Life at Axis

Entrepreneurial, Corporate, Fiduciary & Fund specialists with deep expertise and bespoke solutions

Who we are

Set up in 2008, AXIS offers a full spectrum of corporate, fiduciary, tax & accounting and fund administration services across multiple global jurisdictions.

Headquartered in Mauritius, with representative offices in Seychelles and South Africa, our team of industry experts craft bespoke solutions to our diversified client base, which includes Development Finance Institutions, Angel Investors, Institutional Investors, Family Offices, GPs and Investment Managers.

At Axis, our focus is on enabling strategic investments in Africa, India, and Southeast Asia, leveraging Mauritius as an International Financial Center (IFC).

Our Partners

Iqbal Rajahbalee S.C.
Jason Harel
Assad Abdullatiff
Jean-Eric Sauzier
Jean-Claude Permal

AXIS at a glance

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Dedicated Professional Employees

Our team consists of highly qualified and experienced professionals from various fields, including law, accounting,  finance, corporate secretarial and estate planning.

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4 Specialist Departments

Our main activities
are split across
four specialist units: corporate, fiduciary, tax & accounting and fund administration.

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A Regional Force

Present in Mauritius, Seychelles and South Africa, AXIS is at the forefront of the fiduciary industry, serving a clientele in a large number of jurisdictions.

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Robust Partnerships & Affiliations

The synergy of Axis with its associate, BLCR and its affiliates in the Africa Legal Network (ALN), opens a solid platform of competences across more than 14 countries on the African continent to spearhead our activities.

The Axis Difference

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Local expertise, global reach

With international qualifications and professional experience in accounting, fund administration, company secretarial, financial and legal, our bilingual team of highly skilled specialists offers a robust combination of unparalleled expertise and dedication to deliver exceptional results and great value for our clients.

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A flexible and tailor-made approach

We understand every client is different. With Axis as your financial partner, we will listen to you and work alongside you to devise a custom-fit solution for your unique corporate needs.

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Technology & Infrastructure

We use a fully integrated technology platform to streamline the onboarding process of our clients and investors and engage with them in a scalable way.

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Performance

We serve customers globally with a result-driven mindset, while collaborating with our clients in an effort to build robust portfolios.

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A jurisdiction of choice

Headquartered in the Mauritius International Financial Centre of substance, the country has all the right elements to position itself as a conducive business environment and ideal investment destination.

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A strong legal partnership

Axis is affiliated to BLC Robert & Associates, one of the leading top-tier law firms in Mauritius and a member of the Africa Legal Network (ALN). This allows us to provide a one-stop solution to our corporate clients.

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A personalised service

Trust is the hallmark of the relationship with our clients. With an entrepreneurial spirit and a proactive approach customised to your needs, our dedicated team designs a plan that suit your financial landscape and business ambitions.

Core Values

Agility

Our uniqueness is our ability to be flexible, accessible, respond and adapt quickly to ever-changing market changes. With a strong commitment to serving you, we approach decisions with discipline, execute with speed and hold ourselves accountable for our results.

eXcellence

Our wealth of expertise is blended with a relationship-driven approach. Being passionate and agile in looking for innovative solutions to assist our clients while also leveraging technology, is underpinned by the backbone of being entrepreneurial fiduciary specialists who are committed to the highest standards of excellence across all aspects of our business.

Integrity

Our relationship with all stakeholders are based on respect and honesty. We strive to do what is right and do what we say we will do. We foster an open, proactive communication, take responsibility for our own actions to reinforce trust and create high-performing teams.

TruSted

With uncompromising ethics, we are a trusted partner in all relationships because we “do what we say” and “say what we do”.

Key Milestones

Axis Working Groups

eXult Working Group

At Axis, we strongly uphold the “Work Hard and Play Hard” philosophy. To ensure that we remain true to our values and motto, we have established the eXult working group. The dedicated team is committed to organizing engaging events and activities for all Axis employees, as part of our continuous efforts to cultivate a positive and fulfilling workplace culture.

The eXult working group plans a unique event each month, with its own theme and activities. These events provide opportunities for cultural exchange, team building, professional development, and unwinding with colleagues. Our aim is to foster a positive work environment that promotes employee satisfaction and productivity.

At Axis Fiduciary Ltd, we are committed to making our workplace the ideal place to work. We believe that a positive work culture is essential, and our eXult working group is working hard to achieve this goal.

EDI Working Group

Axis has an Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) working group in place to ensure that our workplace is a welcoming and supportive environment for all employees. As a company, we firmly believe that promoting EDI is not just a nice-to-have, but a must-have. By establishing this EDI working group, we have taken a significant step forward in creating a more inclusive and supportive workplace culture.

The EDI working group ensures that EDI is integrated into our DNA, reflected in all of our processes and policies, and that all employees are aware of their rights and responsibilities. The working group is responsible for monitoring the effectiveness of these initiatives and making recommendations for improvements. We urge all employees to embrace EDI as part of their daily work.

ESG Working Group

The Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) working group at Axis, demonstrates our unwavering commitment to ESG initiatives. As an organization, we recognize the importance of ESG considerations and are determined to showcase to our stakeholders that we take these issues very seriously.

The ESG working group reviews and develops strategies to integrate ESG components into our framework and initiatives. By doing so, we aim to strengthen Axis’s sustainability practices, address risks, improve our social impact, and meet our governance obligations through best ethical business practices.

We remain committed to ensuring that our business practices align with the values of our stakeholders and that ESG is integrated into our DNA, reflected in all of our processes and policies, and that all of our employees are aware of their rights and responsibilities. Additionally, the ESG working group also monitor the effectiveness of our ESG efforts and make recommendations for improvements to meet our long-term goals.

Strategic alliances to drive the AXIS brand across Africa.

Strategic Partnerships

Leveraging an established network of top tier law firms

Axis is an offshoot of BLC Robert & Associates Ltd (“BLC Robert”), the leading top-tier law firm in Mauritius, listed as a Band 1 Firm by Chambers and Partners and a Top Tier law firm by the IFLR. Being the sister of BLC Robert, Axis has a legal footprint and can provide its clients with a wide range of legal and tax services and can also offer practical commercial solutions to complex transactions and legal issues.

BLC Robert was established in 2005 and it is a member of ALN (Africa Legal Network) since 2010. ALN is an alliance of independent top tier law firms in Africa. With a thorough understanding of the local and regional landscape, culture and business practice, the group offers seamless delivery of legal advisory and transactional services, especially those of a complex and multi-jurisdictional nature.

The synergy between Axis and BLC Robert, coupled with their association with ALN, enables Axis to expand its activities regionally and globally.

Corporate Governance

Compliance

Throughout the year to the best of the Board’s knowledge, the organisation has complied with the Corporate Governance Code for Mauritius (2016). The organisation has applied all of the  principles set out in the Code and explained how these principles have been applied.

Responsibility of the Board of Directors

The Board assumes responsibility for leading and controlling the organisation and meeting all legal and regulatory requirements. The Board regularly approves, monitors and reviews the processes of all Constitutional documents of the company. All appointment of the directors are approved by the shareholders of the Company.

2008 - 2010
- Axis Fiduciary Ltd is incorporated as a Private Company Limited by shares
- Axis licensed by the Mauritius Financial Services Commission
2008 - 2010
2011 - 2014
- Set up Axis Fiduciary (Seychelles) Limited
- Affiliation to Africa Legal Network (ALN)
- Move headquarters from Port-Louis to Ebene CyberCity at AXIS Tower
2011 - 2014
2015 - 2016
- Certified ISAE 3402 Type II
- Awarded as Offshore Firm of the Year 2015 & 2016 in Mauritius by Finance Monthly magazine
2015 - 2016
2017 - 2019
- Axis chairs the Association of Trust and Management Companies (ATMC),
- Awarded Best Fund Administrator 2017 – under $20bn private equity funds as part of the Africa Service Provider Awards.
- Became a member of EMPEA.
- Rebranding of the Axis brand.
- Became a member of AVCA
2017 - 2019
2020
- Member of the Association of Family Business Enterprises - Accredited Employer Partner of STEP (The Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners.)
- Acquisition of Harel Mallal Global and Harel Mallac Advisory
- Awarded as ACCA Approved Employer - Trainee Development, Gold.
- Winner of the Annual Africa Global Funds ("AGF") awards 2020 for the "Best Fund Administrator: Private Equity Funds Under US 20BN"
- Affiliation to MGI Worldwide.
2020
2021 - 2022
- One of the Founding members of Mauritius Finance- Association for the Mauritius Financial Services industry.
- Constitution of new Board and appointment of new chairman
- Shortlisted as finalist for STEP Private Client award - Trust company of the year (midsize firm)
- Extension of our membership networks locally and internationally
- Winner Global Business Outlook Awards 2021 - Most innovate Corporate Service Provider
- Launch of the Axis Academy
- Winner of the Annual Africa Global Funds ("AGF") awards 2022 for the "Best Fund Administrator: Private Equity Funds Under US 20BN".
2021 - 2022
2023
- Axis 15 years Anniversary.
- Winner of the Annual Africa Global Funds ("AGF") awards 2023 for the "Best Fund Administrator: Private Equity Funds Under US 20BN".
- Axis Re-Accreditation as a STEP Employer Partner.
- Launch of the ESG working group at Axis.
- Launch of the EDI working group at Axis
- Launch of the Exult Committee at Axis: Building a Positive Workplace Culture through Engaging Events and Activities.
- Launch of Axis Toastmasters club.
- Hosted the Annual General Meeting for the MGI Africa.
- Appointment of a New Female Independent Director to the Board.
2023

Axis Code of Ethics

The Company has put in place a Code of Ethics which sets out the standards of correct conduct expected of employees of Axis. It emphasizes the importance of a professional, responsible and responsive service and is intended to promote effective and responsible behaviour within the company in a variety of circumstances.

The Code of Ethics lays down a set of principles and guidelines which aim at instilling a high standard of conduct and behaviour across the Company and applies to all staff irrespective of grade. It complements any existing guidelines.

For more information on the Code of Ethics, please click here.

Our Services

Locations

Mauritius
SEYCHELLES
South Africa

About us

An affiliate of the
Mauritian Law Firm
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© 2023 All Rights Reserved

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Iqbal Rajahbalee

Iqbal Rajahbalee is the leading partner of BLC Robert and a partner of Axis. He specialises in the practice area of Banking and Finance, Litigation and Dispute Resolution, PPP and Regulatory. He is a Senior Counsel with over 30 years of practice at the Bar of Mauritius advising on a number of diverse cross-border finance transactions, including asset financing and investment funds both for the public and private sector.

He practices in the areas of Corporate & Commercial, Mergers & Acquisitions, General Banking and Project Finance, Taxation, Trade Finance, Insolvency and Arbitration.

He is the founder of the offshore industry in Mauritius and served as the first Executive Director of the Mauritius Offshore Business Activities Authority (MOBAA). He was appointed as the first Chief Executive of the Financial Services Commission of Mauritius, the regulatory body of the non-banking finance industry. He has acted as Mauritius counsel in setting up a number of global investment funds and advised a number of multinationals. In addition, Iqbal served for more than ten years at the Attorney General‘s Office, Ministry of Justice rising to the position of Assistant Solicitor General. He is often called upon by the government to advise on financial law matters and has drafted numerous pieces of legislation in Mauritius including the Securities Act, the Financial Services Development Act and the Insurance Act.

Iqbal has led several Government delegations on a wide range of issues from international territorial disputes to taxation, and has sat on a number of government appointed committees. Iqbal is a Masters of Law graduate from the London School of Economics.

Chambers Global has ranked Iqbal first in Mauritius, detailing that, ‘he knows this business outstandingly well’ and is a “sensible choice for large corporate transactions.” The Guide states that “Observers credit this ‘tremendous track record’ as one of the reasons why he is held in such high esteem by clients.”

Jason Harel

Jason Harel is a co-founding partner of BLC Robert and a partner of Axis. He boasts substantial experience in corporate M&A, workout transactions as well as taxation. He practises in the areas of corporate and commercial law, mergers and acquisitions, corporate insolvency, real estate, tax but also advises on litigation matters.

Consistently identified as a ‘leading practitioner’ in his field by legal directories, Jason acts for public and private companies, banks, hotels and real estate on a range of acquisitions and other corporate transactions.

Jason sits on a number of boards of directors including JP Morgan Investments Ltd, African Legal Network (ALN) and IBL Ltd. He is also chairman of a family controlled hotel group.

Prior to joining BLC Robert and after completing his pupillage with Grays’ Tax Chambers, the leading tax chambers in the UK, Jason was a senior associate within the Trade Finance and Project Finance Group of Denton Wilde Sapte LLP in London from 2000 to 2005. Jason is also a Chartered Accountant and for Kingston Smith in their corporate insolvency and restructuring divisions. He is qualified as a Barrister both in England and Wales and the Republic of Mauritius.

The Chambers Global Guide describes Jason as someone who “blends accounting knowledge with an in-depth knowledge of private international law” and client feedback in the Chambers Global Guide describes him as “extremely responsive, applying a western work ethic and with world class experience.”

Assad Abdullatiff

Areas of expertise: corporate law & governance, tax planning and structuring, fund formation & administration, company secretarial, trusts and estate planning

Assad is an influential figure in the financial services industry, bringing over 20 years of expertise in corporate law and governance, tax planning and structuring, fund formation and administration, company secretarial matters, trusts, and estate planning. As the Managing Director of Axis, he has played a pivotal role in shaping the organization’s success and establishing its reputation as a leading player in the industry. His extensive experience and influential roles in the industry directly contribute to the added value of client structures at Axis and such expertise enables him to provide comprehensive and strategic advice to clients.

Assad began his illustrious career at Standard Bank Trust Company, where he honed his skills and acquired valuable experience. Over the years, he held several senior positions in various international financial services companies in Mauritius, further expanding his knowledge and influence.

Prior to his appointment as Managing Director at Axis, Assad served as the Assistant Director at the Board of Investment of Mauritius. In this role, he led the Financial Services Cluster and played a vital role in promoting Mauritius as an International Financial Centre. His strategic vision and leadership acumen contributed significantly to positioning Mauritius as a preferred destination for global financial services.

Assad’s influence extends beyond his role at Axis. He has held prominent positions in prestigious organizations, showcasing his commitment to professional excellence and industry advancement. He served as the Chairman of the Association of Trust and Management Companies (ATMC) from 2017 to 2018. During his tenure, he seeded the idea of consolidating the Mauritius financial industry under one leading organization. This idea came to fruition when ATMC and several key organizations in the financial services sector merged to establish Mauritius Finance in February 2021. Assad played an integral role as part of the merger sub-committee of the ATMC and currently serves on the board of Mauritius Finance. In this capacity, he diligently works to defend the interests of the Mauritius financial services industry on both the local and international stage. He was also actively engaged in the Blueprint Steering Committee, where he contributes to shaping the future direction of the financial services industry in Mauritius.

Furthermore, he served as the Chairman of STEP Mauritius (Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners), an organization that plays a crucial role in promoting best practices and high standards in the trust and estate planning industry. His exemplary leadership earned him the appointment as a Council Member of STEP Worldwide, representing the Africa & Arabia regions, including branches in India, Mauritius, South Africa, Seychelles, and the UAE from 2017 to 2020. Recognizing his exceptional contributions, Assad was also appointed as a Director on the STEP Worldwide Board, further highlighting his global influence and recognition within the industry. This appointment for two consecutive mandate of two years from 2020 to 2022 and from 2022 to 2024, demonstrates the trust placed in his expertise and his ability to shape the future of the industry on an international scale.

As an international speaker, Assad actively participates in conferences and roadshows across Africa, advocating for Mauritius as the gateway to ‘The Hopeful Continent.’ His on-the-ground presence and compelling insights further solidify his position as an influential figure within the financial services landscape.

In addition to his leadership roles, Assad serves as an Independent Director on numerous Mauritian companies operating in diverse economic sectors. This multidimensional involvement underscores his versatility and ability to bring valuable insights to various domains.

Beyond his professional endeavours, Assad remains committed to knowledge sharing and staying at the forefront of industry developments. He contributes regularly to local and international publications, providing valuable insights on topics relevant to his practice, and keeping his peers informed about emerging trends and regulatory changes.

Assad holds an LLB Hons (Bachelor of Law) from the University of Wolverhampton (UK) and an LLM (Master of Laws) in Business Law from the University of Hertfordshire (UK). Furthermore, he is qualified as a Barrister-at-Law in Mauritius, further solidifying his legal expertise and understanding of complex legal frameworks.

Jean-Eric Sauzier

Distinguished as a “leading lawyer” by IFLR1000, Jean-Eric Sauzier specialises in Banking, Project Finance and Insolvency. He is also well versed with real estate development, hospitality and information technology.

With considerable experience in banking, finance, insolvency, hospitality, real estate, IT and Intellectual Property, Jean Eric provides bespoke advice and solutions for domestic and cross-border financing, including preliminary advice on the structuring of the line of credit, identifying key legal risks and defining key terms and conditions pertinent to the type of financing at hand. He also works closely with Axis by helping clients with their finance, security and disbursement documentation while assisting sophisticated borrowers in the raising of their debt financing and assisting on their drawdowns.

His insolvency work consists primarily of advising lenders on their recovery routes as well as providing them with handholding support through administration, receivership and liquidation procedures. In the real estate area, he has been advising promoters on the development and documentation of their products as well as on the financing of their projects. He has also advised banks on how to best protect their interest on real estate financing as well as private client purchasers on their property acquisition and retail financing of same.

Jean-Claude Permal

Areas of expertise: accounting, operations, administration, business management and governance

Jean Claude is the Executive Director and COO at Axis Fiduciary, with over 25 years of experience. He oversees Axis business operations and is responsible for the team of specialist administrators and accountants focused on responding to the individual needs and financial aspirations of clients, aligned to service excellence.

During his career, Jean Claude has worked in various sectors such as manufacturing, construction and retail including imports, exports and sales, in Mauritius and Eastern Africa. In the financial services sector, he held senior positions in international financial services organisations in Mauritius. While working for a regulated credit institution in the Global Business sector of Mauritius, Jean Claude had responsibility of the accounting and administration functions and was also actively engaged in the credit and investment areas.

Jean Claude has expertise as an accountant and received his MBA from Surrey University. Jean Claude is also a fellow member of the Chartered Governance Institute (formerly known as the ICSA) and a Chartered Governance Professional. Moreover, he is a part of the developing global community of governance professionals dedicated to the advancement of the sector by abiding by the Institute’s Code of Professional Ethics and Conduct and seeking continual professional development.