Beyond payments – How a Mauritius Payment Intermediary Services Licence powers global fintech growth
In today’s digital economy, businesses require fast, secure and borderless payment infrastructure.
By DTOS Group
In today’s digital economy, businesses require fast, secure and borderless payment infrastructure. As e-commerce, fintech and embedded finance continue to reshape global commerce, jurisdictions offering robust regulation, tax efficiency and international credibility are becoming increasingly attractive. And thus, Mauritius has emerged as one of these jurisdictions through its Payment Intermediary Services (PIS) Licence.
Issued by the Financial Services Commission (FSC), the PIS Licence enables companies to provide electronic payment solutions, digital wallets, merchant acquiring services and payment processing solutions for clients operating internationally. Combined with a Global Business Company (GBC), it provides a compelling platform for payment businesses seeking to expand across Africa and beyond.
Why Mauritius?
Mauritius combines a respected regulatory framework, political stability, a strategic location between Africa and Asia, and an internationally recognised financial centre. PIS licensees operating through a GBC may benefit from an effective corporate tax rate of approximately 3% on qualifying foreign-source income, subject to meeting the applicable conditions, together with no capital gains tax, no dividend withholding tax and an extensive treaty network.
What activities are permitted?
A PIS licence allows businesses to provide digital payment services including:
Digital wallets and payment accounts for individuals and corporates.
Merchant acquiring and online payment gateway solutions.
Card payment processing.
Domestic and cross-border payment processing.
Online banking and electronic fund transfer services.
A robust regulatory framework
Applicants must demonstrate a comprehensive business plan, fit and proper shareholders and directors, experienced management, AML/CFT controls, cybersecurity, IT infrastructure, complaints handling, risk management, business continuity arrangements and segregation of client funds. A minimum unimpaired stated capital of MUR 2 million (approx. USD 45,000) must be maintained.
Why fintechs choose Mauritius
Compared with many traditional financial centres, Mauritius offers competitive establishment costs, efficient licensing, an English-speaking legal environment based on common law and civil law principles, and a highly regarded financial services ecosystem. This makes it particularly attractive for payment service providers targeting Africa, the Middle East and international markets.
The strategic opportunity
As digital payments continue to grow globally, a Mauritius PIS Licence provides more than regulatory approval – it offers a scalable platform from which fintechs, payment processors, digital wallet providers and merchant acquirers can build regional and international operations. For businesses seeking regulatory credibility, tax efficiency and international reach, Mauritius continues to position itself as a leading jurisdiction for payment innovation.
For any query, contact Mr. Warren Uppiah, DTOS Business Development Manager – WUppiah@dtos-mu.com