Dual Role for Ramnawaz: MRA DG and SBM Holdings President

Banking and Tax expert Rohit Ramnawaz has taken over as the new Director-General of the Mauritius Revenue Authority (MRA), replacing Sudhamo Lal, whose 20-year tenure ended. Ramnawaz also becomes President of SBM Holdings, a major financial group in Mauritius.

His appointment officially began on July 9, when he attended his first working meeting with the MRA’s board and senior staff.

During the session, he reviewed current projects and key challenges facing the agency. “It went very well. We discussed the current situation and the challenges ahead,” he told Défimedia.

He added that it is too early to finalize a detailed assessment, as further meetings are scheduled in the coming days to gather more information.

“I want to have all the facts before making a full diagnosis,” he said.

The MRA is responsible for collecting about 90% of Mauritius’s tax revenue. In a recent interview, outgoing Director Lal highlighted future challenges, including adapting to a more complex tax environment driven by digital economy growth, cryptocurrencies, and cross-border business models.

Lal also emphasized the need for increased transparency, convenience, and accountability, while preserving the integrity of the tax system.

Internally, he pointed to issues like human resource management and the importance of staying engaged internationally to keep up with evolving tax standards.

Ramnawaz’s appointment comes at a critical time. Alongside his role at the MRA, he also serves as President of SBM Holdings.

When asked about managing both responsibilities, he said a decision will be made soon.

“We will consult the SBM Holdings board, and they will decide whether I should hold both positions,” he explained.

Ramnawaz has a law degree from the University of Huddersfield and is a Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants.

He has over 35 years of experience in banking, finance, taxation, and global business. He previously served as an independent director on the SBM (Mauritius) Ltd board from 2006 to 2014.

Source: Defi Media