offshore corporation. This is the foundation of your investment banking operation.

The Labuan Licence package also requires the establishment of a corporate bank account suitable for forex operations, as well as a merchant service account for accepting credit and debit cards. This will enable you to manage your finances and process transactions efficiently.

Here's a breakdown of the key components of the Labuan Licence package:

Obtaining a Labuan license offers numerous advantages, particularly in today's complex regulatory environment.

The offshore banking industry has seen a significant shift towards transparency, with billions of dollars being kept on deposit in offshore banks.

This increased focus on Anti-Money Laundering controls has actually enhanced the legitimacy of offshore banking, making it a more attractive option for those seeking financial privacy.

Major financial centers like the United States and European Union have eroded financial privacy rights, driving the demand for offshore banking services.

As a result, the market has opened up opportunities for setting up an offshore bank, especially since many traditional high-risk banking clients are no longer accepted by banks.

The Labuan Package is a comprehensive solution that helps you establish a Labuan-licensed investment bank. This package includes the incorporation of a Labuan or comparable offshore corporation, which is a crucial step in obtaining the license.

You'll need to arrange for a local registered officer and local directors, if required. This is a standard requirement for most offshore corporations.

The package also includes drafting corporate bylaws, minutes, and owner share issuances. These documents are essential for the smooth operation of your corporation.

To facilitate international transactions, the package helps establish a corporate bank account suitable for forex operations. This is a critical component of any investment bank.

Additionally, the package includes the establishment of a merchant service account for accepting credit and debit cards. This will enable your clients to make payments through various channels.

The Labuan Package also involves drafting a business plan, financial statements, and financial projections. These documents are necessary for the licensing process and will help you secure funding.

To comply with regulatory requirements, the package includes drafting Anti-Money Laundering & Know-Your-Customer policies. These policies are essential for any financial institution.

Finally, the package arranges for a requisite surety bond, which is a standard requirement for most licenses.

Here's an overview of the services included in the Labuan Package:

In Mauritius, the Investment Banking Licence offers a unique 5-in-1 Licence that allows holders to engage in a diverse range of activities.

Holders of this licence can offer a full spectrum of investment services, including trading, market making, and underwriting, as part of their investment dealer services.

They can also provide comprehensive investment advice without restrictions, making them a go-to partner for investors seeking expert guidance.

In addition, they can specialise in corporate finance strategies, mergers and acquisitions, and capital restructuring, making them a valuable asset to businesses seeking growth and expansion.

Their asset management services enable them to manage assets on behalf of clients, helping them achieve specific investment goals.

Lastly, they can distribute financial products to investors, making it easier for people to access a wide range of investment opportunities.

This 5-in-1 Licence is a game-changer for businesses looking to expand their services and offerings, and Mauritius offers a significant tax incentive to holders of this licence, with a 5-year tax holiday.

Here's a summary of the 5-in-1 Licence activities:

Obtaining an investment banking licence can be a lengthy and complex process. It typically takes several months to several years to complete.

In many countries, investment banks must be licensed by the relevant regulatory body, such as the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK. This licence is often subject to strict conditions and ongoing compliance requirements.

To be eligible for a licence, investment banks must demonstrate a minimum level of capital and meet specific requirements for their business model, management structure, and risk management practices.

Holders of an Investment Banking Licence in Mauritius can engage in a wide range of activities, including advising on and facilitating debt and equity offerings, such as private placements or public offerings.

Mergers and acquisitions, tender offers, and financial restructurings are also permitted activities under this licence.

Here are some of the specific activities that are covered:

These activities are crucial for businesses looking to raise capital, expand their operations, or restructure their finances.

Finvasia Group has obtained its Investment Banking Licence from the Financial Services Commission of Mauritius (FSC), allowing them to offer investment banking services globally.

The FSC is a prominent regulator for the non-bank financial services sector and global business, overseeing operators in the financial services sector, including Provident Funds, Superannuation Funds, Virtual Asset Service Providers, and other Investment Service Providers.

Finvasia Group's investment banking licence enables them to offer the following services: Investment Dealer (Full-Service Dealer including underwriting).

To engage in investment banking work, you may need to register with the SIE and pass either the Series 79 exam or the Series 82 exam, depending on the specific activities involved.

If you're already registered as an Investment Banking Representative (Series 79) under FINRA Rule 1220(b)(5), you may still need to register as a General Securities Representative (SIE + Series 7 exam) or Private Securities Offerings Representative (SIE + Series 82 exam) if you engage in road show activities or direct selling efforts related to a debt or equities securities offering.

Here are the registration requirements for investment banking work:

If you're already registered as a General Securities Representative (Series 7) and engage in both sales and marketing of private placements and public offerings, you may still need to register as an Investment Banking Representative by passing the Series 79 exam if you want to engage in activities such as preparing a marketing plan or advising on a marketing plan prepared by a sales team.

Finvasia Group is a global fintech leader that has made significant strides in the investment banking space. Founded in 2009 in Canada, the company set out to be one of the world's leading asset management companies.

Established in 2009, Finvasia Group has a history of sustained growth and innovation. In 2011, the company forayed into the Indian capital markets as a Financial Institutional Investor (FII).

Finvasia Group's co-founders, Sarvjeet Singh Virk and Tajinder Virk, are brothers who have been instrumental in driving the company's success. They started exploring India's retail trading segment, observing systemic flaws and malpractices in the industry.

Finvasia Group has a range of flagship brands, including Shoonya, ZuluTrade, Fxview, AAAFx, CapitalWallet, and ActTrader. The company has obtained its Investment Banking Licence from the Financial Services Commission of Mauritius (FSC).

Under its FSC licence, Finvasia Group will offer the following services:

Finvasia Group's CEO, Tajinder Virk, sees the investment banking licence as a significant step forward for the company. The licence will enable Finvasia to offer exclusive financial services and products to its clients.