Ocorian strengthens its long-term commitment to Mauritius with new headquarters and local leadership appointments

On 14 January 2026, the official inauguration of Ocorian Tower marked a defining milestone in Ocorian’s journey in Mauritius, reinforcing the country’s growing importance within the Group’s global operating model and leadership structure. The inauguration ceremony was graced by the presence of Chantal Free, Ocorian’s global Chief Executive Officer, Dr. the Honourable Jyoti Jeetun, Minister of Financial Services & Economic Planning and the Honourable Dhaneshwar Damry, Junior Minister of Finance of the Republic of Mauritius, underscoring the strategic significance of this milestone for both the organisation and the national business ecosystem.

The inauguration of Ocorian Tower coincides with two important leadership developments that further underline Ocorian’s confidence in Mauritius. A Mauritian national, Novan Maharahaje, has been appointed Country Head of Ocorian Mauritius, while Ocorian has also taken the strategic decision to base Mano Mathews, its Global Head of Capability Centres in Mauritius - a move that elevates the jurisdiction’s role within the Group’s global structure.

A new sustainable workplace

Located in Côte d’Or Technopole, the new headquarters brings together more than 600 professionals in a purpose-built, LEED Gold-certified environment designed to support collaboration, innovation and sustainable growth. Beyond its physical presence, Ocorian Tower reflects a broader strategic signal: Mauritius is not only a centre of operational excellence, but an increasingly important location for leadership and global capabilities within the Group.

Ocorian has been present in Mauritius for over three decades, steadily expanding its footprint and expertise across fund administration, corporate and trust services, regulatory and compliance support, and global operations. Today, the Mauritius office plays a central role in delivering services to global clients across multiple jurisdictions, particularly supporting investment flows between Africa, Asia and global markets.

For Chantal Free, Chief Executive Officer of Ocorian, these developments reflect a deliberate strategic direction. “Ocorian Tower represents far more than a new workplace; it is a clear statement of intent,” she stated. “By investing simultaneously in infrastructure, local leadership and global capabilities, we are reinforcing Mauritius’ position at the heart of our organisation. The inauguration of Ocorian Tower, the appointment of a Mauritian Country Head and the decision to base a global leadership role here all reflect our confidence in the depth of talent and capability in this market, and our long-term commitment to building a future in which Mauritius continues to play a leading role in how we serve clients worldwide.”

The inauguration ceremony was held in the presence of business leaders, partners and institutional stakeholders, with Dr. the Honourable Jyoti Jeetun, Minister of Financial Services & Economic Planning and the Honourable Dhaneshwar Damry, Junior Minister of Finance, attending as Guests of Honour. Their participation highlighted the importance of sustainable corporate investment, skills development and quality employment in strengthening the national economy.

Dr. the Honourable Jyoti Jeetun stated that “The presence of global players like Ocorian in Mauritius is fully aligned with our vision of consolidating the Mauritius IFC as the premier international financial centre in the region, while continuously diversifying our product offering. This new office is also a strong sign of the trust and confidence Ocorian places in the Mauritian jurisdiction. After a turbulent 2025, and with 2026 expected to be equally challenging on the international stage, we anticipate heightened volatility across several market segments. Yet, the key achievements of 2025 give us a solid foundation. The Financial Services Sector Strategy, developed with industry stakeholders, provides a clear roadmap for consolidation and future growth, and the Financial Services Consultative Council is now overseeing its execution.

We will continue strengthening the brand and visibility of the Mauritius IFC in our main markets. Reputation remains central to any financial jurisdiction. Our next Mutual Evaluation will be critical, and we remain fully committed to AML/CFT compliance to avoid falling into the grey list again. At the same time, our engagement with Moody’s reflects our determination to safeguard our investment-grade sovereign rating. Financial services today contribute over 13% of GDP, employ more than 19,000 highly skilled professionals, and account for roughly 65% of corporate tax revenue. Our objective is to ensure that the sector maintains strong growth, remains the first pillar of our economy, and acts as an enabler for innovation and diversification across the island.

In this context, Ocorian is demonstrating a tangible commitment to implementing our strategic vision. A commitment to substance in Mauritius, as the firm expands value-added services such as wealth management, family offices, fund administration and sustainable finance. A commitment to addressing the skills gap, through the creation of over 600 local jobs and through its Accredited Employer status with the Corporate Governance Institute. And finally, a commitment to ‘walk the talk’ for Africa. Ocorian’s focus on specific African markets, many of which remain underexplored, combined with thought leadership such as the Africa Wealth Management Report, positions Mauritius as a credible hub for investment and wealth management across the continent. Ocorian Tower therefore represents more than a new workplace: it is a concrete illustration of confidence in Mauritius, of the growing sophistication of our IFC, and of the opportunities ahead for our economy, our professionals and our regional positioning.”

For his part the Honourable Dhaneshwar Damry, added that “As we look ahead, 2026 stands as key year for the Mauritian economy, one where growth must translate into jobs, opportunity and inclusive prosperity. The financial services industry plays a decisive role in that transformation. Not only is it one of our strongest contributors to national growth and employment, but it is now firmly back on a positive trajectory. This momentum is driven largely by our domestic financial services sector, while our international financial centre has been stabilized and is now moving confidently toward new horizons. As government, our commitment is to maintain an enabling ecosystem, one that safeguards our investment-grade status, manages sovereign and compliance risks responsibly, and supports the consolidation of existing financial products. Yet, in an era of rapid disruption, we must also prepare for what comes next. The future of global finance will be shaped by digital finance and AI on one side, and climate finance on the other. Mauritius is uniquely positioned to compete in the Asia-Africa digital finance and AI corridor, while also becoming a credible climate finance hub for Africa, Small Island Developing States and the wider Global South. In that context, Ocorian Tower is more than a building, it is a strong signal of confidence in Mauritius as a modern, competitive and forward-looking international financial centre. It represents new opportunities for collaboration, value creation and leadership, and we are pleased to see Ocorian investing in the future of our industry and our country.”

Designed with sustainability and employee wellbeing at its core, Ocorian Tower forms part of Mauritius’ first green campus office development. Natural light, fresh air circulation and biophilic design elements have been integrated throughout the workspace, supporting healthier ways of working while aligning with Ocorian’s environmental, social and governance commitments.

The Tower is also embedded within a broader live-work-play ecosystem, with improved public transport connectivity and upcoming amenities including childcare, wellness and dining facilities. This integrated environment supports work-life balance and enhances Mauritius’ attractiveness as a destination for skilled professionals.

As global markets evolve and regulatory expectations increase, Ocorian’s Mauritius teams remain instrumental in delivering cross-border solutions at scale. With the opening of Ocorian Tower and the strengthening of local and global leadership based on the island, Ocorian reaffirms its long-term partnership with Mauritius as a stable, trusted and future-ready international financial centre.

Ocorian appoints Mauritian Country Head and bases Global Capabilities Leadership in Mauritius

Ocorian has announced key leadership appointments that further strengthen Mauritius’ role within the Group’s global organisation, reinforcing the jurisdiction’s position as a centre for talent, expertise and strategic capability.

A Mauritian national, Novan Maharahaje, has been appointed Country Head of Ocorian Mauritius, marking an important step in strengthening Ocorian’s local market visibility and the continued development of local talent within the Group. In parallel, Ocorian has confirmed that Mano Mathews, its Global Head of Capability Centres, is now based in Mauritius, reflecting the island’s growing importance within Ocorian’s global operating and delivery model. In this role, Mano Mathews will oversee the design, coordination and continuous strengthening of Ocorian’s global capability centres, ensuring consistent operational excellence and service delivery across the Group’s  global network

As Country Head, Novan Maharahaje will lead Ocorian’s Mauritius business, stewarding local expertise to strengthen how we market and deliver fund administration, corporate and trust services, regulatory and compliance support, and global operations to the Mauritian market. His appointment reflects Ocorian’s long‑term investment in local leadership and succession planning.

“Appointing a Mauritian Country Head is a natural evolution for our organisation,” said Chantal Free, Chief Executive Officer of Ocorian. “It reflects both the maturity of our Mauritius operations and the depth of leadership talent we have developed locally. Novan’s appointment ensures continuity, cultural alignment and strong local stewardship as we continue to grow.”

In addition, the decision to appoint a Global Head of Capability Centres who’s based in Mauritius  represents a significant strategic endorsement of the jurisdiction. The role oversees the development, optimisation and scaling of Ocorian’s global operational capabilities, working across jurisdictions to ensure consistent quality, efficiency and innovation. By anchoring this role in Mauritius, Ocorian positions the country as a key contributor to how global services are designed, delivered and continuously improved across the Group.

For Novan Maharahaje, the appointment represents both a responsibility and an opportunity. “I am proud to lead Ocorian Mauritius at a time when the business is entering a new phase of growth and strategic importance,” he stated. “Our teams here play a vital role in supporting clients globally, and these appointments recognise the expertise, commitment and potential that exist in Mauritius.”

Together, the appointment of a Mauritian Country Head and a Global Head of Capability Centres signal a clear direction: Mauritius is not only a delivery hub, but an integral part of Ocorian’s global leadership and future growth. “For us, Mauritius is a permanent investment and a true centre of excellence - a central engine of capability that underpins how we serve clients across our global network,” concludes Chantal Free.