---
type: country
domain: crypto-regulation
status: stable
tags: ["crypto-regulation", "caribbean", "cfatf", "crypto_friendly"]
aliases: ["BS", "BHS"]
created: 2026-06-01
updated: 2026-02-01
compile_into: ["[[country--bahamas]]"]
sources:
  - name: "Securities Commission of The Bahamas"
    url: "https://scb.gov.bs"
    type: "official"
---

# 🇧🇸 [[country--bahamas|Bahamas]] (BS) — Crypto Regulation

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

## Overview

| Field | Value |
|-------|-------|
| Status | crypto_friendly |
| Risk Score | 15/100 (Low Risk) |
| Enforcement Level | High |
| Region | [[domain--caribbean|caribbean]] |
| Currency | [[entity--bsd|BSD]] |

## Tax

| Type | Rate |
|------|------|
| Capital Gains (Personal) | none |
| Capital Gains (Corporate) | none |
| VAT on Crypto | No |

## Licensing

| Field | Value |
|-------|-------|
| Required | Yes |
| Regulator | [[entity--scb|SCB]] |
| Framework | Digital Assets and Registered Exchanges Act (DARE Act 2024) |
| Ease | medium |
| Cost | $20,000 - $150,000 |
| Timeline | 3-9 months |

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

## AML / KYC

| Field | Value |
|-------|-------|
| KYC Required | Yes |
| Travel Rule | Yes |
| FATF Member | Yes |
| FATF Status | compliant |

## DeFi

**Status:** regulated

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

## Stablecoins

**Status:** Unknown

## NFTs

**Status:** no_rules

No NFT-specific regulation under DARE Act.

## Mining

| Field | Value |
|-------|-------|
| Legal | Yes |
| Electricity Cost | $0.3/kWh |
| Renewable Energy | 10% |
| Climate | tropical |
| Infrastructure | fair |

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

## Geopolitics

| Field | Value |
|-------|-------|
| Sanctions | <span style="color:var(--text-dim,#888)">&mdash;</span> |

## Enforcement

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

## CBDC

| Field | Value |
|-------|-------|
| Status | launched |
| Name | Sand Dollar |
| Authority | Central Bank of Bahamas |
| Type | retail |
| Launched | 2020-10-20 |

## FAQ

### 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.

---

*Data source: [Soken Crypto Legal Map](https://soken.dev/crypto-map/). Last reviewed: 2026-06-01.*

**Sources:**
- [Securities Commission of The Bahamas](https://scb.gov.bs)