Home > Licensing > Banking

Bahamas Banking License

Bahamas Banking Licence and Central Bank of The Bahamas Requirements

The Central Bank of The Bahamas regulates all banking and trust activity under the Banks and Trust Companies Regulation Act 2020. Nassau has been a Caribbean financial centre for over five decades and maintains a strong regulatory reputation built on FATF-aligned AML standards and Basel Committee supervisory principles.

The Act distinguishes between public banks, which may accept deposits from any person, and restricted banks, which transact only with a defined list of approved persons. The Central Bank applies ongoing prudential supervision to all licensed institutions.

Public Bank and Trust Licence

Full banking services offered to the general public. Minimum paid-up capital: USD 10 million or higher as determined by the Central Bank based on the scale of proposed operations.

Restricted Bank and Trust Licence

Transactions limited to an approved list of specified persons. Minimum paid-up capital: USD 1 million. The most commonly sought offshore banking licence category in The Bahamas.

Fit and Proper Assessment

Directors, senior management, and qualifying shareholders must pass Central Bank fit and proper vetting based on financial soundness, integrity, and relevant experience.

Registered Office and Compliance

A registered office maintained by a licensed trust company is required. Annual audited financial statements must be submitted to the Central Bank along with an AML/CFT compliance report.

Tax Advantages of a Bahamas Banking Licence

The Bahamas has no corporate income tax, no capital gains tax, no withholding tax on interest or dividends, and no inheritance tax. The jurisdiction is a signatory to the OECD Common Reporting Standard but maintains a business environment that is straightforward for international banking operations.

Neptune Fiduciaries: Bahamas Banking Licence Support

Neptune Fiduciaries manages Bahamas banking licence applications from initial Central Bank pre-qualification through to post-authorisation regulatory maintenance for both Restricted and Public Bank and Trust licence holders.

Get in Touch

Contact Neptune Fiduciaries at info@neptunecorporate.com or sales@neptunecorporate.com or visit our Contact Us page.

Speak to a Banking Licence
Expert Today

Our fiduciary specialists have guided financial institutions across multiple jurisdictions to successful licensing outcomes. Let us help you navigate the regulatory process with confidence.

Book a Consultation Chat on WhatsApp