Offshore Funds in The Seychelles

Investment Advisor License

An Investment Advisor License allows a company to provide investment advice, manage a portfolio, issue analysis or reports concerning specific securities.
There are no restrictions on the investments a very private fund can make; the parameters are defined within the fund’s governing documentation. Assets which may be difficult to directly divide evenly, such as a portfolio of art works, properties or intellectual property, can be held by the fund.
Should an investor wish to cease their participation in the fund in the future, they could dispose of their shares in the fund, leaving the underlying investments intact. Similarly, the passing of wealth between generations can be simply achieved by the transfer of fund shares.

Benefits of Seychelles 

Low capital requirements 

(only US$25,000) and stable telecommunications and infrastructure means Seychelles is the right platform to provide services between the major financial centres. Having a time zone of GMT +4, Seychelles is well placed to bridge the time difference between Asia and Europe.  Politically stable with a regulatory framework based on a combination of both common and civil law, the Seychelles presents an attractive environment in which to do business.

Key Licensing conditions for Investment Advisors

  • Seychelles Domestic Company or Other ‘ Recognised Jurisdiction’
  • Employ at least 2 Fit and Proper Directors
  • One individual licensed as a Securities Dealer Representative and one compliance officer
  • Minimum capital requirement of USD 25,000
  • Comply with the insurance requirement
  • Run Operations from Seychelles
  • Investment Advisor Representative License also required ($500)

Very Private family fund solutions 

Creating a fund to hold family investments offers a flexible and cost effective solution to structuring private wealth and can be used to hold a wide variety of different assets.

  • A very private fund is an investment structure created for a small number of family members.
  • A very private fund operates much like any other investment fund by appointing an investment advisor or investment manager to guide its investment activity for the benefit of the fund’s investors.
  • Investors each hold a clearly defined share of the fund and receive the benefits of being investors, whether this is income generated by the fund’s assets, capital appreciation or a combination of both.

There are no restrictions on the investments a very private fund can make; the parameters are defined within the fund’s governing documentation. Assets which may be difficult to directly divide evenly, such as a portfolio of art works, properties or intellectual property, can be held by the fund.

Should an investor wish to cease their participation in the fund in the future, they could dispose of their shares in the fund, leaving the underlying investments intact. Similarly, the passing of wealth between generations can be simply achieved by the transfer of fund shares.


A relatively small number of parties contribute to the activities of the fund (see below):

  • Board of directors
  • External auditor
  • Investment advisor
  • Custodian Bank
  • Fund Administrator
  • Banker

The party providing the investment advice could be a member of the family who has particular investment expertise or an independent investment professional. They would be contractually appointed as an investment advisor to the fund under terms fully disclosed to the investors. The board of directors of the fund, supported by the administrator, would oversee the investment activities in accordance with the fund’s agreed investment parameters.

Securities Dealer/ Foreign Exchange Broker License

A Seychelles Securities Dealer License allows a company to trade in securities either as a principal (on its own account) or as an agent (on behalf of its clients). An entity holding a Seychelles Securities Dealer License can advise other persons concerning investment in securities and can issue, analyse or prepare reports concerning specific securities.Seychelles licensed securities dealers can manage a portfolio of securities for another person without having to apply for extra regulatory approval or sanction.

Key Licensing conditions for Securities Dealers

  • Seychelles Domestic Company or Other ‘ Recognised Jurisdiction’
  • Employ at least 2 Fit and Proper Directors
  • One individual licensed as a Securities Dealer Representative and one compliance officer
  • Minimum capital requirement of USD 50,000
  • Comply with the insurance requirement
  • Run Operations from Seychelles

The Regulatory Framework

The Seychelles Securities Act, 2007 provides a well-balanced, modern regulatory framework that provides flexibilities to suit business needs.

Overseen by the Financial Services Authority, the legislation allows for three types of securities dealer licenses offering favourable corporate tax rates, exemptions from stamp duty, preferential work permit allowance, free remittance of profits and capital.

  • unrestricted security dealers who operate as full service securities dealer with no limitations on the activities that can be undertaken;
  • restricted securities dealer license which can restrict the scope of services of the licensee; and
  • exempt overseas securities dealers where the dealer holds a license overseas and is not looking to provide services to Seychellois.

MSCS Consultants Ltd provides a boutique solution for all your requirements. We can arrange for the appropriate support services from inception to post-licensing.

  • Preparation of licensing application including all supporting documentation (business plan, compliance manual and procedures);
  • Back-office support (compliance, accounting etc.);
  • Arranging the Provision of/ Sourcing of Directors and Company secretarial services.

Please contact us for a typical fund structure solution and an extremely competitive fee quotation.   

*Disclaimer: This information provided is purely as a courtesy and convenience. It is not intended to be constituted as legal advice.