GMEX Group is leading in plans to launch a revolutionary blockchain exchange platform in Mauritius with MINDEX Holdings Limited (MINDEX) linked to Mauritius International Derivatives and Commodities Exchange and Hybrid Stock Exchange Corporation Limited (HYBSE).
The new bourse will be called HYBSE International Marketplace. The partners are:
• MINDEX: a complete exchange, post trade and physical infrastructure, facilitating a variety of asset classes to be traded in Mauritius, supported by GMEX
• GMEX: a world leader in digital business and technology solutions for exchange and post-trade operators. GMEX serves as core of a network of stock exchanges and other trading and post-trade centres around the world.
• HYBSE: a global online marketplace based on blockchain technology that is part of the DIM-Ecosystem.
According to the press release:
“The HYBSE International Marketplace will integrate blockchain solutions and technology with traditional financial industries providing a complete and governed ecosystem that digitalizes assets onto the Blockchain. This partnership will for the first time, enable institutional investors access to cryptocurrency ETF’s and other crypto-instruments.
“The following asset classes will be facilitated for trade in a digital tokenized format:
• Cryptonized shares
• Cryptonized currencies
• Commodities
• Indices
• Forex
• ETCs (Exchange-traded commodities)
• ETFs (Exchange-traded funds)
• CETFs (Crypto exchange-traded funds)
“SMEs (small and medium enterprises) will be able to use the HYBSE International Marketplace to seek capital by launching an Initial Blockshare Offering (IBO); a time-limited offer to purchase cryptonized-equities and other cryptonized-instruments, such as blockshares, from businesses registered on the HYBSE International Marketplace at special discounted rates.”
The decision to set up in Mauritius follows news that the regulator FSC will create new licensable activities for the Custodian of Digital Assets and Digital Asset Marketplace – see consultation paper issued in November 2018 – and provide a regulated environment for the exchange and safe custody of digital assets. The regulator in Mauritius has also issued guidelines on investment in cryptocurrency as a digital asset.
Hirander Misra, CEO of GMEX Group, commented: “He added, “We welcome the new regulatory framework for digital assets in Mauritius and we are thrilled to be at the forefront of market development as one of the first ventures to set up under the new regime. We are firmly convinced that there is a massive opportunity for Mauritius to position itself as a major global hub in this dynamic space underpinned by strong governance and regulation to ensure trust”.
In a blog post he noted that Mauritius has also set up a National Regulatory Sandbox Licence Committee to consider sandbox licensing of fintech activities. “Sham ICOs have to be stopped and robust KYC / AML processes and rules must be put in place. In addition technology if developed and deployed well can ensure that some of the crypto exchange hacks we have heard of in other parts of the world can be avoided. Ultimately the current regulatory confusion will correct itself as there will be a flight to quality to those jurisdictions with robust laws and regulations in place. The unregulated bucket shop exchanges with poor controls will cease to exist, as properly run and secure technology enabled digital exchanges and digital asset custodians come into the market to facilitate increased institutional business and wholesale retail business.”
Commodity platform – gold from mine to vault
In June, GMEX had announced it was part of the initial consortium to launch Mauritius International Derivatives and Commodities Exchange (MINDEX), which will become a multi-commodity and derivatives exchange platform. The Mauritius Financial Services Commission will exercise full regulatory oversight.
GMEX has been working closely with the British High Commission Mauritius and Department for International Trade (DIT) Mauritius since it opened a regional headquarters in Mauritius International Financial Centre (IFC) during 2017.
MINDEX Clearing will act as central counterparty clearing house (CCP) to clear all trades.
The GMEX consortium led investment in the MINDEX project amounts to $35 million to build a gold refinery, a secure vault, launch of an advanced technologically enabled spot exchange, derivatives exchange and clearing house. This is expected to create 104 direct jobs over 2 years and an additional 408 new secondary jobs over the next 2 years in Mauritius.
The Department for International Trade’s Minister for Investment Graham Stuart MP said: “As an international economic department, we are pleased to be working with GMEX in Mauritius on an investment which will sustain and create jobs in Mauritius and the UK. The MINDEX project will support an ecosystem which creates opportunities in gold mining, refining, storage, recycling, and in commodities trading and financial technology.
“We will continue support companies’ overseas investments where there is benefit to the UK by offering practical support to investors, facilitating introductions to ease market entry and using our expertise to explain political sensitivities and cultural differences to British businesses.”
