Mauritius · FSC · Regulated offshore
Mauritius forex licence (FSC Investment Dealer)
An established international financial centre with a real licensing review, clean international list status and a growing broker community. We deliver this licence directly with our licensed Mauritius partner.
Updated
Forex and CFD brokers in Mauritius usually hold an FSC Investment Dealer licence (Full Service Dealer excluding Underwriting) under the Securities Act 2005, through a company with a Global Business Licence. Expect resident directors, a compliance officer, MLRO and deputy MLRO, an approved auditor and typically 4–8 months.
Key facts
| Regulator | Financial Services Commission (FSC) |
|---|---|
| Licence | Investment Dealer (Full Service Dealer excluding Underwriting) |
| Legal basis | Securities Act 2005; Securities (Licensing) Rules 2007; Financial Services Act 2007 |
| Entity | Company with a Global Business Licence (GBC), or a domestic company |
| Typical timeline | Typically 4–8 months |
| Capital | Yes, set by the regulator by licence category |
| Tax | 15% corporate tax, with an 80% partial exemption on qualifying income when substance tests are met |
| Recognition | Good: established regulator, off the FATF grey list and EU lists |
| Client markets | International clients; no passporting; must obtain authorisation where each target market requires it |
| EU passport | No |
| Our service | We deliver here |
Indicative information for comparison only, reviewed on the date shown. Requirements change and depend on your structure; confirm with the regulator and local counsel before deciding.
Overview
The Financial Services Commission (FSC) licenses forex and CFD brokers as Investment Dealers. The Full Service Dealer excluding Underwriting category covers dealing on own account and as agent, which suits most retail FX/CFD models. The company usually also holds a Global Business Licence.
The FSC reviews applications in detail: business plan, platform, liquidity providers, execution policy and the people who will run the firm. In return, a Mauritius licence is widely accepted by banks, payment providers and liquidity providers. Much of the required substance can be provided by a licensed management company, so founders do not need to relocate.
Substance and people
- At least two Mauritius-resident directors (typical for GBCs)
- Investment dealer team of at least two members
- Compliance officer, MLRO and deputy MLRO independent of the board
- Mauritius bank account and registered office
- FSC-approved auditor and professional indemnity insurance
Ongoing obligations
- Annual Global Business Licence and Investment Dealer licence renewal
- Audited annual financial statements filed with the FSC
- Periodic returns and compliance reports
- AML/CFT reporting to the Financial Intelligence Unit
- Client money segregation
Advantages
- Reputable financial centre with a treaty network
- Clear, published licensing criteria
- Clean FATF and EU list status
Drawbacks
- Real substance and running costs
- Slower than light offshore regimes
- Detailed questions on platform, liquidity and execution
Recent changes
The Finance Act 2025 introduced a temporary Fair Share Contribution for 2025–2028, from which Global Business Licence holders are exempt. Partial-exemption rules have been tightened around substance. Trade press in 2026 reports prop firms and brokers moving from the Comoros to Mauritius.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a Mauritius forex licence take?
Typically four to eight months from a complete application.
Do I need to move to Mauritius?
No. Resident directors, officers and the registered office can be provided by a licensed management company.
Can a Mauritius licence serve EU clients?
No. There is no passporting; EU clients require an EU licence such as a Cyprus CIF.
Official sources
Primary sources we rely on. Rules change; always confirm current requirements with the authority.
- Financial Services Commission (FSC) Mauritius fscmauritius.org
- FSC licensing criteria: Investment Dealer (Full Service Dealer excluding Underwriting) fscmauritius.org
Similar jurisdictions
The Bahamas
Securities Commission of The Bahamas (SCB)
Securities firm registration (dealing) with CFD registration
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Cayman Islands Monetary Authority (CIMA)
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View profileSeychelles
Financial Services Authority (FSA)
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