1. Could you start by introducing Trident Trust’s operations in Mauritius and the key role it plays within the Global Financial Services Network?
Trident Trust Mauritius is part of the Trident Trust Group, which has been operating globally for 45 years. In Mauritius, we’ve been present for 25 years, this year marks our silver jubilee. Our core business revolves around fiduciary services, fund administration, and corporate administration.
We assist clients looking to set up structures in Mauritius, be it investment holding companies, trading entities, or private equity or hedge funds to invest into Africa or Asia and also private structures for families. We provide corporate and fund administration, accounting, and private wealth services, including trusts and foundations, to help clients manage their wealth more effectively.
While we are not lawyers or tax advisors, we work closely with legal and tax partners to provide comprehensive structuring and administration support. We also ensure that clients meet all their licensing and regulatory obligations in Mauritius, acting as the interface between them and the Financial Services Commission (FSC).
Additionally, we offer compliance-related services, providing local directors, compliance officers, and money laundering reporting officers. We serve as company secretaries, prepare financial statements, liaise with auditors, and essentially act as watchdogs for our clients’ companies.
2. As the Chairperson of Mauritius Finance, you represent the collective voice of the financial services industry. How would you describe the current state and competitiveness of the Mauritian financial ecosystem?
The Mauritian financial services sector has a strong 30-year track record. We’ve navigated multiple international challenges, particularly with the OECD, the European Union, and other standard-setting bodies, to remain compliant while maintaining commercial appeal.
Mauritius has established itself as a trusted platform for investments into Africa and Asia. Historically, this began with the India-Mauritius Treaty, which attracted flows of investment into India due to Mauritius’s business-friendly environment and favorable tax regime.
Key advantages include no exchange controls, no capital gains tax, and a competitive 15% corporate tax rate..
Despite growing competition from other jurisdictions, Mauritius remains relevant thanks to its solid legal framework, ease of doing business, strong banking ecosystem, and availability of professional services. Our banks, be it international or local play a critical role in supporting cross-border trade and investment.
The government’s new blueprint focuses on areas such as ease of doing business, product diversification, wealth management, global branding, market diversification (including deeper links with the Middle East), and talent development, all of which aim to drive the next phase of growth.
3. Mauritius continues to position itself as a well-regulated, transparent, and trusted financial centre. What recent policy and regulatory developments reinforce this reputation?
Mauritius has continuously strengthened its legislative framework. After being placed on the FATF grey list a few years ago, we undertook major reforms to tighten AML/CFT laws and improve compliance standards. A National Risk Assessment has been completed, and new regulations were introduced to maintain the integrity of the jurisdiction.
We’ve also introduced regulations around emerging areas such as virtual assets and digital finance. The focus is now on digital transformation, leveraging technology and AI to improve efficiency, compliance, and client experience. Continuous review and improvement of our legislation ensure Mauritius remains a competitive and credible international financial centre.
4. Trident Trust Mauritius serves clients across private wealth, corporate, and fund administration. What trends are you observing among investors, especially from Africa, Asia, and the Middle East?
Investors today are far more compliance-conscious. They understand the importance of adhering to AML/CFT regulations and maintaining transparency. Education has been key, helping clients understand why due diligence and robust compliance procedures are vital for their own protection and credibility.
We’re also seeing a shift from simple structures to more sophisticated, tailored solutions. There’s rising demand for wealth management and succession planning, especially among African entrepreneurs who now have substantial multi-country investments.
These clients are looking to establish proper governance frameworks and structured vehicles to manage and pass on their wealth responsibly. Mauritius is well-positioned to support this evolution with our expertise in fiduciary and structuring services.
5. Digitalization is transforming financial services globally. How are Trident Trust and the Mauritian industry embracing technology to enhance client service, compliance, and operational efficiency?
We have no choice but to embrace digitalization, it’s essential. Across the industry, significant investments are being made in automation and AI to streamline operations and reduce human error.
Tasks that once took hours, like reconciling bank statements, can now be completed in minutes using AI-powered systems. This not only boosts efficiency and accuracy but also reduces costs for clients and helps us address talent shortages.
In fund administration, for instance, we use sophisticated software that provides real-time investor reporting, automated capital calls, and comprehensive compliance monitoring. Digital transformation is central to how we’re building the next generation of financial services in Mauritius.
6. ESG investing and sustainable finance are shaping global capital flows. How is Mauritius aligning with this trend, and what initiatives is Mauritius Finance supporting?
Mauritius is actively positioning itself as a gateway for sustainable investment in Africa. Over the next three years, at least MUR 30 billion has been allocated to projects focused on transport, renewable energy, and digital infrastructure.
We’re seeing strong government support for sustainable initiatives, including the “Waste to Wealth” strategy and the development of the blue economy. These efforts are underpinned by transparent legal frameworks and the growing integration of ESG principles into finance.
At Mauritius Finance, we’re committed to ensuring the sector continues to innovate and align with global sustainability goals, attracting investors who prioritize responsible and impact-driven growth.
7. Given the growing interest from Gulf investors, particularly from the UAE, how do you see Mauritius deepening its financial and investment partnerships with the Middle East?
The Middle East is an increasingly important partner for Mauritius. There’s growing interest from Gulf investors, especially in areas such as food security, energy, and infrastructure in Africa.
Mauritius offers a unique advantage as part of the African Union, SADC, and COMESA, we are part of Africa and understand the region intimately. That gives us an edge as a conduit for Gulf investment into Africa.
Trident Trust also has an office in Dubai, operating from the DIFC, where we provide fund administration and foundation services. This dual presence allows us to bridge investors from the Middle East with opportunities across Africa through the Mauritian platform.
8. What are the key challenges Mauritius faces in maintaining its position as a gateway for African investment, and how can public-private collaboration help?
One of our main challenges is talent. The financial services industry depends on skilled professionals, yet we’ve seen a brain drain as many young Mauritians move abroad for better opportunities.
Another challenge is bureaucratic delays in application processing, which can slow business growth. We must continue streamlining procedures to remain competitive.
Finally, we face increasing competition from other jurisdictions. Maintaining cost-effectiveness and efficiency is critical to ensure that doing business in Mauritius remains attractive. Public-private collaboration is essential to address these challenges through policy reform, education, and innovation.
9. Finally, what message would you like to share with Khaleej Times readers about Mauritius’s ambition to remain a forward-looking and sustainable international financial centre?
Mauritius must continue positioning itself not only as a compliant jurisdiction but also as one that leads, innovates, and actively contributes to Africa’s growth. If we maintain that balance, between compliance, innovation, and commercial relevance, I am confident Mauritius will remain both competitive and indispensable in the global financial landscape.
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