Financial Licensing · Mauritius

Mauritius Fund Management Licence

The Mauritius FSC CIS Manager licence authorises fund managers to manage Mauritius-domiciled collective investment schemes — within a FATF-aligned framework offering treaty access and African market connectivity.

Fund ManagementMauritiusFSCCIS ManagerInvestment FundAfrica
Overview

Mauritius CIS Manager Licensing

The Mauritius Financial Services Commission issues Collective Investment Scheme (CIS) Manager licences to fund managers under the Securities Act 2005. A CIS Manager licence authorises the management of Mauritius-domiciled funds — including Global Business Company funds, closed-end funds, and real estate structures — distributed to international investors.

Marensa Advisory advises on CIS Manager licence applications as part of an integrated Mauritius fund management setup — combining the management licence with the fund vehicle, GBC structure, and ongoing FSC compliance.

Discuss CIS Manager Licensing
What We Cover
  • CIS Manager licence application (or CIS Administrator)
  • FSC application preparation and regulatory business plan
  • Capital compliance: MUR 10 million minimum
  • AML/CFT programme for fund management activities
  • Investment management agreement and fund documentation
  • Qualified investment professionals: Responsible Officer requirements
  • Ongoing FSC regulatory reporting: quarterly and annual
  • CIS fund prospectus review and filing
Key Considerations

CIS Manager Licence — What the FSC Requires

The FSC expects fund managers to demonstrate sound governance, qualified management, and a robust AML/CFT framework before issuing a CIS Manager licence.

Licence Scope
A CIS Manager licence authorises the management of collective investment schemes — making investment decisions, portfolio construction, and fund administration on behalf of fund investors.
Capital Requirement
Minimum capital of MUR 10 million (approximately USD 220,000) is required for CIS Manager licence holders. Capital must be maintained at all times and monitored monthly.
Qualified Management
The FSC requires a Responsible Officer with relevant fund management qualifications and experience. A minimum of two qualified investment professionals within the licensed entity is typically expected.
AML/CFT for Funds
CIS Managers are subject to FSC AML/CFT regulations for Collective Investment Schemes. This includes investor CDD, ongoing transaction monitoring, and MLRO appointment.
Mauritius Fund Vehicles
CIS Managers can manage Mauritius-domiciled funds including authorised funds (for retail distribution), expert funds (for institutional/sophisticated investors), and specialised funds. Fund structuring varies by investor type and distribution strategy.
AIFMD Recognition
Mauritius-managed funds do not automatically have EU passporting rights. EU distribution typically uses AIFMD Article 42 national private placement regimes — similar to UK AIFMs post-Brexit.
Our Process

How We Work

01
Strategy Assessment
We assess the fund strategy, target investor base, and distribution jurisdictions to design the optimal Mauritius fund management structure.
02
Application Preparation
We prepare the FSC application, regulatory business plan, AML/CFT programme, investment management documentation, and governance framework.
03
Fund Vehicle Setup
We assist with forming the fund vehicle — GBC fund company, authorised fund, or expert fund — aligned with the CIS Manager licence.
04
FSC Submission
We submit the CIS Manager application, manage FSC correspondence, and prepare for regulatory queries.
05
Post-Licence Compliance
We establish the FSC compliance calendar, quarterly reporting, AML/CFT review cycles, and investor-level CDD management.
Why Marensa

Mauritius Fund Management. Done Right.

Mauritius is increasingly used by fund managers targeting African institutional investors and family offices — offering a regulated, treaty-backed platform at competitive operating cost.

Marensa Advisory provides end-to-end Mauritius fund management advisory — from CIS Manager licensing through fund structuring, investor onboarding, and ongoing FSC compliance.

Start the Conversation
FSC
Regulator
MUR 10M
Min Capital
CIS
Fund Framework
Africa
Target Market
FAQ

Common Questions

Can a Mauritius CIS Manager manage offshore funds? +

A Mauritius CIS Manager can manage both Mauritius-domiciled funds and, subject to licensing conditions, external funds domiciled in other jurisdictions. The FSC licence scope should be confirmed during the application process.

How long does CIS Manager licensing take? +

Typically 3–6 months from submission of a complete application. The FSC prioritises completeness of AML/CFT documentation and Responsible Officer qualifications during assessment.

Is the Mauritius fund framework suitable for impact investing? +

Yes. Mauritius is increasingly used for Africa-focused impact funds — agricultural, infrastructure, and SME lending funds — where the GBC structure provides DTA access and the CIS Manager framework provides regulated credentials for institutional investors.

Can a UAE-based manager hold a Mauritius CIS Manager licence? +

The licensed entity must be Mauritius-incorporated with substance in Mauritius. A UAE parent can own the Mauritius CIS Manager, but the Mauritius entity needs qualified local management and genuine substance.

Related Services

You May Also Need

Mauritius Investment Dealer Licence
FSC Investment Dealer licence for securities brokerage activities.
Learn more →
Mauritius FSC Advisory
Full FSC licensing and compliance services.
Learn more →
Mauritius GBC
GBC holding vehicle commonly used for Mauritius fund structures.
Learn more →
Ask Maya