General Overview. The government of Seychelles defined a strategy to develop as an offshore financial center in 1994, basing its new offshore legislation upon examples of successful offshore jurisdictions, such as the BVI.  After 15 years of its development as an offshore country, Seychelles became one of the most popular offshore jurisdictions, and its offshore services continue bringing significant income to the state economy. Seychelles implemented all the recommendations for adhering to international anti-money laundering provisions and providing high level of financial services, following recommendations of international institutions.

Banking Sector. For conducting a banking activity in Seychelles, it is necessary to obtain a banking license there. There are three types of licenses, which are issued to banking institutions: domestic banking license, offshore banking license, domestic and offshore banking license. A business plan together with other requested documents and liquidity requirements must be submitted to the local authorities, in order to obtain a banking license.

Investment Funds. Local authorities introduced a legal framework for offshore investment fund management and regulation in 1997. Since then this market segment has been experiencing constant growth and development. An investment fund may take a form of an investment company or unit trust. Every fund registered in Seychelles must have a registered office in the jurisdiction as well as a local licensed administrator. Mutual Funds and Hedge Funds Act was introduced in 2008 with the aim to improve and enhance the development of investment funds sector in Seychelles.
 
Trust Management.  Offshore trusts may be established in Seychelles which represent an effective tax-planning and asset protection instrument.
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Insurance Companies. Insurance Authority which is one the Ministry of Finance entities regulates domestic and offshore insurance companies. It is necessary to obtain an insurance business license, in order to conduct an offshore insurance business in Seychelles, by submitting a number of requested documents and adhering to minimum paid-up capital and liquidity requirements.

Shipping Registry. It is tax-effective to register a vessel in the name of an International Business Company in Seychelles. A vessel must not be older than 15 years of age at the moment of registration. The jurisdiction offers effective procedures for registering different types of ships there.