🇧🇸 Bahamas Offshore Banking
Intelligence Center

The Central Bank of the Bahamas has issued updated guidance under the Digital Assets and Registered Exchanges (DARE) Act 2024 framework, clarifying capital adequacy thresholds for licensed digital asset custodians operating alongside traditional banking entities. The updated circular requires dual-licensed institutions to maintain a minimum Tier 1 capital buffer of BSD 500,000 effective Q1 2027. This follows ongoing post-FTX remediation efforts and consultations with the Securities Commission of the Bahamas aimed at strengthening consumer protection and institutional resilience.

The Securities Commission of The Bahamas' Investor Alerts and Notices page links a consolidated list of all public warnings issued between 2020 and October 2026. The file path indicates an October 2026 upload, but the exact publication date is not stated. The document content was not supplied, so the number and names of the entities listed are unverified. The list is a single reference for checking whether an entity claiming a Bahamas connection has been the subject of an SCB public warning. It is not a complete register of licensed firms, and it does not replace the individual notices or direct verification of a firm's licence status with the regulator.

The Securities Commission of The Bahamas lists a public notice naming DSJ Exchange Pty Ltd, BG Wealth Sharing Ltd and Professor Stephen Beard on its Investor Alerts and Notices page. The file path suggests it was uploaded in July 2026, but the exact issue date is not stated. The notice text was not supplied. The reason for the notice, any findings, and the regulatory status of the named parties are therefore unverified. Individuals and institutions that encounter these names in investment or exchange-related offers connected to The Bahamas should read the full notice on the SCB website before relying on any claim of Bahamian regulation.

The Securities Commission of The Bahamas lists Public Notice 8 of 2026, titled 'Re: SP MONZA BANK', on its Investor Alerts and Notices page. The file path suggests it was uploaded in July 2026, but the exact issue date is not stated. The notice text was not supplied. The nature of the notice, including whether it is a warning about the entity's regulatory status, and its findings are therefore unverified. Anyone dealing with or considering a relationship with an entity using this name and claiming a Bahamas connection should read the full notice on the SCB website and confirm the entity's status directly with the relevant regulator.

The Securities Commission of The Bahamas lists Public Notice 9 of 2026 on its Investor Alerts and Notices page. The notice concerns unlicensed money lending and in-house financing activity under the Financial and Corporate Service Providers Act. The file path suggests it was uploaded in August 2026, but the exact issue date is not stated in the supplied material. The notice text was not supplied, so its specific findings, any named entities, and any directions or deadlines are unverified. Businesses that offer lending or in-house financing in or from The Bahamas, and their counterparties, should read the full notice on the SCB website to confirm the licensing position under the Act.

The Securities Commission of The Bahamas lists Public Notice 11 of 2026 on its Investor Alerts and Notices page, titled as a revocation of the Corporate Services License of Elliott Lockhart & Co. The file path indicates it was uploaded in September 2026, but the exact issue date and effective date are not stated in the supplied material. The supplied page content does not include the notice text, so the grounds for revocation, any transition arrangements for clients, and the effective date are unverified. Clients and counterparties of this corporate service provider should read the full notice on the SCB website to confirm the status of any services and records connected to the firm.

The Securities Commission of The Bahamas published a notice regarding the re-application of United Nations Security Council Resolutions relating to Iran under the International Organizations and Entities (Miscellaneous Amendments) Act. Offshore banking clients operating in or through The Bahamas must ensure compliance with the updated sanctions obligations, as SCB-regulated entities are required to screen counterparties and transactions against applicable UN sanctions lists.

The Securities Commission of The Bahamas published a notice dated 5 October 2026 regarding United Nations Security Council Resolution SC16468 relating to Iraq. Offshore banking clients and financial institutions operating in The Bahamas are required to take note of and comply with this updated sanctions instrument, ensuring all relevant screening and compliance procedures are updated accordingly.

The Central Bank of The Bahamas maintains strict supervisory expectations under the Financial Transactions Reporting Act, 2018, reinforcing continuous beneficial ownership verification requirements for licensed banks and trust companies. Licensees must complete ongoing enhanced due diligence verifications for complex corporate structures to identify individuals holding a controlling interest, aligning with updated statutory transparency amendments that took effect on January 19, 2026, to satisfy FATF Recommendation 24 standards.

The Central Bank of The Bahamas maintains ongoing risk-management expectations for licensed banks offering accounts or services to digital asset entities. To align its oversight with FATF Recommendation 15 and the statutory requirements of the DARE Act 2024, the central bank mandates that licensees continuously monitor transactions with digital asset businesses and update their internal risk assessments as part of their routine regulatory reporting cycles.

The Securities Commission of The Bahamas has released a public Risk Assessment Report for the Digital Assets Sector. Offshore banking clients and institutions involved in digital asset activities connected to The Bahamas should review this report to assess their exposure to identified risks, understand the SCB's risk-based supervisory priorities, and align their AML/CFT and compliance frameworks with current regulatory expectations in this sector.

The Central Bank of The Bahamas continuously enforces risk-based supervisory monitoring, requiring licensed banks and trust companies to maintain accurate beneficial ownership registers and AML compliance frameworks under the Financial Transactions Reporting Act, 2018. Under the Register of Beneficial Ownership Act, legal entities must report to their registered agents within 15 days any natural person holding a controlling interest, statutorily defined by a baseline threshold of more than 25% of shares or voting rights, ensuring structural alignment with FATF Recommendation 24 transparency standards.

The Securities Commission of The Bahamas has published its Digital Asset Supervision and Surveillance Report covering 2021 to 2026. Offshore banking clients and financial institutions with exposure to digital assets in or through The Bahamas should review this report to understand the SCB's supervisory approach, enforcement trends, and compliance expectations in the digital assets sector over the five-year period, as it may inform future regulatory obligations and risk management strategies.

The Securities Commission of The Bahamas has published a Risk Assessment Report for the Financial and Corporate Service Providers sector, specifically the Financial Services Segment. Offshore banking clients and corporate service providers operating in The Bahamas should review this report to identify key risk areas highlighted by the SCB, including AML/CFT vulnerabilities, and ensure their compliance and due diligence frameworks adequately address the risks identified by the regulator.

The Securities Commission of The Bahamas has published its Digital Asset Supervision and Surveillance Report covering 2021 to 2026. This report provides a five-year overview of the SCB's supervisory and surveillance activities in the digital assets sector. Offshore banking clients and financial institutions operating or investing in digital assets connected to The Bahamas should review this report to understand the regulatory approach, compliance expectations, and enforcement trends that the SCB has applied and is likely to continue applying to the sector.

The Securities Commission of The Bahamas has released a public Risk Assessment Report for the Digital Assets Sector. This report identifies money laundering, terrorist financing, and other financial crime risks associated with digital asset businesses operating in or connected to The Bahamas. Offshore banking clients, digital asset service providers, and institutions with Bahamian digital asset exposure should review this assessment to align their AML/CFT compliance frameworks with the SCB's current risk determinations and supervisory expectations.

The Securities Commission of The Bahamas has published a Risk Assessment Report covering the Financial and Corporate Service Providers sector, specifically the Financial Services Segment. This report identifies sector-specific AML/CFT and financial crime risks for entities providing financial and corporate services in The Bahamas. Offshore banking clients, corporate service providers, and financial institutions operating in this sector should review the report to ensure their risk management and compliance arrangements are consistent with the SCB's current risk assessment findings.

The Central Bank of The Bahamas issued a quarter-end reminder to licensed banks and trust companies regarding compliance obligations under the Banks and Trust Companies Regulation Act, 2020. Institutions must file their Q3 AML/CFT attestation disclosures and risk monitoring reports by October 15, 2026.

The Central Bank of The Bahamas issued updated supervisory guidelines for banks providing fiat gateway accounts to digital asset custodians registered under the DARE Act 2024 framework. The guidelines reinforce FATF Recommendation 15 compliance, requiring banks to verify that digital asset counterparties maintain independent client fund segregation before Q4 2026.

The Central Bank of The Bahamas and Securities Commission of The Bahamas issued joint guidance on custodial wallet reporting under the DARE Act 2024. Registered digital asset businesses must submit quarterly travel rule compliance attestations aligned with FATF Recommendation 16 by Q4 2026.

The Central Bank of The Bahamas issued updated guidance reinforcing enhanced due diligence protocols for non-resident account holders under the FTRA 2018 framework. Licensees are required to update risk-profiling matrices and verify ultimate beneficial ownership for non-resident structures by October 31, 2026.

The Central Bank of The Bahamas issued supervisory circular Q3-2026 reminding Category A and B banking licensees to evaluate counterparty risks for accounts linked to virtual asset service providers in accordance with the DARE Act 2024 and CBB risk management guidelines.

The Central Bank of The Bahamas issued guidance reinforcing beneficial ownership verification rules under the FTRA 2018, confirming that all corporate structures holding a 10% or greater controlling interest in accounts linked to DARE Act 2024 registered entities must be fully disclosed. Compliance attestations are due by September 30, 2026.

The Central Bank of The Bahamas issued supplementary guidance to commercial banks regarding digital asset exposure limits under the DARE Act 2024. Quarterly attestations confirming compliance with risk thresholds must be submitted by September 30, 2026.

The Central Bank of The Bahamas issued supplementary guidance clarifying enhanced due diligence requirements for financial institutions interacting with digital asset custody providers registered under the DARE Act 2024.

The Central Bank of The Bahamas issued updated guidance reinforcing due diligence obligations for financial institutions holding digital asset custody accounts under the DARE Act 2024 framework, setting Q3 attestation deadlines for September 30, 2026.

The Central Bank of The Bahamas issued updated guidance clarifying beneficial ownership verification standards under the Financial Transactions Reporting Act, 2018. The circular reinforces that natural persons holding a 10% or greater controlling interest in corporate account structures must be disclosed by October 31, 2026.

The Central Bank of The Bahamas issued guidance under the DARE Act 2024 framework requiring digital asset custodians holding client deposits to submit quarterly third-party audit attestations and reserve reports starting Q4 2026.

The Central Bank of The Bahamas issued guidance reminding licensed banks and trust companies to perform annual beneficial ownership register reviews for non-resident corporate clients in compliance with the FTRA 2018.

The Central Bank of The Bahamas published updated supervisory guidance on beneficial ownership disclosures, requiring licensed banks to file enhanced CDD reports for high-risk corporate accounts under the Financial Transactions Reporting Act, 2018.

The Securities Commission of The Bahamas issued Public Notice 11 of 2026 announcing the revocation of Elliott Lockhart & Co.'s Corporate Services License. Offshore banking clients and corporate entities that currently use or have previously engaged Elliott Lockhart & Co. for corporate services in The Bahamas should seek alternative licensed providers immediately and verify whether any ongoing corporate structures or filings may be affected by this revocation. Independent legal counsel is strongly recommended.

The Securities Commission of The Bahamas issued Public Notice 10 of 2026 announcing the publication of its Approach Statements and Service Standards. Offshore banking clients and regulated entities should review these statements to understand the SCB's supervisory expectations and service delivery benchmarks, as they may affect compliance obligations and the processing of licensing, registration, and other regulatory applications in The Bahamas.

The Securities Commission of The Bahamas issued Public Notice 10 of 2026 publishing its Approach Statements and Service Standards. This document sets out the SCB's supervisory methodology and transparency commitments, which are directly relevant to offshore banking clients operating under or interacting with SCB-regulated entities, including digital asset businesses and investment fund administrators registered in The Bahamas.

The Securities Commission of The Bahamas issued Public Notice 9 of 2026 warning against unlicensed money lending and in-house financing activity conducted under the Financial and Corporate Service Providers Act. Offshore banking clients and corporate service providers operating in The Bahamas must ensure that any financing or lending activity is properly licensed, as the SCB is actively enforcing compliance in this area and unlicensed activity may result in regulatory action.

The Securities Commission of The Bahamas issued Public Notice 9 of 2026 addressing unlicensed money lending and in-house financing activity under the Financial and Corporate Service Providers Act. Offshore banking clients and corporate service providers operating in The Bahamas should ensure that any money lending or in-house financing arrangements are properly licensed under the Act. Failure to comply may result in regulatory sanctions and enforcement action by the SCB.

The Securities Commission of The Bahamas issued Public Notice 4 of 2026 identifying Kroxier Trading as an unregulated entity operating without a valid SCB license. Offshore banking clients are cautioned not to engage with this entity for any trading or investment services, as doing so may expose them to significant financial and legal risk.

The Securities Commission of The Bahamas issued an amended Public Notice 2 of 2026 warning about a fraudulent website impersonating the SCB. Offshore banking clients and regulated entities should ensure they are only accessing official SCB communications and regulatory information through the verified domain scb.gov.bs. Any regulatory certificates or approvals received through unofficial channels should be treated as potentially fraudulent and verified directly with the SCB.

The Securities Commission of The Bahamas issued Public Notice 3 of 2026 identifying ARGOFX Limited as an entity not regulated by the SCB. Offshore banking clients are advised to avoid engaging ARGOFX Limited for any securities, investment, or financial services involving The Bahamas. Clients with existing dealings should seek immediate legal advice and report any suspected fraudulent activity to the SCB.

The Securities Commission of The Bahamas issued Public Notice 4 of 2026 flagging Kroxier Trading as an unregulated entity. Offshore banking clients and investors are warned not to engage Kroxier Trading for any financial or investment services connected to The Bahamas. Any existing exposure to this entity should be reviewed with independent legal counsel without delay.

The Securities Commission of The Bahamas issued Public Notice 6 of 2026 identifying Trade Market as operating a cryptocurrency mining investment scam. Offshore banking clients and investors with any connection to The Bahamas are warned to avoid Trade Market and any associated platforms. Entities or individuals who have transferred funds to Trade Market are advised to report the matter to the SCB and seek legal advice, as recovery options may be limited.

The Securities Commission of The Bahamas issued Public Notice 6 of 2026 warning the public about Trade Market, identified as a cryptocurrency mining investment scam. Offshore banking clients and investors operating in or through The Bahamas should avoid any engagement with this entity, as it is not licensed or regulated by the SCB. Any funds directed to this operation may be at risk of total loss.

The Securities Commission of The Bahamas issued an amended Public Notice 2 of 2026 warning the public about a fraudulent website impersonating the SCB. Offshore banking clients and corporate service users should verify all SCB communications and documentation through the official domain scb.gov.bs only, and treat any licensing certificates or regulatory approvals sourced from other websites as potentially fraudulent.

The Securities Commission of The Bahamas issued Public Notice 3 of 2026 regarding ARGOFX Limited, flagging it as an entity not regulated by the SCB. Offshore banking clients considering use of this entity for foreign exchange or financial services in connection with The Bahamas are advised to cease any engagement, as the entity lacks the required regulatory authorization.

The Securities Commission of The Bahamas issued Public Notice 5 of 2026 flagging Money Makers Club, formerly known as Incomemaxx Financial Enrollment Investment, as an unregulated entity. Offshore banking clients are warned against participating in any investment or financial schemes promoted by this entity, as it operates without SCB authorization and may be in breach of Bahamian securities laws.

The Securities Commission of The Bahamas issued Public Notice 5 of 2026 warning the public about Money Makers Club, formerly operating as Incomemaxx Financial Enrollment Investment. Offshore banking clients are cautioned that this entity is not regulated by the SCB and may be conducting unlicensed investment activity. Clients who have engaged with this entity in connection with The Bahamas should exercise immediate caution and consult independent legal or financial advisors.

The Securities Commission of The Bahamas issued Public Notice No. 1 of 2026 identifying entities and websites not regulated by the SCB. Offshore banking clients and investors operating in or through The Bahamas should verify the regulatory status of any counterparty or service provider through the official SCB registry before engaging in any financial transactions, as dealing with unregulated entities may expose them to significant legal and financial risk.

The Securities Commission of The Bahamas issued Public Notice 1 of 2026 listing entities and websites not regulated by the SCB. Offshore banking clients are advised to conduct due diligence and verify the licensing status of any financial service provider or counterparty in The Bahamas directly with the SCB before engaging in any transactions or investment activity.

Two mid-tier private banking institutions operating under CBB licenses have submitted applications to expand their correspondent banking networks into the Eastern Caribbean, reflecting renewed confidence in the Bahamas as a regional financial hub following post-FTX reputational stabilization. The CBB is expected to review these applications under its standard 60-day licensing amendment window. Industry observers note this signals a broader trend of organic growth within the licensed banking sector heading into 2027.

The Securities Commission of The Bahamas (SCB) confirmed that two additional digital asset businesses completed their registration under the DARE Act 2024 during Q3 2026. The SCB noted that pending applications across digital asset custody, exchange operation, and staking services remain under active supervisory review ahead of Q4.

The Securities Commission of The Bahamas maintains continuous surveillance and thematic on-site examinations of registered digital asset businesses under the DARE Act 2024 framework. The SCB enforces strict structural mandates requiring all registered entities to maintain segregated client asset accounts to prevent co-mingling and to hold compliant capital adequacy buffers in accordance with statutory standards.

The Securities Commission of The Bahamas confirmed that digital asset custodians registered under the DARE Act 2024 entered a scheduled quarterly liquidity stress-testing review on October 1, 2026. Under DARE Act 2024 custody rules, registered custodians must demonstrate continuous client asset segregation and third-party audit verification of reserve balances.

The Securities Commission of The Bahamas concluded its Q3 2026 operational review cycle under the DARE Act 2024 framework. Updated regulatory guidance regarding stablecoin reserve backing and digital asset broker-dealer capital adequacy under Part 4 of the DARE Act 2024 is scheduled for publication in mid-October.

The Securities Commission of The Bahamas confirmed that two digital asset service providers completed voluntary deregistration proceedings following market consolidation under the DARE Act 2024. The SCB noted that the remaining cohort of registered digital asset businesses continues to operate under full DARE 2024 compliance regimes.

The Securities Commission of The Bahamas confirmed ongoing supervisory inspections of three licensed financial entities as part of its 2026 AML/CFT examination schedule. Findings will be published in the upcoming Q3 regulatory bulletin, with inspections focusing on cross-border asset tracing and customer due diligence.

The Securities Commission of The Bahamas confirmed that two digital asset business applicants satisfied preliminary registration requirements under the DARE Act 2024 framework. Applicants must complete final operational readiness audits before receiving unconditional registration certificates.

The Securities Commission of The Bahamas confirmed active oversight of digital asset custodians operating under DARE Act 2024 rules. Licensees were reminded that annual client asset segregation attestations must be submitted by October 31, 2026.

The Securities Commission of The Bahamas confirmed that two digital asset firms completed full DARE Act 2024 compliance audits, achieving active registration status under the updated statutory framework.

The Securities Commission of The Bahamas confirmed ongoing reviews of restricted international bank license applications under the Banks and Trust Companies Regulation Act, 2020, with decision announcements anticipated ahead of Q4 2026.

A restricted international private bank licensed under the Banks and Trust Companies Regulation Act, 2020 completed its digital beneficial ownership registry integration, meeting CBB compliance standards ahead of the Q4 reporting period.

The Securities Commission of The Bahamas confirmed that two international financial services groups submitted applications for digital asset business registration under the DARE Act 2024, targeting wealth management and digital custody services.

The Securities Commission of The Bahamas confirmed that two digital asset businesses completed their statutory registration requirements under the DARE Act 2024, expanding the list of compliant digital asset firms operating in the jurisdiction.

The Securities Commission of The Bahamas confirmed receipt of applications from two international banking groups seeking registration under the DARE Act 2024 for digital asset custody and brokerage services.

The Securities Commission of The Bahamas confirmed that two digital asset service providers completed their annual compliance audits under DARE Act 2024 requirements without material audit exceptions.

The Securities Commission of The Bahamas confirmed that two digital asset entities completed their transition to full registration under the DARE Act 2024 framework.

The Securities Commission of The Bahamas published a United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) reference notice dated 5 October 2026 under the IOEAMA framework relating to Iraq (Ref SC16468). Offshore banking clients and licensed financial institutions in The Bahamas must review this designation and ensure their sanctions screening processes are updated to reflect this UNSCR listing, in accordance with their AML and sanctions compliance obligations under Bahamian law.

The Securities Commission of The Bahamas issued Public Notice 11 of 2026 confirming the revocation of the corporate services license held by Elliott Lockhart & Co. Offshore banking clients and corporate structures that previously used Elliott Lockhart & Co. as a licensed corporate service provider in The Bahamas should immediately seek alternative licensed providers and review any active arrangements to ensure continued regulatory compliance, as the entity is no longer authorized to provide corporate services under Bahamian law.

The Securities Commission of The Bahamas issued Public Notice 11 of 2026 confirming the revocation of Elliott Lockhart & Co.'s Corporate Services License. Offshore banking clients and corporate service users should be aware that this entity is no longer licensed to provide corporate services in The Bahamas. Any existing arrangements with this firm should be reviewed and transferred to a currently licensed provider to ensure continued regulatory compliance.

The Securities Commission of The Bahamas issued Public Notice 10 of 2026 announcing the publication of its Approach Statements and Service Standards. These documents set out how the SCB interprets and applies its regulatory mandate and the standards of service it commits to in its dealings with regulated entities and the public. Offshore banking clients, licensed financial institutions, and corporate service providers operating under SCB jurisdiction should review these statements to understand the regulator's supervisory priorities, procedural expectations, and transparency commitments.

The Securities Commission of The Bahamas issued Public Notice 9 of 2026 warning about unlicensed money lending and in-house financing activity conducted without authorisation under the Financial and Corporate Service Providers Act. The SCB has signalled that such activity constitutes a breach of Bahamian law. Offshore banking clients and corporate entities offering financing arrangements in The Bahamas must ensure they hold the appropriate licences. Entities or individuals conducting such activities without a licence face regulatory action. Those with existing arrangements should seek immediate legal advice to assess compliance.

The Securities Commission of The Bahamas issued a public notice regarding DSJ Exchange Pty Ltd, BG Wealth Sharing Ltd, and an individual identified as Professor Stephen Beard. These entities and individuals are flagged as unregulated or operating in breach of Bahamian securities laws. Offshore clients are warned not to engage with these parties for investment or financial services in or from The Bahamas.

The Securities Commission of The Bahamas issued Public Notice 8 of 2026 regarding SP MONZA BANK. Offshore banking clients should be advised that this entity has been the subject of a formal SCB public notice, indicating it is not operating under a valid license or authorization from the Commission. Clients are cautioned against engaging with this entity for any banking or financial services.

The Securities Commission of The Bahamas issued a public notice regarding DSJ EXCHANGE PTY LTD, BG WEALTH SHARING LTD, and an individual identified as Professor Stephen Beard. Offshore banking clients are cautioned against engaging with any of these entities or individuals for investment or financial services connected to The Bahamas, as they appear to operate without SCB authorization and may be involved in fraudulent or unlicensed activity.

The Securities Commission of The Bahamas issued Public Notice 8 of 2026 regarding SP Monza Bank. Offshore banking clients and investors are warned to exercise caution with respect to any dealings with SP Monza Bank in connection with The Bahamas. Clients should verify the regulatory status of any financial institution before transacting and review any existing exposure with independent legal counsel. Full details of the SCB's concerns or action are contained in the published notice.

The Securities Commission of The Bahamas issued a public notice regarding DSJ Exchange Pty Ltd, BG Wealth Sharing Ltd, and an individual identified as Professor Stephen Beard. Offshore banking clients and investors are warned not to engage these entities or this individual for any financial or investment services connected to The Bahamas. Any existing exposure should be reviewed urgently with independent legal counsel, and suspected fraudulent activity should be reported to the SCB.

The Securities Commission of The Bahamas issued Public Notice 8 of 2026 regarding SP MONZA BANK. Offshore banking clients are warned that this entity is flagged by the SCB and should not be engaged for any banking or financial services in connection with The Bahamas without first confirming its regulatory standing. Clients who have dealings with SP MONZA BANK are advised to seek independent legal counsel immediately.