Case study
Our client, their challenge
Our client is a diversified group founded in Malaysia – since its establishment in 1963, they have grown into one of the Asia Pacific region’s leading private conglomerates. With operations spanning multiple industries and geographies, the Group today comprises more than 30 companies, employs thousands of people and serves millions of customers.
As part of its long-term risk management and operational strategy, the Group sought to establish a pure captive insurer in Mauritius. Its objectives included:
- Securing additional insurance capacity not readily available in local markets
- Strengthening group-wide risk management and oversight
- Accessing customised coverage solutions
- Improving claims handling efficiency
- Enhancing economic substance in Mauritius, including benefiting from the government-announced eight-year tax holiday for captive insurers (Budget 2024/2025)
Our solution
IQ-EQ advised the Group on the establishment of its pure captive insurer in Mauritius, supporting the client through the regulatory, structural and operational steps required for licensing, launch and ongoing compliance.
The captive structure enables the client to consolidate and manage insurance risks across its trading entities while leveraging Mauritius’ favourable legislative, regulatory and fiscal environment.
Mauritius was selected as the preferred domicile due to:
- A robust and attractive legal and regulatory framework for captives
- A well-established ecosystem of specialist service providers, including actuaries, lawyers, auditors, management companies, banks and bilingual skilled professionals
- No foreign exchange controls
- An extensive network of double taxation avoidance agreements (DTAAs) and investment promotion and protection agreements (IPPAs)
- No withholding tax on dividends, no capital gains tax and no capital duty on issued capital
- Strong compliance culture aligned with international standards (know-your-customer, anti-money laundering, data protection)
Additional advantages include Mauritius’ political and economic stability, cost‑effective operating environment, strong data security standards, and a time zone that supports business across Asia, Africa and the Middle East.
Results
By establishing its captive insurer in Mauritius, the Group now operates within a well-regulated and reputable jurisdiction that strengthens its overall risk management framework and enhances its ability to access financing from banks and financial institutions.
The structure is also expected to serve as a blueprint for other Asian and African conglomerates considering captive solutions as part of broader corporate risk strategies.
