Introduction of “Known to the Commission”: Mauritius streamlines regulatory processes

On 5 January 2026, the Financial Services Commission (FSC) introduced the “Known to the Commission” (KTC) concept, following its announcement in the 2025–2026 National Budget. The measure forms part of Mauritius’s ongoing efforts to enhance regulatory efficiency while preserving high standards of compliance and supervisory oversight.

C&S Secretarial Services gives you an overview of what this means for investors and future investors and why this has been introduced.

What is considered “Known to the Commission”

Under the KTC framework, an applicant or relevant officer or beneficial owner may be deemed “known” where the FSC already holds sufficient regulatory, licensing and due diligence information.

In practical terms, this applies to entities or individuals that have held at least one valid financial services licence issued by the FSC for a minimum of three years, are in good standing with the Commission and have no adverse findings or red flags on record. The FSC must also already possess the relevant due diligence documentation relating to the applicant and its key persons.
The concept is designed to allow the FSC to rely on information it has already reviewed and validated, rather than requiring a full re-submission of unchanged documentation.

Why the FSC has introduced KTC

The introduction of KTC reflects a clear regulatory objective: improving processing efficiency without lowering compliance standards.

As Mauritius continues to position itself as a competitive International Financial Centre, the FSC is seeking to reduce duplication in regulatory reviews, shorten turnaround times and improve predictability for applicants with an established compliance history. KTC enables the regulator to distinguish between first-time applicants and entities or individuals with a proven regulatory track record.

This approach aligns with international regulatory best practices, where proportionality and risk-based supervision play an increasing role in licensing and oversight.

Who the KTC framework applies to

At this initial stage, the KTC concept applies to entities holding or applying for licences relating to:

• investment funds, and
• investment adviser activities, whether restricted or unrestricted, as well as to the relevant officers and beneficial owners of such entities.

The FSC has indicated that KTC will be applied where appropriate, and retains full discretion to request updated information or additional documentation where necessary. The framework does not remove regulatory scrutiny, but rather adapts it to the applicant’s risk profile and compliance history.

How KTC changes the application process

From an investor perspective, the practical impact of KTC lies in reduced repetition and greater efficiency.

Where an applicant qualifies as “known to the Commission”, previously submitted Personal Questionnaires may remain valid for up to two years, provided no material changes have occurred. Instead of resubmitting full documentation, applicants are required to provide a Letter of Confirmation or Undertaking, confirming continued compliance, the validity of due diligence documents and the absence of material changes.

This approach is intended to minimise unnecessary delays while preserving the FSC’s ability to request updated information where warranted.

How KTC fits into Mauritius’s broader IFC Strategy

The introduction of KTC should be viewed within the wider context of Mauritius’s strategy to strengthen its attractiveness as an investment jurisdiction.

Alongside regulatory modernisation, digitalisation initiatives and infrastructure investment, KTC reflects a shift towards a more streamlined, proportionate and investor-aware regulatory environment. The objective is to facilitate business continuity and growth for established operators while maintaining the integrity of the financial system.

For investors, KTC sends a clear signal that Mauritius is seeking to balance regulatory rigour with operational efficiency, reinforcing its position as a jurisdiction that values both compliance and competitiveness.
For investors considering Mauritius as a base for their financial services activities, regulatory efficiency and predictability remain key considerations. C&S Secretarial Services supports clients throughout the licensing and post-licensing lifecycle, including structuring, incorporation, regulatory applications and ongoing compliance, helping investors navigate evolving frameworks such as the “Known to the Commission” regime with clarity and confidence.