I am glad to see yet another milestone in the journey of the Regional Centre of Excellence (RCE), more so that I spearheaded its setting up and launch in my former capacity of the Chief Executive of the Financial Services Commission (FSC). 

Since, with the continuous  support of the OECD, the RCE has delivered a number of concrete actions, in line with its 3-pronged mandate. 

One of my key priorities when setting up the RCE was to ensure flawless and timely collaboration between financial services regulators, as well as Law Enforcement Agencies (LEA), at regional level.

Its work has become even more relevant now, especially that regulators and LEAs continue to witness complex and unforeseen challenges and shocks globally. 

To recall, the RCE was set up to deliver capacity-building programmes for financial services regulators and LEAs; conduct research in topical areas in the field of financial services; and recommend and advise on the introduction of regulatory standards that reflect on the ground market realities for our region.

The Governing Board of the RCE, which I chair since its inception in 2020, continues to ensure the strategic orientation of the RCE and its functioning in line with its mandate, while nurturing effective coordination with the OECD. 

I wish to thank all stakeholders, local and international, for their continuous support to this initiative.  I also invite operators within the banking and  financial services sector, to remain irrevocably committed to the highest standards of professionalism in our sector. 

At the level of the RCE, we will continue to equip our authorities with the necessary capacity, support and tools so they accompany the growth of Mauritius as an  IFC of choice.