Académique Documents
Professionnel Documents
Culture Documents
Improvements
Mauritian Financial Systems: Analysis
Mauritian Financial Markets
Mauritian Financial Intermediaries: Strength and Weakness
Improvements to be considered for the financial system of Mauritius
(Recommendations)
Conclusions
References
Mauritius has over the last decade built itself as an advantageous, safe and trusted location for
the conduct of business. Further, it has embraced the highest standards of international practice
that have made it among the most open, competitive and low tax economies in the world.
Strategically located in the Indian Ocean at the crossroad of international investments, Mauritius
has forged a strong reputation as a premier international financial centre.
The financial system comprises of the Banking and Non-Banking sector which in turn include
financial intermediaries (Mauritius Commercial Bank, Bank of Mauritius, State Bank of
Mauritius among others), insurance companies (Sicom, Anglo Mauritius), stock exchange market
(SEM) and numerous other financial institutions. As a matter of fact, it is a field whereby capital
is being traded through the process of lending and borrowing either on a long term (bond) or
short term basis within a regulatory framework. In addition, the movement of funds from surplus
agents to deficit agents is being effected by financial intermediaries to facilitate consumption and
investment.
Non Banking
Banking
Insurance Companies
Commercial Banks
Securities
Global Business
Islamic Banks
Non Bank Financial Intermediaries
Offshore Banks
Regulated Bodies:
1. Financial Services Commission (FSC)
2. Board of Investment (BOI)
Regulated Bodies:
1. Bank of Mauritius.
2. FIU
It is good to note that the International Monetary Fund, World Bank, Financial Stability Board
among others do help Mauritius to achieve financial stability.
Value Exchange: The financial system provides different modes of payment facilities
including cash, cheque, credit cards or electronic banking. These means of payments are
considered as secure, reliable and accessible to everyone.
Risk transfer: When loans are being issued, financial intermediaries have to assess the
credit worthiness of their debtors and subsequently they have to be updated about the
borrowers performances. In other words, risks and uncertainties are being priced and
allocated.
in value. This provision can aid individuals to deal with unforecasted events. Moreover, if
cash at bank is greater than cash in hand, then there will be a good circular flow of
money, thereby encouraging for investment which will eventually lead to the stimulation
of economic growth
Saving mobilisation: obtaining funds from the savers or surplus units such as household
individuals, business firms, public sector units, central government is an important role
played by financial markets. Borrowers (bond issuer) are connected with lenders (bond
buyers) in financial markets.
National Growth: An important role played by financial market is that, they contribute to
a nation's growth by ensuring unfettered flow of surplus funds to deficit units. In other
words, financial markets help shift money from industry to industry or firm to firm based
on the supply and demand for their products.
Investment: Financial markets play a crucial role in arranging to invest funds. Both firms
and individuals can invest in companies through financial markets (e.g by buying stock)
The Financial Stability Board applied the following criteria for determining the list of key
standards for sound financial systems:
relevant and critical for a stable, robust, and well-functioning financial system (including
in light of the lessons from the recent financial crisis), in order to impart a sense of
prioritisation in implementation;
universal in their applicability, by covering areas that are important in nearly all
jurisdictions;
broadly endorsed - namely, that such standards should have been issued by an
internationally recognised body in the relevant area in extensive consultation with
relevant stakeholders. To satisfy this criterion, the standard should preferably undergo a
public consultation process. This criterion would also be satisfied when the standardsetting body has wide representation, or when the standard has been endorsed by
International Financial Institutions (IFIs), such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF)
and the World Bank; and
Mauritius has been remarkably successful in achieving rapid economic growth, in diversifying
its economy, and in developing a broad-based financial system. Mauritius has a deep financial
system, dominated by a large domestic banking sector. It also has a well developed insurance and
pension sectors and a sizeable offshore financial services sector.
The banking system is profitable, well capitalized and has been generally sound except for the
recent case where Bramer Bank Ltd in Mauritius had its license revoked by the government
because of liquidity issues and within one days time the responsibility of the bank was handed
over to the State Bank of Mauritius and hence did not cause an issue to the economy which
demonstrated the ability to cope of the Mauritian Financial System.
Problems in financial systems not only disrupt financial intermediation, but they can also
undermine the effectiveness of monetary policy, exacerbate economic downturns, trigger capital
flight and exchange rate pressures, and create large fiscal costs related to rescuing troubled
financial institutions. Moreover, with increasing connectivity among financial institutions and
tighter financial and trade linkages between countries, financial shocks in one jurisdiction can
rapidly spill over across financial sectors and national borders.
Therefore, resilient financial systems (which stand for the ability of financial system to cope with
setbacks in the economy) that are well-regulated and well-supervised are essential for both
domestic and international economic and financial stability.
Other regulatory bodies of the Mauritian Financial System include the Financial Services
Commission (FSC) which is a regulatory authority responsible for the regulation, supervision
and inspection of all financial services other than banking and global business in Mauritius.
establish precise administration of the financial services and global business activities
ensure sound conduct of business in the financial services and global business sectors;
elaborate policies which are directed to ensuring fairness, efficiency and transparency and
financial and capital markets in Mauritius;
study new avenues for development in the financial services sector, to react to new
challenges and to gain new opportunities for accomplishing economic sustainability and
job creation.
For the strategic plan 2014-2016, the FSC Mauritius has identifies four strategic themes namely:
Quality
international engagement
conduct
anticipation
Quality
Assuring quality in regulation has become an important part of the role of regulators. Quality is
the center of attention of the FSC Mauritius in pursuing to promote the highest standards in the
regulation of non-bank financial services and global business sectors. The FSC Mauritius
considers in improving the quality of financial regulation and supervision in order to strengthen
its effectiveness, efficiency, consistency and transparency.
International Engagement
In order to be internationally identified, the FSC Mauritius will pursue to engage with
stakeholders on local, regional and international levels. The strategic objectives supporting
international engagement are defined below.
Conduct
Financial regulation and supervision has three eventual objectives, which are ensuring stability
of the financial system, protecting the interest of the customers, and ensuring fairness and clarity
in financial markets. These three objectives are widely shared among major financial regulators
around the world.
Anticipation
While there is a distinct connection between financial market regulation and economic growth
which impacts on the consumer and investors, regulation remains a complex balancing act which
requires sound partnership with the industry and stakeholders. As the Mauritian IFC grows, so
does the number of complex and sophisticated products. A balancing regulation, maintenance of
consumer confidence, the efficiency of our financial markets and the global respect for our
market should be ensured.
Anticipation also relies on strong partnerships with all stakeholders as well as fairness and
transparency in dealings with the industry and consumers.
Bilateral Surveillance refers to regular suggestions and policy advice that the IMF is
assigned to provide to all its members, in relation to their macroeconomic and financial
developments and policies. IMF introduced in 1999, the Financial Sector Assessment
Program (FSAP) to provide member countries with a suitable assessment of their financial
systems to better identify financial system strengths and weaknesses, as well as potential
sources of systemic risk. In developing and emerging market countries such as Mauritius,
they are usually conducted jointly with the World Bank, which provides a developmental
perspective.
Technical assistance provided by the IMF helps member countries to implement specific
reforms to develop and strengthen their financial system.
The development of the Mauritian Financial System and its impact on the
economy over time, financial reforms and the Financial Liberalization period
We shall relate to the history of the financial system of Mauritius, its evolution and impact that it
had on the economy resulting from financial reforms which we will state. It is good to note that
there were both financial repression and financial liberalization.
The Stock Exchange of Mauritius Ltd (SEM), was incorporated in Mauritius on March 30, 1989.
The SEM operates two markets: the Official Market, the Development & Enterprise Market
(DEM).
The Official Market started its operations in 1989 with five listed companies and a market
capitalization of nearly USD 92 million. Currently, there are 40 companies listed on the Official
Market representing a market capitalization of nearly US$ 4,374.64 million as at 31 July 2007.
The listing requirements of the Official Market are:
published financial statements for at least 1 year , which must have been prepared
MARKET CAPITALISATION
It refers to the total value at market prices of the securities at issue for a company or a stock
market or sector of the stock market.SEM had a market capitalization of Rs 219,350,534,106.38
at 5 April 2015.
June 1989
July 1991
November1991
Auctioning of bills
July 1992
July 1993
February 1994
June 1994
Bank Rate linked with weighted average yield of Treasury Bill over preceding 12 weeks plus a margin
July 1994
July 1995
Bank rate linked to overall yield on Treasury bills at most recent auction plus a margin
July 1996
December 1996
Bank rate linked to overall yield on Treasury bills at most recent auction plus a margin
July 1997
July 1998
December 1998
December 1999
November 2000
December 2000
June 2001
February 2002
December 2003
The table above shows a wide range of financial reforms that have been instituted since the
1980s which included measures such as financial liberalization. These reforms were geared
towards the liberalization of the financial system in order to enhance efficiency in the
mobilization and allocation of financial resources.
Manufacturing
Commerce
17%
13%
10%
6% 7%
47%
Finance
Tourism
TIC
Others
Le dfi quotidien: Bilan de sant de lconomie: Maurice toujours pas en forme by 03 July 2014.
Recently, reports published by the Statistics Mauritius have revealed that the Mauritian financial
sector contributed 10.1% towards a GDP of $10.49 billion as illustrated in the above pie chart.
Actually, the Mauritian financial sector is playing an important role in the stability of our
economy. Providing employment, contributing to our GDP and encouraging Foreign
Development Investment are just a few examples among the various positive impact of this
financial sector in our economy.
In order to evaluate the significance of the financial system we must first seek out how the
economy would be if there was no financial system in Mauritius and in order to analyze whether
we are better off with or with a financial system.
Societies invented currency to facilitate economic activity. Currency means that a person can sell
something without having to receive a specific good in exchange.
Currency and payment systems allow people to travel to distant places for long periods and
enable companies to do business with other companies operating in faraway locations that is
trade at international level. Currency also means that the surplus resources (savings) of economic
agents individuals, households and companies - can be channeled to others who need
them (investment). This operation not only enables people investing their resources to earn
income in the future but also increases investment and entrepreneurship.
The financial system and the banks in it play a crucial role in the economy's use of currency.
Banks run the payment systems that enable local markets to operate and individuals and
companies to travel to distant places and act there. Without a well-structured banking system,
currency would not be able to circulate and it would also be harder to create markets for goods
and services and for people and goods to circulate. Banks are also essential as financial
intermediaries. In other words, they take the savings of people with surplus resources and make
them available to others who need them. Without this operation, people's and companies' ability
to invest would be very limited.
The financial system acts as a medium to bind the work that is done for corporations to basic
essentials such as food and housing in an entirely artificial relationship. Despite an abundance of
basic essentials, individuals or entire countries can be disadvantaged of them based on the labor
or rights they are providing to corporations.
A system where banks, governments, and many other valueless institutions also stand between
individuals and basic needs and demand payment completes the creation of true wage slavery
where no worker can survive outside the system. By making work required to produce basic
essentials independent of ownership or access to them, this system also leads to gross surplus of
resources for people who do not contribute to the work value at all.
The financial system enables a very unfair distribution of resources. Wages are commonly
described as an incentive to work. We are told that no one would work if they were not paid. This
is belied by the amount of people raising their children, cleaning their homes, growing their
plants, volunteering for social work and it is belied by cultures in myriad times and places which
survived happily without a financial system.
Any for profit system is not going to have social or environmental goals as its mandate (even if it
says it does) and a wage paying system is a for profit system. If profit were removed, all
decisions would be made for social goals, prison systems would be trying to rehabilitate
prisoners or study to find why they were in violation of the law instead of just warehousing as
many as possible, medical research would be trying to improve health instead of selling
pharmaceuticals, and agriculture would be devoted to producing the most nutritious food in the
most environmentally responsible way. Removing profit would also remove a great deal of the
reason for competitiveness, secrecy and spying within organizations, along with a great deal of
the redundancy of competing companies providing identical goods and services. Removing profit
eradicates the need for ownership of knowledge and many other assets.
At a national level, the financial system allows banks, who have no need of housing, to hoard
millions of houses while the children that used to live in them sleep in the streets. At an
individual level, the equating of lifes essentials with the financial system can control life or
death, fulfillment or wasted potential, contentment or misery.
A moneyless system is unlikely to appear soon in its pure form and given the many functions that
the financial system fulfills in terms of liquidity and jobs and since running a currency free
system could lead to less people working, the financial system makes society better off as a
whole.
The report dates as at December 2008 which is the latest update of FSSA and advices a
number of issues for attention:
Significant policy reforms have been undertaken since the 200203 FSAP to strengthen the
financial infrastructure, but institutional weaknesses have delayed their full implementation.
Legal and regulatory reforms in financial reporting, corporate governance, the insolvency
regime, the tax structure, and public debt management have improved corporate governance and
financial disclosure inlarge private companies and reduced distortions.
However, the authorities will need to avoid further delays in establishing key implementing
bodies, since these have limited progress in the areas of financial reporting, monetary policy, and
supervision.
Progress has been made in financial regulation and supervision, but
organizational weaknesses and legislative delays have limited its scope. The
financial reforms entail substantial legislative change, the volume of which has
strained capacity, delaying the coming into force of insurance, pensions, securities,
and sections of banking legislation. In addition, staff shortages and training needs
impede supervision by the regulatory bodiesthe Bank of Mauritius (BOM) and the
Financial Services Commission (FSC).The profitability and capitalization of the banks provide
cushions against shocks, but regulators should improve their supervision of risk management.
The short maturity structure of Mauritiuss high domestic public debt poses
significant interest rate and budgetary risks. The core issue is the need for fiscal
consolidation, but, in addition, finalization of the draft debt management strategy is
needed to provide a framework for extending the maturity structure of the debt, to
improve the planning of government borrowing, and to contribute to the deepening of
the debt market.
An analytical foundation for monetary policy will be essential for the authorities
to control inflation. While the operational aspects of the monetary policy framework
are in place, analysis of the economic relations that underpin monetary policy needs
to be advanced.
Priority should be placed on strengthening the independence, administration,
and manpower planning of the regulatory agencies and other oversight bodies.
The credibility and effectiveness of the regulatory agencies depend critically on a
sound legal and administrative basis for their independence, as well as care by the
authorities to avoid giving the appearance of interference.
Although the financial sector is well developed and access is high, there are a number of
areas where policies could assist in further strengthening the effectiveness of bank and
nonbank intermediation. Moreover, an extension of the coverage of the Credit Information
Bureau could improve access to credit by small borrowers. Finally, steps to improve government
debt management and to deepen the market for longer term securities appear warranted both to
help address debt sustainability concerns but also to improve the private sector's access to
financing.
Depreciation in the exchange rate has helped adjustment to the TOT shock, but
continued flexibility will be important to maintain competitiveness. The nominal rate is
market-determined (a managed float) and staff estimates presently suggest that the real
effective exchange rate is just above its equilibrium level, and going forward exchange rate
intervention should be limited to smoothing excess volatility.
Mauritius has a relatively large and well-developed financial system. Basic
financial sector infrastructure, such as payment, securities trading and settlement
systems, was modern and efficient, and access to financial services was high, with
more than one bank account per capita.
The financial sector was found to be generally sound and profitable, but the
dominance of a few major banks and the concentration of risks posed some systemic
risks, and inhibited competition and innovation.
After having analyzing the strength and weaknesses as mentioned by the extract of the FSSA as
at December 2008 for Mauritius prepared by the International Monetary Fund and their
suggestions and recommendations we shall now move to the Financial Markets of Mauritius.
Stock markets: which provide financing through the issuance of shares or common
stock, and enable the subsequent trading thereof.
Bond markets: which provide financing through the issuance of bonds, and enable the
subsequent trading thereof.
Money markets: which provide short term debt financing and investment.
Derivatives markets: which provide instruments for the management of financial risk.[1]
Futures markets: which provide standardized forward contracts for trading products at
some future date; see also forward market.
Secondary Market
Securities are purchase by investors
and maintain liquidity of the system.
Evolution of SEM
SEM was incorporated in Mauritius on March 30, 1989, under the stock exchange Act 1988, as a
private limited company responsible for the operation and promotion of an efficient and
regulated securities market in Mauritius. Since October 6, 2008 SEM became a public limited
company. During the last two decades SEM witnessed a significant overhaul of its operational,
technological and regulatory frameworks which has placed it among the leading exchanges in
Africa in terms of operational excellence. SEM is today a full-fledged number of the World
Federation of Exchanges (WFE).
When started operation in 1989, SEM had only 5 companies listed on its Market and operations
was only once a week. Gradually these numbers have been increasing and now, the stock market
operates during weekdays and has 42 companies listed in the official market. Moreover, trading
in SEM has been automated with the introduction of SEMATS in 2001.
SEM can list, trade and settle equity and debt products in USD, Euro, ZAR and MUR. Local
investors account for about 60% of the daily trading activities, and foreign investors account for
the 40% remaining.
the official market representing a market capitalization of nearly USD 7.5 billion as at 29
august 2014.
2. Development and Enterprise Market (DEM)
This type of market is ideally suited for small to medium sized companies, which are fast
growing and looking for additional sources of capital to fuel growth. In general, companies
willing to be listed in this market are expected to have a minimum number of 100
shareholders. The DEM has been launched on 4 august 2006 and there are presently 47
companies listed on this market with a market capitalization of nearly USD1.6 billion as at
29 august 2014.
Companies listed
in the stock
exchange
Investment
Transport
Sugar
Leisure & Hotels
Commerce
1) Capital formation - Provide companies with the ability to raise capital to expand their
business. This leads to an increase in economic activity and therefore drives the economy.
2) Accountability - Promote good corporate governance; Encourages good corporate
practices such as financial reporting and book keeping.
3) Connecting traders - SEM also facilitate trading; Stakeholders may sell their interest to
other party.
4) Government capital raising for development project Borrow money in order to
facilitate infrastructures project.
5) Security SEM designed and implements law and regulations; intend to protect
investors from unfair advantages.
6) Barometer of the economy SEM maintain the stock indexes which are general trend of
the economy.
Bourse Africa
Define/Aim
Bourse Africa Limited (Bourse Africa), is the first global multi-stake class trade from Mauritius
that as of now offers exchanging on three business fragments viz., things, monetary forms and
values. Bourse Africa attempts to give African and International business members with a
productive business sector for danger administration, exchanging, contributing and capital
raising needs. The trade offers a state-of-the-workmanship electronic exchanging stage with
proficient clearing and settlement frameworks.
The trade, found at junction of Africa and Asia offers worldwide speculators the profit of the
Mauritian time zone that adjusts to the business timings of Asia, Africa, Europe and United
States.
The FSC role
The trade is directed by Financial Services Commission (FSC), Mauritius, the incorporated
controller for the money related administrations area other than managing an account, and
worldwide business. The FSC works inside a present day and universally perceived lawful
schema to permit, direct, screen and manage the behavior of business exercises in the nonmanaging an account monetary administrations division.
The Financial Technologies Group contribution
Bourse Africa is advertised by the Financial Technologies Group, a worldwide pioneer in setting
up and working tech-driven cutting edge trades in the developing however quickly developing
economies. These trades are supplemented by the Group's Ecosystem wanders which address
opportunities around trades in the regions of clearing, store, data distributing and installment
door, among others.
Bourse Africa and GBOT
Bourse Africa was once known as Global Board of Trade (GBOT) Ltd. Bourse Africa symbolizes
the bigger center of Financial Technologies Group towards Africa and the opportunities offered
by the African Financial and Commodities Markets.
Investment fund and intermediaries
than investors might be able to obtain on their own. There are mainly 4 types of investment fund:
mutual funds, exchange traded funds, money market funds and hedge funds.
Intermediaries
Intermediaries or to better fit our topic, Financial Intermediaries are entity that acts as the
middleman between 2 parties in a Financial Transaction. Example can be: Investment Bank,
Insurance, Broker dealers, Mutual Funds and pension funds.
Managing the portfolio of the CIS.The Table below shows some of CIS Managers and
CIS Managers
N
1
It is good to note that actually in Mauritius there are at around 28 CIS Managers and around 34
CIS all regulated by the FSC.
http://financenmoney.in/banking-basics/
In addition, recent research has shown that stability of the banking sector in a country do have a
major impact on its economy. In fact, it is found that the banking sector stability is an important
driver of future GDP growth. (Research conducted by VOX, Research-based policy analysis and
commentary from leading economist)
i.
Commercial Banks
Commercial Banks are financial institution that provides services, such as accepting deposits,
giving business loans and auto loans, mortgage lending, and basic investment products like
savings accounts and certificates of deposit. Its services are usually offered to the general public
and to companies.
Offshore Banks
Coming to offshore bank, it is an institute where foreign banks have their branch in an offshore
financial center. That is, these are banks which are located outside of their residence of depositor.
Normally offshore banks accept deposit from other foreign banks and provide loan in
Eurocurrency.
HSBC Bank (Mauritius) Limited
HSBC was the first bank to set up an offshore banking unit in Mauritius and it was in the year
1991. Today HSBC is the largest of its kind in Mauritius.
ii.
Islamic banks
Moreover, Islamic banking refers to banking system which is based on the principles of the
Islamic law in other word the shariah law and guided by the Islamic economics. Two basic
Islamic law principles considered are that profit and loss should be share and secondly there
should be no collection and payment of interest. It is prohibited to collect interest under Islamic
law.
Habib Bank Limited.
Globally Habib Bank Limited is present in 25 countries. It has around 1500 branches around the
world. It started its operation in Mauritius in 1964 and actually has 5 branches.
Functions
Issuer of currency
BOM as a regulator
In a free enterprise economy with changed money related framework, central bank supervision of
business managing an account establishments is imperative. Commercial banks in Mauritius are
managed and regulated by the Bank of Mauritius under the Banking Act 1988 which supplanted
the 1971 Act in January 1989 with a perspective to fortifying and modernizing the administrative
and supervisory framework and additionally to accommodating the legitimate structure for the
stronghold and operations of offshore banks domiciled in Mauritius. The fundamental
destinations of the Banking Act are to keep up a sound saving money framework in Mauritius
and to ensure the premiums of investors.
Moreover, commercial banks, in the same way as some other private undertaking, are profit
maximizes. In the quest for profit making, they may get to be less mindful and take more serious
hazard in their loaning operations. This may jeopardize the security of investors' cash. From the
supervisory edge, a standout amongst the most essential concerns of the Bank of Mauritius is
accordingly to guarantee the support of a sound commercial banking system. It incorporates the
following principles of prudential regulation and supervision of banks:
Licensing of Banks
Capital Adequacy
Quality of Management
Liquidity control
Concentration of Risks
On-site Examinations
Off-site Surveillance
Control of Advertisements
Confidentiality of Information
Identity of Customers
Non banking sector are financial institutions that provide banking services, but do not hold a
banking license or is not supervised by a national or international banking regulatory agency.
Non Banking Sectors are not allowed taking deposits from the public.
Nonetheless, all
Non Banking
Financial Institutions (NBFIs) facilitate bank-related financial services, such as investment, risk
pooling, contractual savings, and market brokering. The NBFIs include a formal stock
exchange, a score of insurance companies, several pension funds, house finance and leasing
companies, non-bank deposit-taking entities, foreign exchange dealers, money-changers and
thousands of global business companies engaging in global market financial business, ranging
from acting as simple sources of invested assets to active managers of international funds and
trust business.
Contribution to an economy
Alan Greenspan, an American economist has identified the role of NBFIs in strengthening an
economy, as they provide "many ways of transforming an economy's savings into capital
investment [which] act as backup facilities should the primary form of intermediation fail."
Some Non Banking Financial Institutions:
Assets Management
Actuarial Services
Representative Office
Treasury Management
Custodian (Non-CIS)
Credit Finance
While banks may offer a set of financial services as a packaged deal, NBFIs unbundle
and tailor these services to meet the needs of specific clients.
Additionally, individual NBFIs may specialize in one particular sector and develop an
informational advantage.
i.
Insurance
The situation in Mauritius
The insurance sector in Mauritius is known to be a relatively well developed one for a small
island like ours. Latest figures shows that insurance, reinsurance and pensions have contributed
3% to our GDP and this figure is expected to grow as this sector is expanding with a growth rate
of 5% which is the highest compared to the last 3 years (Source: Statistics- FSC).
Functions
The basic operation of insurance companies relate to the evaluation of risk and the spreading of
risk between individuals and institutions wishing to protect against it. Activities may be divided
into two broad categories:
1. General business involves the provision of insurance against specific risks such as theft,
fire and accident. The insurance policy holder pays a predetermined premium covering a
fixed period of time, and in return may make a claim for compensation against the
insurance company if a loss is incurred within the terms of the policy.
2. Long-term business relates to the provision of life assurance policies, which pay a capital
sum on the death of the person whose life is insured, and the operation of long term
savings schemes, which may involve an element of life cover should the person named in
the policy die before the policy matures.
Types
The Mauritian insurance sector is regulated by the Mauritius Financial sector (FSC) under the
Act 2005. Local insurance business is classified into:
The insurance business is largely private owned and is dominated by a few players which include
some re-insurance companies and a few captive companies which essentially insure the risks of
their parent companies. The insurance sector of Mauritius is mainly influenced by companies
like BAI (45% of Market share), SICOM and the Swan group among others.
Pensions
Beside our national pension which is provided by the government, individuals have the right to
go for a private pension provision. The majorities of these provisions are catered through defined
benefit (DB) and defined contribution (DC) schemes established by private companies to provide
pensions for their employees. The money from the pension is derived from a lifelong saving by
the individual through a scheme. In general, they are insurance companies who provide these
pensions.
As from 1 November 2012, the Private Pension Schemes Act 2012 ('PPSA') has come into force.
The PPSA provides for a comprehensive and modern regulatory and supervisory framework for
the operation of private pension schemes. The FSC shall ensure that private pension schemes
comply with provisions of the PPSA with a view to maintaining a fair, safe, stable and efficient
private pension industry in Mauritius
The Mauritius Financial System comprises of several management companies and some
institutions which form part of our government entities.
Name of Institution
Objectives
Promotes and
investment.
Bank of Mauritius(BOM)
facilitates
foreign
direct
Management companies in our financial market still find ways to profit by creating and selling
new derivatives, even if these deliver no benefits to the market and may actually lead the system
towards trouble. Complexity also helps financial institutions to hide the risks they create.
The basic complexity of the market allows for the completion of deals that would never get
signed in a world of full transparency and understanding. Unfortunately, according to traditional
financial theory, we assume that individual consumers have perfect knowledge of the market and
make only rational decisions, ignore this point, blinding itself to a huge source of systemic risk.
A major case of suspected Ponzi Scheme just occurred recently in the case of the ex-Brammer
Bank and BAI Insurance company (45% of the market share) this was because also due to the
capital requirement inadequacy and supervision which had been predicted during the FSSA of
2008 but which the FSC perhaps omitted to look at from the extract we can read :
The banking system is highly concentrated, and its core (the largest, dominant banks)
would appear to be fairly robust to credit and liquidity shocks. However, smaller banks would be
challenged to meet the regulatory capital requirement in the event of stress. Against this
background, there is a need to increase supervisory capacity to evaluate risks, including by
reviewing bank data more frequently and by undertaking stress tests or else this could adversely
affect confidence and Mauritius reputation as a financial center. The diagram below shoes the
capital Adequacy in Mauritius for September 2010- 2014 .
Capital Adequacy
The banking sector maintained adequate - albeit increasing - capital levels during the period
under review, although differences remained among banks in terms of their individual capital
adequacy ratio (CAR). The CAR for the banking sector stood at 17.1 per cent as at endSeptember 2014 compared with 16.4 per cent a year ago. In line with regulatory requirements,
banks have duly shifted from Basel II to a phasing in of Basel III capital framework.
Accordingly, changes have been brought in the estimated CARs due to the computation
methodology of banks capital base, coupled with the implementation of macro prudential
measures mainly in terms of revised risk weights amounted to Rs111.8 billion as at end
September 2014, with the ratio of Common Equity Tier 1(CET1) capital to total risk weighted
assets being computed at 13.7 per cent. From the ownership perspective, branches of foreign
owned banks maintained the highest Tier 1 capital ratio with an average of 23.9 per cent,
followed by the subsidiaries of foreign-owned banks, at 16.7 per cent. Domestic-owned banks
continued to post lower Tier 1 capital ratio at 13.7 per cent, although an improvement has been
noted due to compliance towards meeting the Basel III targets (Chart 4.5).applicable to the
construction sector. The capital base of the banking sector
The root of this scandal is the presence of a Ponzi scheme for an amount greater than Rs 25
billion, trapping 23,000 people and putting 160,000 policy holders at risk, noted Mauritius
Prime Minister Anerood Jugnauth. However with the intervention of the government the
Brammer bank was given to the National Commercial Bank while the BAI was handed over to
PricewaterhouseCoopers Ltd which once again showed the resilience of the Mauritian financial
system. We shall now look at the recommendations of the IMF,WB and the budget 2015 that the
Minister of Finance has announced in favour of the Mauritian Financial System
Conclusion
References