Investment Dealer & Investment Banking Licences
Investment Dealer & Investment Banking Licences
The Investment Dealer Licence, issued by the Financial Services Commission (FSC) under the Securities Act 2005 and the Securities (Licensing) Rules 2007, authorises a company to operate as an intermediary in securities transactions. It is a core regulatory licence that covers dealing, advising, execution, and distribution of financial instruments.
The licence must be held under a Global Business Company (GBC) and is subject to capital adequacy, governance, and compliance requirements, including the appointment of resident directors and a qualified compliance officer.
Scope of Activities
Depending on the category of licence granted, an Investment Dealer may be authorised to:
- Trade securities as principal or agent
- Manage and execute client orders
- Underwrite and distribute financial instruments
- Provide investment advisory and portfolio management services
- Act as intermediary in capital market transactions
Pathway to Investment Banking Licence
The Investment Dealer Licence also forms the regulatory foundation for applying for an Investment Banking Licence in Mauritius. Subject to FSC approval, this broader licence allows a company to carry out a combination of the following activities:
- Investment advice and asset management
- Corporate finance and M&A advisory
- Structuring and placement of securities
- Distribution of financial products
- Execution and clearing services
This dual-licensing structure makes Mauritius an increasingly attractive jurisdiction for cross-border financial institutions, boutique investment houses, and advisory platforms seeking an efficient and credible regulatory environment.
