The Bahamas · SCB · Regulated offshore
Bahamas forex licence (SCB, Securities Industry Act 2024)
A respected IOSCO-member regulator, a modern 2024 securities law with an explicit CFD pathway, and no corporate income tax for typical brokers. We deliver this licence directly with our Nassau-based partner.
Updated
Forex and CFD brokers in the Bahamas register with the Securities Commission of The Bahamas under the Securities Industry Act 2024, including a registration to deal in CFDs. The SCB expects a CEO, compliance officer, CFD supervisory officer, registered representatives and local presence; timelines are typically 4–9 months.
Key facts
| Regulator | Securities Commission of The Bahamas (SCB) |
|---|---|
| Licence | Securities firm registration (dealing) with CFD registration |
| Legal basis | Securities Industry Act 2024 |
| Entity | Bahamas company |
| Typical timeline | Typically 4–9 months |
| Capital | Yes, set by the regulator by licence category |
| Tax | No corporate income tax for typical brokers (a minimum top-up tax applies only to very large multinational groups) |
| Recognition | Good: IOSCO-member regulator with a modernised statute |
| Client markets | International clients; no passporting; restricted markets excluded |
| EU passport | No |
| Our service | We deliver here |
Indicative information for comparison only, reviewed on the date shown. Requirements change and depend on your structure; confirm with the regulator and local counsel before deciding.
Overview
The Securities Commission of The Bahamas (SCB) registers securities firms under the Securities Industry Act 2024. Brokers register to deal in capital markets instruments and, for CFDs, obtain the specific CFD registration with a CFD supervisory officer.
The SCB expects genuine presence and named, qualified people. Local partners can provide officers and office space as a managed service. The result is a strong regulated profile with no corporate income tax for typical brokers.
Substance and people
- Physical presence in the Bahamas
- Chief executive officer
- Compliance officer and MLRO
- CFD supervisory officer
- Registered representatives
Ongoing obligations
- Audited annual financial statements
- Quarterly interim financial reports
- Annual information updates and material-change notices
- Annual regulatory fees and activity fees
- Professional indemnity insurance
Advantages
- Respected regulator
- Explicit CFD registration pathway
- No corporate income tax for typical brokers
Drawbacks
- Higher substance and running costs
- New regime still settling in
- Slower approvals than light offshore
Recent changes
The Securities Industry Act 2024 replaced the 2011 Act, and a separate Digital Assets and Registered Exchanges Act 2024 covers digital assets. The Bahamas is not on the FATF grey list.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a separate CFD approval in the Bahamas?
Yes. The SCB lists a registration to deal in contracts for difference, with a CFD supervisory officer.
Is there tax on a Bahamas brokerage?
There is no corporate income tax for typical brokers. Regulatory and business fees apply.
How long does it take?
Typically four to nine months from a complete application.
Official sources
Primary sources we rely on. Rules change; always confirm current requirements with the authority.
- Securities Commission of The Bahamas: securities firms scb.gov.bs
- Securities Industry Act 2024 (bill text) laws.bahamas.gov.bs
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