Mauritius has reinforced its status as a trusted International Financial Centre (IFC) through the delivery of its anticipated Regional Centre of Excellence.

The Financial Services Commission (FSC) of Mauritius officially launched the Centre on 15 March 2019 as part of a joint initiative with the Organisation of Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) to deliver capacity building programmes primarily aimed at financial services and law enforcement agencies from Southern and Eastern Africa. 

The Centre will also conduct research on topical areas relevant to financial services and financial malpractices for the regional market, advising on minimum standards that need to be introduced at regional levels.

The capacity building programmes delivered by the Centre will be facilitated by the OECD and other international standards setting bodies and experts, ensuring that best practices are followed.

To mark the official opening of the Centre, a conference themed 'Building Linkages for Financial Markets in Africa' was held at the FSC in Ebene, Mauritius. High-level officials from regional regulatory and supervisory authorities, leading experts from the OECD as well as representatives of companies operating in the financial services sector attended.

A leader in best practice

Mauritius is well known for its dedication to effective corporate governance practices, regularly topping the Ibrahim Index of African Governance (IIAG) and in 2019, joining the world's top 20 nations on the World Bank's Ease of Doing Business rankings. Its commitment to best practices and innovation provides it with the complete toolbox to help facilitate cross-border investments both into Africa and Asia, making it an attractive destination for businesses wishing to expand their operations into emerging markets.

Regional Head of Client Services, Mahen Govinda added:

"At Ocorian AMEA, we are very happy to see such an initiative coming to fruition. The Regional Centre of Excellence will no doubt reflect positively on the reputation of our International Financial Centre as well as enhance our capabilities to service international investors in an increasingly regulated and complex environment.

The collaboration of the OECD and other international bodies will ensure that the Regional Centre of Excellence is aligned with the world’s best practices. At the same time, giving to the Centre a regional mandate will ensure all regulators in the region benefit from capacity building, also enticing them to collaborate further for the benefit of the industry.”

Whether your focus is on international growth through venture capital or private equity, or you require corporate and fiduciary or private client services, our Mauritius office can support your bespoke needs. You can view our service offering in Mauritius here or contact one of our team below.