1. Axis Fiduciary has earned a strong reputation as one of Mauritius’ leading corporate and fiduciary services providers. Could you start by introducing the company’s journey and the key factors behind its success?
We set up the company in 2008. The firm was founded by the founder partners of BLC Robert & Associates, the leading law firm in Mauritius and myself.
The idea was to offer clients, especially foreign investors using Mauritius as an international financial centre, a one-stop service combining legal advisory work, the establishment of legal structures, and post-establishment services under one roof. By leveraging the legal expertise of the law firm and our own corporate and fiduciary capabilities, we were able to deliver this integrated service model.
Seventeen years later, we have grown into one of the leading independent owner-managed corporate and fiduciary firms in Mauritius. Today, we have just under 250 people and administer more than 1,500 legal structures for clients across the world, with a strong focus on Africa. Our strengths lie in three core areas: fund formation and administration, corporate establishment and services, and private client services, particularly trusts, foundations, and family offices for asset protection and estate planning.
2. Mauritius is increasingly recognized as a well-regulated, transparent, and substance-driven IFC. How has Axis contributed to reinforcing this reputation through its operations and governance practices?
From the outset, our intention has been to use Mauritius as a bridge between Asia and Africa. We have leveraged Mauritius’ strategic geographic position and its strong ecosystem, robust regulations, ease of doing business, highly skilled professionals, tax efficiency, and political and economic stability.
Our close association with Mauritius’ leading law firm helped us penetrate the international legal sector early on. We created awareness among major international law firms, banks, and asset managers about the advantages of Mauritius as an IFC. Over 17–18 years, this strategy has helped us grow into a leading firm and strengthened Mauritius’ visibility and credibility globally.
3. As global financial regulations become more stringent, how does Axis ensure compliance while maintaining efficiency and innovation in client service delivery?
At Axis, our guiding motto has always been “comply first.” We believe deeply in transparency, regulatory compliance, and doing business the right way. Because of our strong legal DNA, the tightening regulatory landscape has not impacted us significantly.
We have built a governance framework aligned with international best practices, backed by robust internal controls and risk management. We continuously upskill our people through the Axis Academy, because compliance depends on knowledgeable, well-trained professionals.
We also take great care in client onboarding. We do not accept walk-in clients; all clients must be referred by trusted intermediaries who have been vetted. This ensures we work only with reputable clients, which protects both our firm and the jurisdiction.
4. Axis serves diverse international clients, from multinational corporations to funds and family offices. How do you tailor your fiduciary and advisory solutions to meet their evolving cross-border needs?
First, we are fully segmented across three business lines, funds, corporates, and private clients, because each category expects different types of services. Our people in each segment are specifically trained and experienced to meet those needs.
Second, we invest heavily in training and capacity building to ensure deep expertise across the firm.
Third, we are an owner-managed firm. My partner and I are heavily involved in the day-to-day operations, ensuring clients have direct access to senior experts. This hands-on leadership enables us to deliver highly tailored, high-quality solutions.
5. Digital transformation is reshaping the fiduciary landscape. How is Axis leveraging technology to enhance efficiency, client experience, and data security?
Technology has always been central to the way we operate. From the beginning, we have invested in document management systems, CRMs, and client management platforms.
A few years ago, we appointed a Head of Digital Transformation, formerly from PwC, because we recognized that digital transformation had become essential for speed, accuracy, and regulatory integrity.
Since then, we have developed our own proprietary client management system, Cypress, which centralizes all client data and integrates artificial intelligence, including bots that automate routine and repetitive tasks. We continue to expand our use of automation, AI-driven analytics, and digital compliance tools to enhance both efficiency and service quality. Our transformation is ongoing, but we feel very strongly about the central role of technology in our evolution.
6. Mauritius continues to attract global investors seeking a platform between Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. What key advantages make it stand out?
In summary: strategic location, a robust regulatory ecosystem, ease of doing business, highly skilled multilingual professionals, tax efficiency, political and economic stability, and an excellent track record.
Mauritius also benefits from a strong network of double taxation agreements and investment protection treaties. Importantly, Mauritius is part of Africa, making it one of the very few African IFCs.
7. As sustainability and ESG principles become central to investment strategies, how is Axis integrating these values into its services?
Before advising clients, we implemented ESG and EDI (equality, diversity, inclusion) principles internally. We have an active EDI/ESG working group that drives sustainability initiatives, such as monthly battery recycling, and we were recently awarded Employer of the Year at the STEP Private Client Awards for our ethical conduct, diversity, and community engagement.
Many of our clients, particularly those investing in Africa, are impact-driven. We work with them to design ESG frameworks, support their reporting obligations, and help measure their impact. We also manage numerous charitable foundations focused on Africa.
Mauritius itself has strengthened its ESG agenda, and we collaborate closely with regulators and advisors to keep clients aligned with global standards.
8. The UAE and Mauritius share growing economic and financial synergies. How do you see Axis engaging with Gulf-based investors and institutions?
I see the UAE and Mauritius as complementary jurisdictions. For UAE clients seeking to invest in Africa, Mauritius offers compelling advantages. For African clients expanding internationally, the UAE offers significant opportunities.
This complementarity is why we established a presence in the UAE. Cross-border structuring today rarely involves a single jurisdiction, clients often require multiple jurisdictions depending on where their assets, investors, and beneficiaries are located.
Axis is becoming increasingly multi-jurisdictional. Beyond Mauritius, Seychelles, the UAE, and India, we have partnerships in Luxembourg and are working on additional partnerships in Jersey, BVI, Cayman, Hong Kong, and Singapore. Clients today need tailored, multi-jurisdictional solutions, and we are building for that reality.
9. Finally, what message would you like to share with Khaleej Times readers about Mauritius’ evolving financial ecosystem and Axis Fiduciary’s future vision?
Mauritius remains one of the most trusted and sophisticated international financial centres in the region. For GCC investors, families, fund managers, and corporates seeking access to Africa and Asia, Mauritius offers stability, transparency, and regulatory strength.
What many may not know is that Mauritius is well-versed in Sharia-compliant structuring. We even have a Waqf Act. Sharia principles can be incorporated into corporate, investment, and private client structures, whether for Halal investment limitations or Sharia-compliant trusts and foundations.
For GCC clients with such needs, Mauritius offers deep expertise and robust legal foundations.
As for Axis, we are an owner-managed, service-oriented firm focused on understanding client needs and delivering bespoke, multi-jurisdictional solutions. We are one of the most Africa-focused corporate service firms in Mauritius, actively facilitating cross-border investment into India and, now with our presence in the UAE, deepening partnerships across the GCC.
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