Vistra Seychelles: Two decades of growth, integration and commitment

Vistra has been part of Seychelles’ evolution as a trusted international financial services centre from day one. Starting out as a managed operation in 2004, we became a fully-fledged presence by 2017, following the acquisition of the Jordans Group. This move strengthened Vistra’s presence and reinforced our commitment to the jurisdiction’s future.

This journey has been driven by people who know the jurisdiction very well. As Managing Director I’ve had a front-row seat to the transformation of our financial services landscape. Over the years, I’ve seen Vistra grow into a recognised and trusted partner with a strong reputation among regulators. We’ve navigated challenges in other jurisdictions and brought those learnings to Seychelles. Our expertise has shaped legislation and set new standards in the industry.

Vistra’s deep roots in the community and long-standing involvement in regulatory reform have enabled us to build strong relationships and deliver technical excellence. And our footprint keeps growing, we’ve expanded our market share, integrated portfolios from Sertus, Newhaven and Trident Trust and earned recognition as a market leader in IBCs and fiduciary services.

Rising to meet global standards as Seychelles steps into a new era

Today, Seychelles stands at a crossroads. Long valued for its flexible legal framework, strategic time zone and strong privacy protections, the market is now embracing a new era of transparency and reform. And Vistra is at the forefront, supporting clients, shaping policy and helping define what comes next.

Seychelles’ hybrid legal system blends civil and common law, offering versatility for international structuring, from IBCs to Foundations and Trusts. While confidentiality remains a cornerstone, recent reforms reflect a jurisdiction that understands the importance of global alignment.

Mandatory filing of accounting records, enhanced nominee disclosures and the introduction of economic substance requirements are just some of the steps Seychelles has taken to meet OECD and FATF expectations. Each step reflects a jurisdiction determined to stay trusted and forward-looking. 

How Vistra supports regulatory transformation in Seychelles

Vistra has been a leading player in this transformation. From contributing to technical and other high-level committees, to spearheading industry-led initiatives through the local industry association and to guiding clients through regulatory shifts, our team has helped clients translate complexity into clarity. When Seychelles launched its economic substance survey in 2025, Vistra was among the first to develop a client support mechanism, partnering with international tax advisors and local experts to make sure our clients were ready.

That same commitment to clarity and progress is reflected in how we support clients every day. Vistra’s Global Expansion Platform streamlines entity setup and compliance across jurisdictions. Clients can easily incorporate entities, reserve company names, submit KYC documents and track progress through a secure and centralized platform. Through this single source of truth we reduce friction, improve transparency and deliver practical solutions to real business challenges.

Whether meeting substance requirements or simplifying onboarding, Vistra delivers with expertise, clarity and a deep understanding of the jurisdiction.

Progress through partnership

Seychelles may not yet match the digital infrastructure of other established jurisdictions like BVI or Cayman Islands, but its openness to dialogue sets it apart. Industry stakeholders maintain direct lines of communication with regulators, driving a culture of collaboration and progress where challenges are addressed head-on.

This spirit of partnership has shaped key developments, from the economic substance framework to Register of Beneficial Owners consultations. And now, with the appointment of a Director General for Non-Banking Financial Services, strong government support has the potential to accelerate strategic growth.

What’s next for Seychelles: reform, readiness and opportunity

Seychelles is preparing for its next FATF review in 2026 and working to exit the EU ‘grey list’. Stakeholders are aligning around a shared vision; one that balances regulatory integrity and commercial appeal.

Vistra is fully invested in this journey. Our advisory services evolve with the market, and our technology platforms support clients at every stage of their Seychelles engagement.

Twenty years in, our commitment is stronger than ever. Seychelles stands today as a market full of momentum. And with Vistra as your partner, you can move forward with confidence, knowing you’re backed by a team that understands both the regulatory landscape and the opportunities ahead.

As Seychelles moves toward greater transparency and global alignment, businesses need a partner with proven experience and insight. Vistra brings unmatched local expertise and global capability to help you anticipate regulatory change and unlock new opportunities with confidence.

Ready to take the next step in Seychelles? Connect with a Vistra expert today and discover solutions designed for your growth.

About the author 
Neil Puresh is the Managing Director of Vistra Seychelles, leading the firm’s operations and strategic growth in the jurisdiction since 2017. With deep expertise in international financial services and regulatory frameworks, Neil plays a key role in supporting clients with compliant, cross-border structuring and fiduciary solutions. He is actively involved in shaping Seychelles’ legislative landscape and ensuring Vistra remains at the forefront of industry developments.