🇧🇸 Bahamas

The Bahamas maintains a crypto-friendly regulatory environment with a clear legal framework under the Digital Assets and Registered Exchanges Act (DARE Act 2020). The Securities Commission of The Bahamas oversees licensing and supervision of digital asset service providers.

Overview

Statuscrypto_friendly
Risk Score15/100 (Low Risk)
Regioncaribbean
CurrencyBSD

Tax Information

Capital Gains (Personal)none
Capital Gains (Corporate)none
VAT on CryptoNo

Licensing & Registration

RequiredYes
RegulatorSCB
FrameworkDigital Assets and Registered Exchanges Act (DARE Act 2024)
Easemedium
Cost (USD)$20,000 - $150,000

Licensing is mandatory for digital asset service providers under the DARE Act, with regulatory oversight by the Securities Commission of The Bahamas.

Enforcement Activity

Level: High

SCB took significant enforcement action in the FTX collapse. Enhanced regulatory oversight and enforcement capacity have been implemented.

CBDC

StatusLaunched
NameSand Dollar
Issuing AuthorityCentral Bank of Bahamas
Modelretail
TechnologyMovmint (DLT)
Launched Date

AML / KYC

KYC RequiredYes
Travel RuleYes
FATF MemberYes
FATF Statuscompliant
FATF BodyCFATF
Suspicious-Activity ReportingYes

DeFi, Stablecoins & NFTs

Status: regulated

DeFi activities are regulated under the DARE Act, requiring compliance with AML and licensing provisions.

Stablecoins

Status: regulated

Stablecoins are regulated under the DARE Act 2024 with comprehensive provisions. Stablecoin issuers must register with the SCB, maintain adequate reserves, and undergo regular audits. Algorithmic stablecoins are expressly prohibited. Privacy tokens may not be offered for sale in or from The Bahamas.

NFTs

Status: no_rules

No NFT-specific regulation under DARE Act.

Mining

LegalYes
Electricity Cost$0.3/kWh
Renewable Energy10%
Infrastructurefair

Mining is legal but electricity costs are relatively high; infrastructure is developing.

Geopolitical Risk

Stabilitystable
SanctionsNo
Corruption Index64/100
Banking Accessmoderate

Risk Factors

The Bahamas is politically stable with low-to-moderate corruption (TI CPI 2025: 64/100, rank 29/182). Not on any OFAC, EU, or UN sanctions list. Not on FATF grey list as of February 2026. Faces natural disaster risks from hurricanes. DARE Act 2024 passed partly to restore reputation post-FTX collapse (Nov 2022).

Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

Is cryptocurrency legal in Bahamas?

The Bahamas maintains a crypto-friendly regulatory environment with a clear legal framework under the Digital Assets and Registered Exchanges Act (DARE Act 2020). The Securities Commission of The Bahamas oversees licensing and supervision of digital asset service providers.

What is the FATF status of Bahamas?

Bahamas is classified by FATF as: compliant.

Are VASPs licensed in Bahamas?

Yes, licensing is required for VASPs.

What is the AML/KYC regime in Bahamas?

KYC is mandatory for crypto businesses.

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Last reviewed: 2026-06-01 · Data source: Soken Crypto Legal Map

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