BVI · FSC · Regulated offshore
BVI forex licence (SIBA Investment Business Licence)
A familiar common-law centre with flexible licence categories and zero tax, now under extra scrutiny after FATF grey-listing in 2025. Available on request.
Updated
BVI forex brokers hold an Investment Business Licence from the BVI Financial Services Commission under the Securities and Investment Business Act 2010, usually Category 1 (dealing in investments, as agent or principal). The BVI has been on the FATF grey list since June 2025, which adds banking friction.
Key facts
| Regulator | Financial Services Commission (FSC), British Virgin Islands |
|---|---|
| Licence | Investment Business Licence, Category 1 (Dealing in Investments) |
| Legal basis | Securities and Investment Business Act 2010 (SIBA) |
| Entity | BVI Business Company |
| Typical timeline | Typically 4–8 months |
| Capital | Yes, set by the regulator by licence category |
| Tax | 0% corporate income tax |
| Recognition | Good but under pressure: FATF grey list since June 2025 and EU AML high-risk list since early 2026 |
| Client markets | International clients; no passporting; restricted markets excluded |
| EU passport | No |
| Our service | On request via partners |
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 BVI Financial Services Commission licenses investment businesses under SIBA. FX/CFD brokers typically hold Category 1 (dealing as agent or as principal) and often Category 2 (arranging deals).
The BVI offers flexible company law and zero tax, but its 2025 grey-listing means banks and counterparties apply extra checks. Consider this when planning banking.
Substance and people
- At least two directors, one an individual
- Authorised representative in the BVI
- Compliance officer and MLRO
- Approved auditor
- Economic substance rules apply
Ongoing obligations
- Audited financial statements filed with the FSC
- Prudential returns
- AML/CFT obligations
- Annual licence fees
Advantages
- Familiar common-law company law
- Flexible SIBA categories
- 0% tax
Drawbacks
- Grey-list and EU AML-list status adds banking friction
- Costlier than light offshore regimes
- Increasing expectations of local mind and management
Recent changes
The BVI was added to the FATF grey list in June 2025 and remained there after the June 2026 plenary. The EU added it to its AML high-risk third-country list in the December 2025 update, which means enhanced due diligence by EU banks and counterparties.
Frequently asked questions
Is the BVI on the FATF grey list?
Yes, since June 2025, and still listed after the June 2026 plenary.
Which SIBA category do forex brokers need?
Usually Category 1 (Dealing in Investments), as agent or as principal depending on the model.
Official sources
Primary sources we rely on. Rules change; always confirm current requirements with the authority.
- BVI Financial Services Commission bvifsc.vg
- European Commission: high-risk third countries update (Dec 2025) finance.ec.europa.eu
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