Americas & Caribbean · VC
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Companies formed in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines are widely used in international broker and trading structures, but the Financial Services Authority has stated that it does not license or supervise forex trading.
At a glance
- Status
- Sovereign state (Eastern Caribbean Currency Union)
- Region
- Americas & Caribbean
- Regulated sectors
- Crypto
- Authorities
- FSA · ECCB
- Licensing routes
- 1
Overview
The framework
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is a member of the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union. Its business companies and limited liability companies are widely used in international broker and trading structures.
The Financial Services Authority (FSA) has stated publicly that it does not license or supervise forex trading or brokerage. An SVG entity therefore does not by itself authorise investment activity, and banks and counterparties treat such entities accordingly. Virtual asset businesses are subject to a separate registration framework.
Authorities
Who regulates what
- Financial Services Authority (FSA)
- Non-bank financial institutions, including registered virtual asset businesses.
- Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB)
- Banking supervision across the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union.
Regimes
Licensing routes
Virtual asset business registration
Registration of virtual asset businesses with the FSA.
Sectors: Crypto
Applications and regulator engagement for these routes are handled by our Regulatory & Licensing practice.
Considerations
What to weigh up
- An SVG company is not a licence to provide investment services.
- Where clients are in regulated markets, a licensed entity is usually needed elsewhere in the group.
This overview is general information, summarised at a high level. Requirements change and depend on the specific activity; seek advice on your circumstances before acting.
Across jurisdictions
Cross-jurisdiction capabilities
Services we support across the jurisdictions in our directory, described once on their own pages. How each is delivered depends on the local requirements that apply; where local qualification is required, we coordinate locally qualified counsel.
- Privacy & Data ProtectionPrivacy compliance and GDPR programmes, notices and DPAs, DPIAs, data mapping and ROPA, transfers, audits and breach response.
- AML & Financial Crime ComplianceAML/CFT programmes, MLRO-as-a-Service, independent AML/CFT audits, risk assessments, monitoring, sanctions and inspection support.
- IP Registration & ProtectionTrademark and patent registration and protection, copyright protection, domain name disputes, portfolio support and IP agreements.
- Legal OpinionsRegulatory, business model, perimeter, payment, gaming, crypto-asset and cross-border opinions for banks, partners and investors.
- Bank Account OpeningSupport with corporate and operational accounts at banks and EMIs, prepared for how their compliance teams assess high-risk businesses.
- Merchant Account / Acquiring SetupSupport with merchant account applications and acquiring setup at acquirers and PSPs, including for high-risk merchant categories.
Support
How we support businesses in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- Regulatory & Licensing01Strategy, applications and regulator engagement for the crypto routes listed above.
- Corporate Structuring02Group architecture, incorporation, substance and governance built around your licences, banking and investors.
- Market Entry & Regulatory Strategy10Market prioritisation, regulatory roadmaps and launch readiness for businesses expanding into new jurisdictions.
Discuss your matter with a senior advisor.
Share a few details about your business and plans. We will come back to arrange a confidential initial conversation.