Back to Analyses

Bermuda

Retail_Trading_Status

Allowed-Regulated Unknown
Analysis ID
#569
Version
Latest
Created
2025-07-04 10:14
Workflow Stage
Live

Executive Summary

Bermuda has a comprehensive regulatory framework for digital assets, making retail cryptocurrency trading legal and regulated. The Bermuda Monetary Authority (BMA) oversees Digital Asset Businesses (DABs) through the Digital Asset Business Act 2018 (DABA) and the Digital Asset Issuance Act 2020 (DAIA). These laws impose licensing requirements on entities facilitating crypto transactions, ensuring consumer protection and adherence to AML/CFT standards. No licensing requirements are imposed on individuals for simply engaging in these activities for their own account.

Key Pillars

The primary regulator is the Bermuda Monetary Authority (BMA), which oversees the licensing and supervision of Digital Asset Businesses (DABs). The framework focuses on regulating intermediaries like exchanges and custodians rather than individual traders. Core compliance requirements for DABs include robust AML/CFT policies, KYC checks, cybersecurity standards, and prudential safeguards. DABs operating in or from within Bermuda must obtain a license from the BMA.

Landmark Laws

  • Digital Asset Business Act 2018 (DABA): Regulates “digital asset businesses” in Bermuda, requiring businesses conducting digital asset business in or from within Bermuda to obtain a license from the Bermuda Monetary Authority.
  • Digital Asset Issuance Act 2020 (DAIA): Addresses the offering of digital assets by way of an issuance.
  • BMA Amendments (Late 2024): Proposed amendments to enhance the rules around the control of client assets, solvency, and wind-down plans for licensed firms.

Considerations

No licensing requirements are imposed on individuals for simply holding digital assets, unless they do so in the course of their business and on behalf of another. The government plans to accept digital dollar payments for government services. There are plans to support community-focused stablecoin airdrops to encourage adoption and financial inclusion.

Notes

The AMLBot Team (2025) noted that the Digital Asset Business Act (DABA) legislative framework is designed to accommodate the dynamic nature of blockchain technology while maintaining robust regulatory standards. The Bermuda government is updating its infrastructure to accept digital dollars as payments for government dues and taxes (as reported by Global Government Fintech, 2025). In late 2024, the BMA initiated a consultation on proposed amendments to enhance the rules around the control of client assets, solvency, and wind-down plans for licensed firms, demonstrating a dynamic and responsive regulatory approach.

Detailed Explanation

Bermuda has established a comprehensive regulatory framework for digital assets, making retail cryptocurrency trading legal and explicitly regulated. This framework aims to foster innovation while ensuring consumer protection and adherence to international anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing (AML/CFT) standards. The cornerstone of this framework is the Digital Asset Business Act 2018 (DABA), which, along with the Digital Asset Issuance Act 2020 (DAIA), provides a robust structure for the digital asset ecosystem.

Individual citizens and residents in Bermuda are permitted to purchase, hold, and sell cryptocurrencies. There are no specific licensing requirements imposed on individuals for simply engaging in these activities for their own account. However, the regulatory focus is on the businesses that facilitate these transactions. Any entity operating in or from within Bermuda that provides services such as issuing, selling, or redeeming digital assets, operating a crypto exchange, or providing custodial wallet services must obtain a license from the Bermuda Monetary Authority (BMA). This ensures that retail traders are interacting with entities that are vetted and supervised.

The BMA oversees the licensing and supervision of these Digital Asset Businesses (DABs), which are subject to stringent requirements, including robust AML/CFT policies and procedures, know-your-customer (KYC) checks, cybersecurity standards, and prudential safeguards. By regulating the intermediaries, the Bermuda government aims to create a secure environment for retail participation in the crypto market.

Bermuda's commitment to a regulated environment is further evidenced by its continuous refinement of the DABA framework. In late 2024, the BMA initiated a consultation on proposed amendments to enhance the rules around the control of client assets, solvency, and wind-down plans for licensed firms, demonstrating a dynamic and responsive regulatory approach. The government has also actively promoted the use of digital assets, with plans to accept digital dollar payments for government services and support for community-focused stablecoin airdrops to encourage adoption and financial inclusion.

According to Carey Olsen (2024), "Under current Bermuda law, and under the DABA and DAIA, no licensing requirements are imposed on any person merely by virtue of that person holding any form of digital asset, unless that person does so in the course of its business and on behalf of another..." Legal 500 (2024) stated that "Other than the digital asset business activity of issuing, selling or redeeming of digital assets under the DABA and the offering of digital assets by way of an issuance under the DAIA, there are no Bermudian laws, regulations or other restrictions governing the participation of persons resident or situated in Bermuda in the purchase, holding or sale of digital assets..."

Freeman Law clarifies that “The 2018 Act regulates “digital asset businesses” in Bermuda, and requires businesses that are incorporated or formed either within or outside of Bermuda that conduct digital asset business in, or from within, Bermuda to obtain a license from the Bermuda Monetary Authority.” BeesMont Law (2023) adds that "DABA makes digital asset business a regulated industry and provides that a person cannot carry on digital asset business in or from within Bermuda unless the person is a licensed undertaking in one of the classes specified in DABA or falls within an exempt category..."

The AMLBot Team (2025) emphasized that "At the core of Bermuda's approach lies the Digital Asset Business Act (DABA), a legislative framework designed to accommodate the dynamic nature of blockchain technology. This framework demonstrates remarkable foresight in addressing the industry's evolving needs while maintaining robust regulatory standards." Finally, the Government of Bermuda (as reported by Global Government Fintech, 2025) stated, "In government, we are updating our infrastructure to accept these digital dollars as payments for government dues and taxes."

Summary Points

Okay, here's a bullet-point summary of the provided report on Retail Cryptocurrency Trading Status in Bermuda, designed for quick and easy understanding:

Retail Cryptocurrency Trading in Bermuda: Regulatory Overview

I. Overall Regulatory Status:

  • Allowed and Regulated: Retail cryptocurrency trading is legal and explicitly regulated in Bermuda.
  • Proactive Approach: Bermuda has established a comprehensive framework to foster innovation while protecting consumers and adhering to AML/CFT standards.

II. Key Regulatory Bodies and Their Roles:

  • Bermuda Monetary Authority (BMA):
    • Oversees the licensing and supervision of Digital Asset Businesses (DABs).
    • Enforces stringent requirements on DABs.
    • Initiates consultations on proposed amendments to enhance regulations.

III. Important Legislation and Regulations:

  • Digital Asset Business Act 2018 (DABA): Cornerstone of the regulatory framework.
  • Digital Asset Issuance Act 2020 (DAIA): Provides a robust structure for the digital asset ecosystem.

IV. Requirements for Compliance (Focus on DABs):

  • Licensing: Any entity operating in or from Bermuda providing services like issuing, selling, or redeeming digital assets, operating a crypto exchange, or providing custodial wallet services must obtain a license from the BMA.
  • AML/CFT Policies and Procedures: Robust policies required.
  • Know-Your-Customer (KYC) Checks: Mandatory for DAB clients.
  • Cybersecurity Standards: DABs must adhere to strict cybersecurity protocols.
  • Prudential Safeguards: Financial stability and risk management measures are required.
  • Client Asset Control: Enhanced rules around the control of client assets.
  • Solvency: Requirements to ensure financial stability.
  • Wind-Down Plans: Plans for orderly cessation of business operations.

V. Notable Restrictions or Limitations (Primarily on Businesses):

  • Licensing Requirement for DABs: Businesses conducting digital asset activities in or from Bermuda must be licensed.
  • No Restrictions on Individuals: No specific licensing requirements are imposed on individuals for simply buying, holding, or selling crypto for their own account.

VI. Recent Developments or Changes:

  • BMA Consultation (Late 2024): Consultation on proposed amendments to enhance rules around client asset control, solvency, and wind-down plans for licensed firms.
  • Government Initiatives:
    • Plans to accept digital dollar payments for government services.
    • Support for community-focused stablecoin airdrops to encourage adoption and financial inclusion.
  • Infrastructure Updates: Government is updating infrastructure to accept digital dollar payments for government dues and taxes.

Full Analysis Report

Report on the Current Status of Retail Cryptocurrency Trading in Bermuda

Date of Report: 2025-07-04

Topic: Retail_Trading_Status

This section assesses the legal and regulatory framework governing the buying, selling, and holding of cryptocurrencies by individual citizens and residents in Bermuda.

1. Current Status

Allowed-Regulated

2. Detailed Narrative Explanation

Bermuda has proactively established a comprehensive and clear regulatory framework for digital assets, making retail cryptocurrency trading legal and explicitly regulated. This forward-thinking approach is designed to foster innovation while ensuring consumer protection and adherence to international anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing (AML/CFT) standards. The cornerstone of this framework is the Digital Asset Business Act 2018 (DABA), which, along with the Digital Asset Issuance Act 2020 (DAIA), provides a robust structure for the digital asset ecosystem.

Individual citizens and residents in Bermuda are permitted to purchase, hold, and sell cryptocurrencies. There are no specific licensing requirements imposed on individuals for simply engaging in these activities for their own account. However, the regulatory focus is on the businesses that facilitate these transactions. Any entity operating in or from within Bermuda that provides services such as issuing, selling, or redeeming digital assets, operating a crypto exchange, or providing custodial wallet services must obtain a license from the Bermuda Monetary Authority (BMA). This ensures that retail traders are interacting with entities that are vetted and supervised.

The BMA oversees the licensing and supervision of these Digital Asset Businesses (DABs), which are subject to stringent requirements. These include robust AML/CFT policies and procedures, know-your-customer (KYC) checks, cybersecurity standards, and prudential safeguards. By regulating the intermediaries, the Bermuda government aims to create a secure environment for retail participation in the crypto market.

Bermuda's commitment to a regulated environment is further evidenced by its continuous refinement of the DABA framework. In late 2024, the BMA initiated a consultation on proposed amendments to enhance the rules around the control of client assets, solvency, and wind-down plans for licensed firms, demonstrating a dynamic and responsive regulatory approach. The government has also actively promoted the use of digital assets, with plans to accept digital dollar payments for government services and support for community-focused stablecoin airdrops to encourage adoption and financial inclusion.

3. Relevant Text Excerpts

  • Carey Olsen (2024): "Under current Bermuda law, and under the DABA and DAIA, no licensing requirements are imposed on any person merely by virtue of that person holding any form of digital asset, unless that person does so in the course of its business and on behalf of another..."

  • Legal 500 (2024): "Other than the digital asset business activity of issuing, selling or redeeming of digital assets under the DABA and the offering of digital assets by way of an issuance under the DAIA, there are no Bermudian laws, regulations or other restrictions governing the participation of persons resident or situated in Bermuda in the purchase, holding or sale of digital assets..."

  • Freeman Law: "The 2018 Act regulates “digital asset businesses” in Bermuda, and requires businesses that are incorporated or formed either within or outside of Bermuda that conduct digital asset business in, or from within, Bermuda to obtain a license from the Bermuda Monetary Authority."

  • BeesMont Law (2023): "DABA makes digital asset business a regulated industry and provides that a person cannot carry on digital asset business in or from within Bermuda unless the person is a licensed undertaking in one of the classes specified in DABA or falls within an exempt category..."

  • AMLBot Team (2025): "At the core of Bermuda's approach lies the Digital Asset Business Act (DABA), a legislative framework designed to accommodate the dynamic nature of blockchain technology. This framework demonstrates remarkable foresight in addressing the industry's evolving needs while maintaining robust regulatory standards."

  • Government of Bermuda (as reported by Global Government Fintech, 2025): "In government, we are updating our infrastructure to accept these digital dollars as payments for government dues and taxes."

4. Referenced Sources

Source Number URL
2 https://vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com/grounding-api-redirect/AUZIYQGvb7DyMW8dVoJPbQ7jbG9lOrlkx3fQxQcZ20FIhjNt2cj_MEvFWDwrvkmY_jNVOlPyRf8FQG87rykJawlb9ZVO0xrD1EIa-hRLiQSW5g2FWUtgYjvuqQOE-Iuxur74MtMkDssRcueQ48jbMpwkGbhi8OoxY7CLC-M=
3 https://vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com/grounding-api-redirect/AUZIYQGV-EPZ_AzCgaSgp77TzL_z5xu21F4prwkJO3MgA0TviJj-TtsXTpRv7SsZYurFZ_dwKsFZAdCITCa_F1Za7LR1qQy-0bKs4Avbm4sEYwAyALwpRSijNBRD-r-JjBQ-3wKAV_RDeyiR5KiZWtEAOK0e1dxT1JWulbqf2Fcd
4 https://vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com/grounding-api-redirect/AUZIYQFRdLQmEzm-GsqXGXFK04inTrWjxIbj5QxZTswAPr3p_bvs8Li37Ew2XRo9NjkTu4KyAgkeFtBZNKuWPq5LZqqVk5AwGqjDaLQhb2SGQXKucaSuaPMOR4U7OiJ9yBvDJs_dTuCMvQ4bgkcfIGK5L3PoC2y0N1eLL9tHyl79tS8Z9cgiiNw2WsiT
5 https://vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com/grounding-api-redirect/AUZIYQGiwKPdyMw-BF4SiZ1BBU2DqVV7Sfr_eB_lERFzwZhXH7jSIuY56Ue-h65yHu-1DIQtCIJqLPAlo99Gy3omRdxjWT-4CXoy1XkJTSIK6g_CTbu_j5k_ZHdsWSVNgYILKv-mwjxVhOU5lz5u2Iqr2V_T2QFjgPylJAaI674Bv216LmjuGDPn7hAPy2I07xGfQybRUM5a0LIVlpTrNf02tvhKK_ZCNwPWvBqrLKJmfbrj
7 https://vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com/grounding-api-redirect/AUZIYQEuhoePUf1CDNQjMNfKB4R6vcZGNyuYDgVBzruab4oxkszWLyywld9HH-121B3eB-WNvEgoYV7SvPFu8xkzHyRgapdM9OH5630cnWID6iO9lDTmfGKb6aBtlrze9GcLWttTw3P-CMjdF9wMCm7yW-m2p0ti4PkR4lQU7TmHnDcT0enrTPY10xhCub6idyNSQ8dHAFuKA-td
9 https://vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com/grounding-api-redirect/AUZIYQEe1fvjDZTU2Kcfx3Jwl520fVnPmePmGo5_9NPMMBGkJy5nk26XI-7jkBXC69EyWc6xZ2D8mSPkwiMqCSt3S_szghVZ7WvJH-2_WbaVoNBy5Df_QfrzQvmjFfqRR6HZ0O5wxiIPniuRHhuMUcL7QnC2RuJitVUX8bz0iYtogfFznay1geRBvQpRo3-No-7mLp8cvaxgKQzO_JFQBLsfE0KkmBY=
11 https://vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com/grounding-api-redirect/AUZIYQE0e8vePOYaWh9MgRYnm7y69fsl8TpISwj4So_Yx0HJvkpixvQj6_38aJFXv2Uxo3kJWhOYk9l1xvyEAX7Byw_oNO7yHzyNCtga-tYUWG3F0EJ9Jeuts3AYqpT9YsjuryQXKQwt_jMbh8rwRIyHIZKft7PenHLTx5nb-suae3PjRt36Du7CDIeHkck8fTI8QOyPieZFibxQEr-k5rkLtpewIavpH48qQF_TjwU_eOMhtB1Ycshfek310Vryhjy6va9ZYwJF
12 https://vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com/grounding-api-redirect/AUZIYQHLLLYJlTaRIsV2O4HQGCH-d-YjFGvl3hWKvDJpzO6lCMVWfWrLcy4Ggbvspcc3cubKbli66PzytptFFsd5QWNTDNX_Dd3RFc7oMbdYgEmj3m-x130MD4Ja3HfoId-E3JhesTeDg2JA_KndlngDQRFbArOhaTZr74XNZiEg9jh-eNEVapjQdVPqYO8256vgFql_9MX9DNxWFJkU-9AGYvxoQ6iy6lk=
17 https://vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com/grounding-api-redirect/AUZIYQF9XVSBJApFPLgre6Gh8XT3QaPOIvZDpkfLWlPmo3OWCxBadTLoTfYH54r41zvM38dteXaH_b8suxK93mqFnpkN-rt_yqFl8DIZcSKTUyhp2rUhWwuW0C-TXcnNls89jX8HYDqi5cNsweGx5pORzGMF6cmsh38u9MTK-0oXAH3pweDQ4JXs7aZDfu2pj02gEaITIjvXNhObXde4VRxYNpjRP1R0xEwy
23 https://vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com/grounding-api-redirect/AUZIYQGU7rjZf7Nw1mWBz6YjDVcfxo3b9F7dBySqdCz4Ztfe3XoBaJ0zFpjmrJoMn8OH8fzBsztUvsep-VnosFeKrShjP-YqGVsEAaZHncByvnn9PEu5_OLGV_67uocHsE-XvK_sYZINpFIwcg54pfaijzRZoUKBeMZfmoTeSX56TRmCut7W-HA417_2_BROOFR5u09x1JkRfw==

Web Sources (10)

Sources discovered via web search grounding

Search queries used (6)
  • Bermuda cryptocurrency regulation 2024 2025
  • Bermuda Monetary Authority digital asset rules
  • Digital Asset Business Act Bermuda current status
  • retail crypto trading Bermuda laws
  • Bermuda crypto exchange license requirements
  • KYC/AML regulations for cryptocurrency in Bermuda