The Financial Services Authority (“FSA”) issuesthis Communiqué forthe purpose of providing guidance to the public to effectively identify and ensure that persons claiming to be Securities Dealers licensed by the FSA are genuine.

The Financial Services Authority

The Financial Services Authority (FSA) of the Seychelles and the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (CISI) have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) committing to work together to enhance and promote professionalism and professional standards in the capital market sector of The Republic of Seychelles.

The Central Bank of Seychelles (CBS) and Financial Services Authority (FSA) will be undertaking a series of public consultation as part of the review process of a new piece of legislation aimed at strengthening consumer protectionin the financial sector..

The Financial Services Authority

Labank Santral e Lotorite Servis Finansyel pe al konmans en seri konsiltasyon piblik lo nouvo lalwa ki pe ganny propoze pour ranforsi drwa konsonmater dan sekter finansyel.

The Central Bank of Seychelles (CBS) and Financial Services Authority (FSA) is inviting interested parties and the public to review and provide input or comments on the proposed Financial Consumer Protection Bill.

Access the draft bill here

The draft bill can also be viewed on the CBS website

Comments and input should be emailed to [email protected]

For further information, please contact 4380800 (Policy & Legal Unit).

The Financial Services Authority

The Financial Services Authority (“FSA”) would like to inform all its licensees and other stakeholders that it has initiated its Business Continuity Plan (“BCP”) protocols in order to ensure minimal disruption in its daily operations. The FSA would like to reassure all licensees, that it will continue to carry out its normal operations with the aim of maintaining its established service standards across all departments of the FSA.

The FSA encourages all licensees and stakeholders to be cognizant of their internal contingency plans vis-à-vis the situation surrounding the outbreak to equally safeguard its interest, and that of its clients.

As a precautionary measure, the FSA would appreciate for all its licensees and other stakeholders to, as much as possible, forward communications to the FSA by electronic means. Whilst it is important that letters are physically sent to the FSA it is advisable that a scanned copy of these are also sent.

It is encouraged also that payments be effected via electronic means such as through bank transfers via arrangements already in place with the FSA. Note that the FSA shall exert its discretion, subject to exigencies, in relation to certain normal practices such as face-to-face meetings in line with the recommendations issued by the Department of Health.

The FSA would appreciate for all licensees to remain informed of any official developments regarding the current situation as it progresses and to take the necessary actions and precautions. Simultaneously in the event of any major developments the FSA will advise with regards to any changes to the status quo should the circumstance so dictate.

The FSA will like to advise all licensees that due to COVID-19 pandemic there are spam emails that are being circulated over the internet. If you receive such emails, we urge you not to click on those links within the emails. If you are unsure about any suspicious emails received from the Authority, please contact us to verify.

The Financial Services Authority (“FSA”) remains vigilant amidst the Coronavirus (Covid-19) situation and implementing precautionary measures to make sure consumers are protected.

SCAMS

Scammers are constantly finding new ways to steal your money. Pay close attention to scams related to coronavirus (Covid-19). You can protect yourself by knowing what to look out for.

To help protect yourself, you should;

• Beware of emails and calls asking you to send money or personal information to receive a lottery or prize, also do not click on link from senders you don’t already know.
• Do not click on links from senders you do not already know.
• Do not give out personal details (bank/insurance /investment details)
• Beware of adverts on social media channels and sponsored adverts online.
• Always verify information from a credible and trusted source.

TREATING CUSTOMERS FAIRLY

The FSA remains engaged in ensuring that all licensees and stakeholders safeguard the interest of its clients during the Corona pandemic.

In this regard, complaints connected with the operations or management of licensees, should be sent to through the following ways;

The Complaints Handling Form and all relevant documents can be submitted by any of the following means:

1. in a formal email through the following email address: [email protected]
2. in a formal letter addressed to the Financial Services Authority sent to:
   The Chief Executive Officer
   CC. Policy (Information & Communication Unit)
   Financial Services Authority
   Bois De Rose Avenue
   P.O Box 991, Victoria
   Mahé, Seychelles
3. hand-delivered directly to the Authority.

INSURANCE

We remain in regular communication with insurance providers to ensure that the impact of coronavirus on their operations, is being well-managed.

Consumers should be aware that insurance covers differ from policy to policy. If you are unsure about any of your insurance covers you should contact your provider/ broker directly.

The FSA strongly advises the public to refrain from travelling abroad. However, for those who must travel should undertake the following precautions;

• Read the latest advisory from the Ministry of Health before you leave.
• Check your travel insurance policy diligently.
• Take time to ensure that the policy covers your needs
• Contact your insurer before your travel if you are in doubt.

GAMBLING

The FSA strongly advise the Casinos and Slot Machine operators to ensure the safety of the consumers and strongly urges the general public to avoid establishments that congregate large crowds as advised by the Public Health Authority Advisory dated 11^th and 15^th March, 2020.