Channel Islands-based Bedell Trust has bolstered its presence in Mauritius, the African island seen as an attractive offshore haven and recently commended by the OECD for its work on tax openness.  

The new business, Bedell Management Services, is a full service management company, including trust and fund administration services, aiming to complement the legal advice given by Bedell Cristin Partnership, which opened an office in Mauritius last year.

"Our strong presence in Mauritius is of great value to clients hoping to invest in South Africa, India and the Far East,” said Michael Richardson, executive chairman of Bedell Trust.

The new business will be led by Yuvraj Juwaheer, a former member of the Mauritian government steering committee set up in 2004 to consider opening the island to international law firms.

Juwaheer describes the island as a key location for the company. “OECD ‘whitelist’ status recognises its adherence to best international financial standards, it benefits from many double tax treaties and is a politically stable base for investment into the attractive markets of India, Africa and the Far East,” he said.