Selby Investments (Selbydrive) started as a trading company in 1965 in the Rep of Maldives around the same period of Maldives gaining independence from U.K. (1965). Due to the absence of the most basic trade infrastructure and instruments much effort was needed to conduct international trade.

Foreign currency had to be acquired by exporting dry fish to neighboring country Sri Lanka. Maldivian Rufiyaa was not an exchangeble currency back then. The First Bank-State Bank of India-opened in 1974. Travel was by sea to Sri Lanka and then international Air Travel was accessible from there onwards and our International airport opened in (April 1966). The first modern hospital opened in (October 1967) and Tourism started in March 1972. Foreign currency appeared in Maldives with the spread of tourism.