The Code of Banking Practice seeks to foster good banking practices and enhance qualitative relationship and communication between banks and customers. The governing principles of the Code also ensure that banks will act fairly and reasonably in all their dealings with customers.

The Mauritius Bankers Association Limited (MBA) published its first Code of Banking Practice in January 2007. In January 2010, a full review of the code was undertaken to take into account changes in legislation and other regulations. Periodic reviews have also been done as and when there have been new requirements by law or through new Guidelines issued by the Bank of Mauritius. In March 2013, the Code was extensively reviewed by including a Code of Ethics for the banking sector. The Code has now been updated.

The Code of Ethics sets out a common set of universally acclaimed principles pertinent to all banks, over and above those that they subscribe to as part of their internal Code of Ethics, with a view to further develop the commitment of the banking industry towards its customers and the community at large through best ethical standards and with the aim of continuing to improve bank-customer relationship.

Both Codes have been incorporated in the present booklet. Part A contains the MBA Code of Ethics while Part B contains the MBA Code of Banking Practice.
In the text of these Codes “You” and “Your” means you the Customer and “We”, “Our” and “Us” refer to your bank. A list of definitions of certain words and phrases used in the Codes are provided in the glossary.

While the Codes set out our commitments and responsibilities to you, it is worth noting that, none of their provisions:

  • Will affect your statutory rights;
  • Will be legally binding in any Court of law;
  • Will constitute an implied term of your contract with the bank;
  • May be used as an aid to interpretation or in any way to influence the interpretation of legal relationship between you and your bank; or
  • Will give rise to a trade custom or tacit contract or otherwise between you and
  • your bank.

The Codes will be reviewed every three years or sooner, if so required and will be operative as from 1 June 2016.