AXIS - Key Persons

Job Titles:

• Manager
• Manager of Fund Accounting Department

Areas of expertise: Fund/Company set up and structuring, company secretarial, accounting and tax, administration and compliance matters. Akhtar Ramjeet is the Manager of Fund Accounting department at AXIS Fiduciary Ltd ("AXIS") and has been with the firm since 2018. He leads a team of more than 20 accountants responsible for the day-to-day accounting and tax functions of private equity and master-feeder fund structures and ensures that their financial statements and practices are in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. He coaches his team members in how to foster quality client-centric relationships. His team service a number of fund structures with DFIs and institutional investors focused on investment in Africa. Prior to joining AXIS, Akhtar was with another leading management company in Mauritius from July 2013 until April 2018. He was involved in Fund/Company set up and structuring, company secretarial, accounting and tax, administration and compliance matters, amongst others. The past 10 years in the global business sector has enabled Akhtar to acquire in-depth knowledge in the field of accounting and taxation, during which he became acquainted with best practices in the aforementioned areas. Akhtar holds a BSc Accounting (Minor Finance) from the University of Mauritius. He is a Fellow member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants UK and was admitted as member in 2016. He is also a member of the Mauritius Institute of Professional Accountants.

Job Titles:

• Associate Director - Compliance and Risk
• Executive Member of the Risk Committee
• Member of the Legal and Compliance Committee of Mauritius Finance

Areas of expertise: Compliance, Risks, Internal Audit, Data Protection, FATCA, CRS As the Associate Director for Compliance and Risks, Ameer plays a determining role in promoting a compliance culture within the company. In this respect, being the Compliance Officer and Money Laundering Reporting Officer for Axis Fiduciary Ltd, other entities within the Axis group and client entities that are administered by Axis, Ameer regularly advises the Board of Directors on the direction that the AML/CFT framework should take and he is also responsible for driving its implementation. In addition to this, Ameer is an executive member of the Risk Committee where decisions are taken on AML/CFT matters in offering bespoke solutions to clients. Furthermore, as the Head of the department, Ameer oversees the day-to-day operations and ensures that compliance concerns within Axis group and clients of Axis are evaluated, investigated and resolved. Ameer is also a member of the Legal and Compliance Committee of Mauritius Finance. Ameer holds an LLB (Hons) from the University of Northumbria (UK) and counts more than 10 years in the financial services sector.

Job Titles:

• Managing Director

Areas of expertise: corporate law & governance, tax planning and structuring, fund formation & administration, company secretarial, trusts and estate planning Assad is an influential figure in the financial services industry, bringing over 20 years of expertise in corporate law and governance, tax planning and structuring, fund formation and administration, company secretarial matters, trusts, and estate planning. As the Managing Director of Axis, he has played a pivotal role in shaping the organization's success and establishing its reputation as a leading player in the industry. His extensive experience and influential roles in the industry directly contribute to the added value of client structures at Axis and such expertise enables him to provide comprehensive and strategic advice to clients. Assad began his illustrious career at Standard Bank Trust Company, where he honed his skills and acquired valuable experience. Over the years, he held several senior positions in various international financial services companies in Mauritius, further expanding his knowledge and influence. Prior to his appointment as Managing Director at Axis, Assad served as the Assistant Director at the Board of Investment of Mauritius. In this role, he led the Financial Services Cluster and played a vital role in promoting Mauritius as an International Financial Centre. His strategic vision and leadership acumen contributed significantly to positioning Mauritius as a preferred destination for global financial services. Assad's influence extends beyond his role at Axis. He has held prominent positions in prestigious organizations, showcasing his commitment to professional excellence and industry advancement. He served as the Chairman of the Association of Trust and Management Companies (ATMC) from 2017 to 2018. During his tenure, he seeded the idea of consolidating the Mauritius financial industry under one leading organization. This idea came to fruition when ATMC and several key organizations in the financial services sector merged to establish Mauritius Finance in February 2021. Assad played an integral role as part of the merger sub-committee of the ATMC and currently serves on the board of Mauritius Finance. In this capacity, he diligently works to defend the interests of the Mauritius financial services industry on both the local and international stage. He was also actively engaged in the Blueprint Steering Committee, where he contributes to shaping the future direction of the financial services industry in Mauritius. Furthermore, he served as the Chairman of STEP Mauritius (Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners), an organization that plays a crucial role in promoting best practices and high standards in the trust and estate planning industry. His exemplary leadership earned him the appointment as a Council Member of STEP Worldwide, representing the Africa & Arabia regions, including branches in India, Mauritius, South Africa, Seychelles, and the UAE from 2017 to 2020. Recognizing his exceptional contributions, Assad was also appointed as a Director on the STEP Worldwide Board, further highlighting his global influence and recognition within the industry. This appointment for two consecutive mandate of two years from 2020 to 2022 and from 2022 to 2024, demonstrates the trust placed in his expertise and his ability to shape the future of the industry on an international scale. As an international speaker, Assad actively participates in conferences and roadshows across Africa, advocating for Mauritius as the gateway to ‘The Hopeful Continent.' His on-the-ground presence and compelling insights further solidify his position as an influential figure within the financial services landscape. In addition to his leadership roles, Assad serves as an Independent Director on numerous Mauritian companies operating in diverse economic sectors. This multidimensional involvement underscores his versatility and ability to bring valuable insights to various domains. Beyond his professional endeavours, Assad remains committed to knowledge sharing and staying at the forefront of industry developments. He contributes regularly to local and international publications, providing valuable insights on topics relevant to his practice, and keeping his peers informed about emerging trends and regulatory changes. Assad holds an LLB Hons (Bachelor of Law) from the University of Wolverhampton (UK) and an LLM (Master of Laws) in Business Law from the University of Hertfordshire (UK). Furthermore, he is qualified as a Barrister-at-Law in Mauritius, further solidifying his legal expertise and understanding of complex legal frameworks.

Job Titles:

• Independent Director
• Leader

Delphine, a remarkable leader with an impressive 23-year journey in the financial services sector, has excelled in various Senior Management and Board roles, throughout her career, showcasing her dynamic and accomplished leadership abilities. She is currently the Head of Retail & Group Chief Claims Officer at MUA. Delphine's expertise is grounded in her legal background. Her academic qualifications include an LLB Hons (Bachelor of Law) which provides a solid foundation for her thriving career as a jurist. She has honed her legal acumen through Executive Education programs at renowned institutions. With extensive experience in Claims Management and Litigation, Delphine's leadership shined through her role as Head of Claims, then Head of Group Risk, Legal, Compliance at MUA Group where she also looked after Customer Care. In addition to her positions and MLRO, her global impact is evident, having served as Group Risk Officer for MUA's East Africa operations, and as a Board member of Phoenix of Tanzania. Delphine's previous appointment as Chief Operating Officer -GI- is a testament to her continued success in leading critical aspects of the General Insurance Business. Her dedication to social causes is further emphasized by her active involvement in industry associations. However, her passion extends beyond her professional accomplishments, as she is deeply committed to social justice and her engagement in NGOs, reflecting her identity as a humanist.

Job Titles:

• HR & Office Manager

Areas of expertise: Human Resource, Administration Hema brings over 20 years of experience to Axis. She started her career in the financial services sector in 2000 at the Mauritius Offshore Business Activities Authority (the former regulatory body for the financial services sector), and following the restructuring of MOBAA into FSC and FSPA in 2001, she joined FSPA, the former governmental promotional agency for the sector. She was also Investment Advisor at the Board of Investment (BOI) after the merger of the FSPA with the BOI. Hema joined Axis in 2008 and is responsible of the Human Resource and Administration departments. She is responsible in devising processes to improve and enhance efficiency, implementing workflow processes and providing support for the effective running of operations. Together with her team, she oversees payroll and rewards programmes, develops employment policies and procedures and is closely involved with talent acquisition. Hema holds an MBA and a BA in Business Management from the University of Newcastle.

Job Titles:

• Associate Director - Fund & Investor Services

Areas of expertise: Corporate, Funds, Partnerships, Business development, accounting, administration, corporate and fund secretarial matters Husayn holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree in Economics and Management from the University of KwaZulu Natal, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa and leads the fund administration and investor relations cluster at AXIS. Husayn has significant wealth of experience in the private equity space and in the setting-up and on-going administration of fund structures in Mauritius, that inter alia includes India-focused funds, open-ended funds that invests in listed securities and close-ended funds that invest in derivatives. He has been involved in the Financial Services Sector for over thirteen years and also has expertise in company (including global business companies) set up & structuring, company secretarial, accounting, administration and compliance matters amongst others. Prior to joining Axis, he was engaged with other leading management companies in Mauritius. His recent position includes that of Senior Manager in the funds department, where he was managing a team of more than 40 professionals and served as Director on the Board of several client entities under his team's portfolio.

Job Titles:

• Co - Founding Partner of BLC Robert and a Partner

Jason Harel is a co-founding partner of BLC Robert and a partner of Axis. He boasts substantial experience in corporate M&A, workout transactions as well as taxation. He practises in the areas of corporate and commercial law, mergers and acquisitions, corporate insolvency, real estate, tax but also advises on litigation matters. Consistently identified as a ‘leading practitioner' in his field by legal directories, Jason acts for public and private companies, banks, hotels and real estate on a range of acquisitions and other corporate transactions. Jason sits on a number of boards of directors including JP Morgan Investments Ltd, African Legal Network (ALN) and IBL Ltd. He is also chairman of a family controlled hotel group. Prior to joining BLC Robert and after completing his pupillage with Grays' Tax Chambers, the leading tax chambers in the UK, Jason was a senior associate within the Trade Finance and Project Finance Group of Denton Wilde Sapte LLP in London from 2000 to 2005. Jason is also a Chartered Accountant and for Kingston Smith in their corporate insolvency and restructuring divisions. He is qualified as a Barrister both in England and Wales and the Republic of Mauritius.

Job Titles:

• Financial Controller & Head of Fund and Client Accounting

Areas of expertise: Accounting, Finance, Taxation Jaysen is responsible for day-to-day oversight of the Accounting & Finance department. He is involved in the supervision and management of accounting activities, ensuring timely reporting of quarterly accounts, budget, cash flow and strategic financial analysis as well the maintenance of effective internal controls while ensuring as statutory compliance in all accounting initiatives. Prior to joining Axis, Jaysen was Finance Manager at a multinational financial services provider, and held other roles in the Finance departments at various other organisations in Mauritius. Jaysen is ACCA qualified (UK), he holds a Post Graduate Certificate in Finance and is currently pursuing an MSc in Finance from the University of Leicester.

Job Titles:

• Accountant
• COO
• Executive Director
• Fellow
• Executive Director - Chief Operation Officer

Jean Claude is the Executive Director and COO at Axis Fiduciary, with over 25 years of experience. He oversees Axis business operations and is responsible for the team of specialist administrators and accountants focused on responding to the individual needs and financial aspirations of clients, aligned to service excellence. Areas of expertise: accounting, operations, administration, business management and governance Jean Claude brings over 25 years of experience to Axis Fiduciary. He oversees Axis business operations and is responsible for the team of specialist administrators and accountants focused on responding to the individual needs and financial aspirations of clients, aligned to service excellence. During his career, Jean Claude has worked in various sectors such as manufacturing, construction and retail including imports, exports and sales, in Mauritius and Eastern Africa. In the financial services sector, he held senior positions in international financial services organisations in Mauritius. While working for a regulated credit institution in the Global Business sector of Mauritius, Jean Claude had responsibility of the accounting and administration functions and was also actively engaged in the credit and investment areas. Jean Claude has expertise as an accountant and received his MBA from Surrey University. Jean Claude is also a fellow member of the Chartered Governance Institute (formerly known as the ICSA) and a Chartered Governance Professional. Moreover, he is a part of the developing global community of governance professionals dedicated to the advancement of the sector by abiding by the Institute's Code of Professional Ethics and Conduct and seeking continual professional development.

Distinguished as a "leading lawyer" by IFLR1000, Jean-Eric Sauzier specialises in Banking, Project Finance and Insolvency. He is also well versed with real estate development, hospitality and information technology. With considerable experience in banking, finance, insolvency, hospitality, real estate, IT and Intellectual Property, Jean Eric provides bespoke advice and solutions for domestic and cross-border financing, including preliminary advice on the structuring of the line of credit, identifying key legal risks and defining key terms and conditions pertinent to the type of financing at hand. He also works closely with Axis by helping clients with their finance, security and disbursement documentation while assisting sophisticated borrowers in the raising of their debt financing and assisting on their drawdowns. His insolvency work consists primarily of advising lenders on their recovery routes as well as providing them with handholding support through administration, receivership and liquidation procedures. In the real estate area, he has been advising promoters on the development and documentation of their products as well as on the financing of their projects. He has also advised banks on how to best protect their interest on real estate financing as well as private client purchasers on their property acquisition and retail financing of same.

Job Titles:

• Manager ( Fund Administration & Investor Services )
• Manager in the Fund Administration and Investor Services Department

Justyna is a Manager in the Fund Administration and Investor Services department at Axis. She leads a team handling the day-to-day administration of a portfolio of client companies which includes private equity fund structures, venture capital funds, Master-Feeder structures and self-managed schemes. Justyna assists fund managers with their middle office/secretarial function throughout the various stages of the fund life including but not limited to fund launch, capital calls, investments, deal execution, exits, capital calls, distributions, redemptions and liquidations. As part of her mandate, Justyna works closely with fund intermediaries to ensure the smooth running of her portfolio.

Job Titles:

• Associate Director - Client Services

Areas of expertise: Corporate, trust & foundation set-up & administration, Financial Analysis & Reporting (IFRS), Due Diligence and Investment Closing Lana has robust experience in the financial services industry, having been actively involved in the set-up and administration of a multitude of structures, including companies, trust and foundations in a career spanning more than 12 years. She is highly specialised in administration as well as accounting and taxation matters. Prior to joining Axis, Lana has held various positions at well-known international financial services organisations, where she was managing a diverse portfolio of clients, including leading corporations, large family businesses and high net worth individuals. Lana is a Fellow Member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, UK (ACCA) and a member of the Mauritius Institute of Professional Accountants (MIPA). She is also an affiliate of the Society of Trusts and Estate Practitioners (STEP) and an Associate Member of the Swiss Private Wealth and Family Office organisation (PWFO).

Job Titles:

• Associate Director - Client Services
• Senior Client Services Manager

Areas of expertise: Corporate, Trust set-up & administration and Work & Residence Permit in Mauritius. Nadia Syed is a Senior Client Services Manager at Axis, she has an accountancy background and embarked on a career in the financial services sector in 2006 as a Corporate Administrator. She quickly rose through the ranks and immediately before joining Axis, was assuming the function of Team Leader in the Corporate Department of one of the other leading corporate services provider operating in Mauritius. This exposed her to diverse and wide-ranging duties such as leading and coaching a team in all their work and develop best practice guidelines in conjunction with the client services team and management. Nadia has also successfully completed the "Harvard Management Mentor Program", which has helped build and broaden her leadership capabilities at Axis, she manages a team of around 10 people with 2 team leaders. She has been involved in the set up and administration of different types of structures including among others global business companies, domestic companies and trusts. Nadia regularly attends board meetings and also sits on the board of a number of global business companies and domestic companies.

Job Titles:

• Operations Manager
• Position of Operations Manager at Axis Global Ltd

Areas of expertise: Corporate, Funds, administration, corporate and fund secretarial matters. Neeraj Bhogun holds the position of Operations Manager at Axis Global Ltd previously known as Harel Mallac Global Ltd. Neeraj holds a Bachelor in Business Management with specialization in Finance from the University of Bangalore and a Diploma in Marketing Management from the University of Mauritius. Prior to joining the company, Neeraj was engaged with other leading management companies in Mauritius. He has been in the global business sector for over 15 years and has in depth knowledge in, Fund and company set up, company secretarial and administration and compliance matters. Neeraj currently serves as Director on the Board of several client entities under his team's portfolio.

Job Titles:

• Company Secretary
• Head of Projects

Job Titles:

• Independent Director
• Chairman of the Anglo African Foundation

From seasoned Senior Executive with leading corporations, Mr. Manrakhan held various positions such as Head of Marketing and International Roaming with Mauritius Telecom [Cellular Division], Consultant to the GM of France Télécom (Mexico), Regional Director of Central, Eastern and Southern Africa with Gemalto [Telecom, Banking & ID], Advisor to the Chairman of Bharti-Airtel and Senior Advisor to the President of Huawei SSA [Networks], Turned Serial Entrepreneur with a successful run in the Technology and Financial Services industry with start-ups such as InfoSystems [IT], NanoBNK [Fintech] and DigiConsult [Proptech]. Mr. Manrakhan is the chairperson of the Anglo African Foundation whose vision is to leverage technology in the fight against poverty, diseases, ignorance and climate change. He was appointed as an Independent Director of Standard Bank (Mauritius) Limited in April 2020 and is the Chairperson on the Board Technology and Information Committee. He is also a member of the bank's: Board Audit Committee Board Risk Management/Conduct Review Committee Since October 2021, he has been appointed as Independent Director of Axis Fiduciary Ltd. Mr. Manrakhan is a strong business development professional with an MBA focused in Information Strategy from l'École des Hautes Études Commerciales, Nice, France; a post graduate certificate in Development in Télécommunications from Bailbrook College, Bristol, UK; and a Bachelor of Business Science degree in Services Marketing with sub-majors in Statistics and Economics from UCT, South Africa.

Job Titles:

• Associate Director - Business Development

Areas of expertise: Business development, commercial & corporate law, trusts and estate planning, business law, corporate secretarial matters With vast experience in the provision of corporate and trusteeship services (including foundation) and in the set-up of a multitude of corporate structures, including Mauritian, Seychelles, UAE, Cayman Islands, BVI and other jurisdictions entity set-ups, Sayyad specialises in the strategic growth of Axis while driving business development across Africa and the region as well as overseeing the Axis country representatives in South Africa and Kenya. With an extensive network of professional contacts, his role also involves identifying and developing new business opportunities in these regions. Furthermore, he leads the branding, marketing and communication strategy of Axis. Sayyad embarked on a career in the financial services sector in 2009 when he joined Axis whereby he quickly rose to handle the positions of Senior Client Executive and Team Leader, managing a portfolio of clients consisting inter alia of GBC 1, GBC 2 & Domestic entities, trusts and foundations, with investment focus in Africa, UAE, India, Asia and China. He also held leading roles at another renowned international offshore management company as Client Relationship Lead and Business Development Lead whereby for the latter position, he was the Dubai Office representative in Mauritius. Sayyad has deep knowledge of corporate secretarial matters, estate planning, corporate governance together with the statutory compliance requirements for companies operating in Mauritius. He is currently a member of the Fintech and Blockchain interest group of Axis and focuses on driving the organisation's strategy and product development towards this sector. Sayyad comes from a legal background. He holds an LLB (Hons) degree from the University of London. From the same university, he has a Postgraduate Diploma in Laws in the Specialisation of Commercial and Corporate Laws and a Postgraduate Certificate in laws in the Specialisation of Equity and Trusts.

Job Titles:

• Technical Director and Training Lead
• Technical Training Expert

Shammeem Abdoolakhan is the Technical Director and Training Lead for the company. Shammeem serves as the primary technical training expert, providing leadership and support to our team in corporate and fiduciary services, as well as developing and implementing training programs, designing, and delivering training sessions, and developing technical documentation and resources under the Axis Academy.

Job Titles:

• Chairman

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