Mauritius has a regime known as the Regulatory Sandbox License (RSL) which may potentially be accessed by Token Launch and/or ICO Entrepreneurs.
The RSL is issued by the Economic Development Board (EDB) to eligible companies willing to invest in innovative projects according to an agreed set of terms and conditions for a defined period. To be eligible, these firms need to demonstrate the innovative nature of their project, whether at the local, regional or international level.
Objectives of the regulatory sandbox
- To supply FinTech companies with a structure, where they have to meet the relevant regulations in the fast-moving world of FinTech
- To provide companies with better access to finance
- To create the opportunity for start-up companies to demonstrate their innovation
- To encourage investment (Potential Lenders are more likely to invest in a company if they are sure that it operates in a regulated environment)
- To create awareness and to improve both individuals’ and organisations’ knowledge of FinTech products and services
- To protect the rights of consumers
In a nutshell, the Regulatory Sandbox licence (RSL) plays an essential role in the growth, adoption and investment of FinTech innovation, at the same time providing suitable protection for consumers and investors’ interests. The Regulatory Sandbox License has been a real game changer for many entrepreneurs. Activities already approved under RSL include Crowdfunding, Peer-to-Peer lending, etc.
Eligibility
In order to be eligible, applicants should meet the following criteria:
- Investment in an innovative project;
- Promotion of a project in respect of which there is either no legal framework or a lack of adequate legislative framework
- Establish the innovative nature of the proposed activity at the local, regional and international levels.
Documents to be submitted:
- Duly completed application form;
- Business Plan or feasibility study outlining proposed business activity;
- Particulars of promoters, beneficial owners and directors;
- Certificate of character of beneficial owners and directors;
- Financial forecast and financial capacities of applicant;
- Details regarding the lack of regulatory framework in the country in relation to the conduct of the proposed activity;
- Details regarding the known risks associated with the proposed activity;
- Information on whether the applicant is licensed in any other jurisdiction for the proposed activity; and
- An exit strategy to be implemented by the applicant in the event that the proposed activity is not implemented.
Successful Applications
An applicant is entitled to commence his/her RSL activity and to develop the project within a controlled environment as soon as it is notified of the EDB’s acceptance of the application. The development of the RSL activity remains of course subject to licensing conditions that may be imposed. Furthermore, a licensee will be requested to submit what are known as interim and final reports.
How to proceed
- Set-up a Mauritius Domestic Company
- The company will then submit an application to the EDB with the required documents.
- The processing will take up to 3 months inclusive of the EDB assessment and online interview with promoters.
Costs
Set-up costs will be USD 13,000 inclusive of domestic company incorporation, preparation of documents, submission of application to EDB and liaison.
Other costs will depend on requirements of the project (compliance, office rental, etc). this will be provided after we have examined details of the project.
The set-up costs exclude opening of bank account.
It should be noted that in the event that EDB approval for the project is granted, there may be a transition process once the activity becomes formally regulated by the FSC and rules are published; This does not mean that the RSL licence will be revoked, only that there will be a need to submit an application to the regulator so that they can issue a new licence.
Would you like to know more? Then please Contact Us:
info@offshorecompaniesinternational.com
DISCLAIMER: OCI is a Company/Trust/LLC/LP/Foundation Formation Agency. We are not tax advisers or legal advisers. You are advised to seek local legal/tax/financial advice in regards to your local reporting/tax requirements before committing to set up or use an Offshore Company or other entity.
NOTE: This information is current as at 2 July 2021
