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    Mauritius Credit Finance License 

    • Mauritius Credit Finance License is a license that authorizes an entity to participate in credit financing activities legally. This license is regulated by the Financial Services Commission (FSC). 
    • Global financial markets are constantly evolving, and demand for non-bank lending services is continuously growing. Over the past few years, Mauritius has positioned itself as a prime jurisdiction for credit finance institutions. More and more businesses are opting to register company in Mauritius.  
    • Our service package consists of: 
      • Mauritius Credit Finance License application 
      • Register Company in Mauritius 
      • Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) paperwork and classification 
      • Preparation of business plan, AML and CFT policies, and other necessary compliance policies 
      • Legal documents drafting services 
      • Corporate bank account opening   

    What is the Mauritius Credit Finance License? 

    • The Mauritius Credit Finance License is considered to be an official authorization provided by the Financial Services Commission (FSC) of Mauritius, allowing an entity to participate in credit financing activities in the country. This license is significant for any organization wanting to legally offer multiple lending services, including personal loans, mortgages, credit cards, and even business loans. The FSC, under the Financial Services Act 2007, is the key entity responsible for regulating, supervising, and licensing non-banking financial institutions, including credit finance providers.  
    • Under Section 14 of the Financial Services Act 2007, credit finance has become a licensable activity. Mauritius Credit Finance license also covers the provision of funds to individuals, businesses, and other entities, with the agreement that the money will be paid in the future, usually at an interest rate. This also consists of a wide range of lending products.  

    Advantages of getting a Mauritius Credit Finance License 

    Advantages of getting a Mauritius Credit Finance License 

    FSC governance 

    Corporate tax rate 

    • The corporate tax rate in Mauritius for business entities is 15%, and the rates can even go as low as 3% for qualifying entities. Distributions to shareholders and capital gains are usually tax-free, which improves returns for investors.  

    Double taxation 

    • More than 40 DTAAs in Mauritius prevent dual taxation and incentivize cross-border investments.  

    Ease of doing business 

    • Mauritius is ranked first in Africa for regulatory efficiency, governance, as well as political stability. It also has simplified company registration, compliance, and licensing under the FSC.  

    Hybrid legal system  

    • It also combines French civil law along with British common law, ensuring predictability and fairness in disputes. Mauritius also has a sophisticated banking sector, which provides innovative services such as tap-to-pay, e-transfers, along with AI-driven fintech solutions.  

    Global business companies 

    Timeline for obtaining a Mauritius Credit Finance License 

    • After the due diligence is completed, our team at Tetra consultants register your company in Mauritius within 2 weeks. Once the company is registered our team will proceed with corporate bank account opening which will take around 4 weeks. Meanwhile, Tetra consultants will get your license application ready. After the submission of your license application, it will take around 3 to 4 months to get your Mauritius Credit Finance License.  
    • However, some of the specialized licenses may differ because of the nature of the services and the volume of applications being managed. Remember that the FSC conducts effective fit-and-proper evaluations of directors, key employees, and shareholders, which will further impact the processing time. Most of the time delays also take place because the application is incomplete, or if any extra information is needed by the FSC. Thus, the whole process of getting Mauritius Credit Finance License will take up to 3 to 4 months 

    Main regulatory authorities for Mauritius Credit Finance License 

    • The main regulatory authority for credit finance licenses in Mauritius is Financial Services Commission (FSC). This authority is responsible for regulating, monitoring, supervising, and licensing all non-banking financial services, and credit finance activities in Mauritius.  
    • In Mauritius, the FSC is the integrated regulatory for all the non-banking financial services, and global business activities. FSC was established under the Financial Services Act 2007 and uses a risk-based supervisory framework to conduct and plan thematic inspections across all its licenses.  

    Types of Mauritius Credit Finance License 

    • Mauritius provides a comprehensive licensing framework for several credit finance activities and is regulated by the FSC. The main types of credit finance licenses in Mauritius are: 

    Money lending license (FS-1.20) 

    • This license is specifically for those companies that are engaged in money lending as a principal business activity. The permitted activities under this license are providing loans to businesses and individuals who are unsecured and at higher interest rates. It also includes short-term loans, micro-finance, and pay day loans.  

    Leasing license (FS 2.5, SF1-G1, SF1-D2) 

    • This license is for companies offering leasing services like assets and equipment leasing. The permitted activities under this license are finance leases, where the asset is owned by lessee, and operating leases which are temporary use of assets.  

    Credit finance license (FS-2.3) 

    • This license authorizes the provision of funds to businesses, individuals, and other entities, based on the agreement that money will be repaid in the future, and with interest. The permitted activities under this license are credit cards, business loans, personal loans, and mortgages.  

    Factoring license (FS-2.4) 

    • This license is for entities who are engaged in factoring, which consists of purchasing accounts receivable from businesses at a discounted price to offer immediate liquidity. The permitted activities under this license are purchasing and managing trade receivable and discounting invoices.  

    Activities allowed under the Mauritius Credit Finance License 

    • Mauritius Credit Finance License is controlled by the FSC, and authorizes license holders to participate in wide range of credit financing activities, such as: 

    Lending and credit facilities  

    • In this license holders can take personal loans, mortgages, lines of credit, along with business loans.  

    Repayment, terms, and fees 

    • License holders can also determine and disclose interest rates, and impose any additional fees or charges related to the provision of credit.  

    Ancillary and related activities  

    • With Mauritius Credit Finance License, license holders can oversee the ongoing management of credit portfolios, participate in the purchases of account receivables, and offer guidance on mergers and acquisitions. 

    Step-by-Step procedure to get a Mauritius Credit Finance License 

    Step-by-Step procedure to get a Mauritius Credit Finance License 
    • The process to get a Mauritius Credit Finance License is controlled by the FSC and consists of multiple detailed steps to ensure regulatory compliance along with operational readings. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to obtain this license: 

    Step 1- Company incorporation 

    • Before getting Mauritius Credit License, it is compulsory to register for a legal entity in Mauritius, that will serve as the licensed finance company. Tetra Consultants will ensure that your corporate structure is aligned with FSC’s regulatory requirements.  

    Step 2- Understand the type of license 

    • Based on your business activities, we will help you to recognize the correct license. In Mauritius there are four types of credit finance license, Tetra Consultants will help you select the most appropriate type of license based on your business activity.  

    Step 3- Collect necessary documentation 

    • After selecting the type of license, Tetra Consultants will then help you in collecting all the documents needed to support your licensing application. This will include application forms, creating a detailed business plan outlining all the key details of your business, and preparing financial statements. We will also help you in drafting AML and risk management policies.  

    Step 4- Detailed descriptions of activities and daily operations 

    • Manuals and policies– Tetra Consultants will assist you in drafting compliance manuals, risk management policy, disaster recovery, AML/CFT policies, along with a business continuity plan.  
    • Terms and conditions– Apart from manuals and policies, our legal team will also help you in drafting all the agreements for your clients, along with the terms of your services and how the business will be conducted.  

    Step 5- Application submission to the FSC 

    • Tetra Consultants will now submit your application to the FSC and will include all the requirements, forms, and documents.  

    Step 6- Background checks and evaluation 

    • The FSC will also conduct:  
      • Fit and proper evaluation– For promoters, shareholders, officers, and directors (such as reviewing CBs, ID, professional qualifications, and proof of address).  
      • Evaluation of operational readiness– Review your business model, financial projections, and compliance frameworks.  
      • Verification of corporate structure– For domestic companies, Tetra Consultants will ensure that at least two full-time officers are resident in Mauritius.  

    Step 7- Respond to all the FSC queries  

    • After the background checks and evaluation are conducted, FSC will also request any additional information and even clarification during the review process. Tetra Consultants on your behalf will answer all the additional queries from FSC.  

    Step 8- Payment and approval of annual fees 

    • Furthermore, the FSC is going to issue approval as the application complies with all the needed requirements and passes all the checks.  

    Step 9- Post-licensing requirements  

    • Lastly, to get a Mauritius Credit Finance License, it is mandatory to set up the physical office, hire qualified employees, and incorporate approved processes. Tetra Consultants will help you in setting up the office, hiring local staff, and ensuring compliance with all the FSC reporting, notification requirements, and auditing requirements. 

    Documents needed for Mauritius Credit Finance License 

    • In order to apply for Mauritius Credit Finance License, a detailed list of documents will be submitted by Tetra Consultants to the FSC which are as follows: 

    Corporate and company documents  

    • Business registration card. 
    • License application authorized by the board and shareholders.  
    • Statutory documents of the company.  
    • List of shareholders and directors.  
    • Certificate of incorporation along with Certificate of current standing.  

    Directors and shareholders 

    • CV of shareholders and directors. 
    • Address proof such as recent bank statement.  
    • Notarized passport copies.  
    • Reference letter from their banks (should not be older than 6 months).  

    Compliance documents  

    • Detailed business plan consisting of reason for doing business, background of shareholders, detailed description of business activities, target customers, and organizational structure.  
    • Risk management policy. 
    • CFT/AML policies along with internal procedures and compliance manual.  
    • Terms of service and drafted client agreements.  
    • Board structure details and measures taken for corporate governance.  

    Financial documents  

    • Latest financial statements that are audited (this is for existing companies).  
    • Financial predictions for the next 4-5 years. In this include profit and loss statement, balance sheet, and cash flow.  
    • Corporate profile.  
    • Details and evaluation of sources of funds with proper documentary evidence.  

    Requirements for Mauritius Credit Finance License  

    • The company should have at least two directors who are the resident of Mauritius. The directors and managers should meet all the “fit and proper requirements” which are defined under the Financial Services Act 2007. At Tetra Consultants we provide nominee director services for complying with such regulatory requirements.  
    • The company should have at least one shareholder, who can either be resident or non-resident of Mauritius. 
    • Shareholders should provide documents to FSC to verify the sources and legitimacy of funds invested in the company. 
    • Credit Finance License companies in Mauritius should maintain MUR 30 million or 5% of total liabilities, whichever is higher.  
    • Global business companies are also subjected to FSC discretion, with capital adequacy requirements that are aligned with cross-border operations.  
    • Businesses will also have to maintain office space and local staff to fulfill the substance criteria.  
    • Business entities will also have to incorporate anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing measures.  
    • Establish systems for credit risk evaluation and mitigation.  

    Common challenges in obtaining Mauritius Credit Finance License

    Complex regulatory requirements  

    • Businesses such as smaller business entities, even startups of SMEs usually find it difficult to provide the minimum capital that is MUR 30 million or even 5% of the total liabilities, which are difficult to gather. Furthermore, it is also resource-intensive for small businesses to establish a physical office, hire local staff, and showcase core-income producing activities.  
    • Creating anti-money laundering as well as counter-terrorist financing policies that fulfill FSC standards usually requires special legal expertise. Tetra Consultants also provide legal drafting services where our legal experts will help you in drafting AML/CFT policies. 

    Regulatory and procedural delay  

    • Background verifications for shareholders and directors also take up to several weeks and months, especially for foreign applicants who have complex ownership structures. The review process is also halted by late responses to regulatory requests, such as clarifications on collateral policies. Global business companies in Mauritius also have to deal with additional security if lending involves various jurisdictions. At Tetra Consultants we provide nominee director services, and our team will make sure that all the paperwork is properly filed and submitted to ensure there are no regulatory and procedural delays.  

    Legal and structural missteps 

    • Most of the business entities mistakenly assume that exemptions apply, which leads to unlicensed operations. GBCs also lend within Mauritius without any license risk, fines, or in some cases, imprisonment. After licensing registration with the Money Credit Information Bureau is compulsory but is often overlooked. Tetra Consultants will also offer ongoing support to make sure that your company meets all the regulatory obligations effectively.  

    Documentation and application failures 

    • Missing operational manuals, unclear process flows, along with flawed financial projections, usually lead to rejections and delays. The FSC thoroughly evaluates market viability, client onboarding procedures, and risk management strategies which startups most of the time underestimate. At Tetra Consultants we will ensure that all the necessary documents are submitted with your license application so that it passes all the checks smoothly.  

    Cross-border and operational risks  

    • Lending across borders usually requires strict compliance with both the Mauritian laws as well as foreign regulations, which complicates risk evaluations. Strict customer protection laws limit collection methods and increase default risks without any robust collateral policies. While there is no explicit cap, the FSC has enforced fair lending practices, which restricts pricing flexibility.  

    Market competition  

    • New entrants often struggle against established banks along with fintech platforms providing lower rates or digital-first solutions. Operating without any license risks fines up to at least MUR 1 million along with imprisonment for up to the period of five years.  

    Ownership and governance hurdles 

    • Background verifications for shareholders and directors, especially foreign applicants with difficult ownership structures, can take at least 3 to 4 months. Global business companies in Mauritius must get a license, but several misinterpret the exemptions for cross-border activities. After registration of the company, the business should also be registered with the Money Credit Information Bureau, which is compulsory but is often overlooked. At Tetra Consultants we will ensure that your business is registered with the relevant authorities, and our team of experts will also provide post-compliance support.  
    • In order to overcome these challenges, you need to collaborate with experienced service providers or even consultants who are familiar with the Mauritian regulatory landscape can streamline the application procedure. These experts such as Tetra Consultants help you with preparing documents, liaising with authorities, and also ensuring adherence with the local requirements, this also saves time and also reduces errors. 

    Cost of getting a Mauritius Credit Finance License 

    • When engaging with Tetra Consultants cost of getting a Mauritius Credit Finance License includes a myriad of expenses such as preparing documents, professional services, company registration, regulatory compliance services, and adherence to local rules and regulations. The general cost structure is inclusive of all the charges such as setting up the registered office, as well as filing documents with the FSC.  
    • At Tetra Consultants, our pricing model offers a detailed outline of all the expenses that one can incur while getting a Mauritius Credit Finance License. This provides a clear idea to the clients regarding what they are paying for and enables them to plan for any upcoming expenses arising from operational requirements along with ongoing compliance. Hence, Tetra Consultants provide their clients with transparent pricing, helping them to make effective business decisions without any extra financial constraints.  

    Looking to obtain Mauritius Credit Finance License 

    • Creating a credit finance company in Mauritius is a strategic move for investors looking for a reputable, well-regulated jurisdictions in the African as well as global financial markets. Mauritius remains a top choice for credit lenders, because of its supportive business policies, international reputation, and regulatory atmosphere. However, navigating the regulatory landscape of Mauritius is a time-consuming task. This is where Tetra Consultants comes to your aid. At Tetra Consultants from day one we will be by your side assisting you in successful company incorporation.  
    • Our experienced team of consultants will thoroughly explain to you all the compliance obligations, operational issues, and documents needed, to help you make an informed decision. Later, we will help you in opening a corporate bank account and submitting your license application to the FSC.  
    • Tetra Consultants will act as your single point of contact with the FSC and will address any additional requirements, clarifications, and queries.  
    • Contact us to know more about Mauritius Credit Finance License and our team will get back to you in 24 hours. 

    FAQ:

    What is Mauritius Credit Finance License?
    What are the main eligibility requirements to get a Mauritius Credit Finance license?
    What is the difference between an investment manager and a fund manager?
    Can I provide fintech lending services through a Mauritius Credit Finance License?
    Is it possible for foreign entrepreneurs to own 100% of licensed credit finance company in Mauritius?
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