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Run: d07c4b37... | Suriname - Retail Trading Status

Executive Summary

Suriname's retail crypto trading environment remains legally unchanged as of June 2025. It is neither explicitly prohibited nor governed by a comprehensive regulatory framework. Instead, the sector operates with partial oversight derived from existing AML/CFT legislation. The Central Bank of Suriname (CBvS) has advised caution regarding cryptocurrency use due to inherent risks, while actively working towards developing a dedicated supervisory framework for Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs). No significant regulatory changes have occurred to alter this fundamental status.

Key Pillars

Absence of Comprehensive Regulation: There is no specific law or dedicated regulatory framework explicitly governing retail crypto trading activities in Suriname.
No Explicit Prohibition: The trading and investment in crypto assets are not explicitly banned, allowing individuals to engage in these activities via peer-to-peer (P2P) transactions and crypto exchanges.
Partial AML/CFT Oversight: The primary regulatory influence on virtual assets comes from Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Counter-Financing of Terrorism (CFT) legislation, aimed at preventing illicit financial activities.
Central Bank Advisories and Development Efforts: The Centrale Bank van Suriname (CBvS) has issued public advisories urging caution for individuals using or investing in unregulated crypto services and products, emphasizing the associated risks. Concurrently, the CBvS is in an advanced stage of developing a legal framework for the supervision of Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs).

Absence of Comprehensive Regulation: There is no specific law or dedicated regulatory framework explicitly governing retail crypto trading activities in Suriname.
No Explicit Prohibition: The trading and investment in crypto assets are not explicitly banned, allowing individuals to engage in these activities via peer-to-peer (P2P) transactions and crypto exchanges.
Partial AML/CFT Oversight: The primary regulatory influence on virtual assets comes from Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Counter-Financing of Terrorism (CFT) legislation, aimed at preventing illicit financial activities.
Central Bank Advisories and Development Efforts: The Centrale Bank van Suriname (CBvS) has issued public advisories urging caution for individuals using or investing in unregulated crypto services and products, emphasizing the associated risks. Concurrently, the CBvS is in an advanced stage of developing a legal framework for the supervision of Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs).

Landmark Laws

Wet ter Voorkoming en Bestrijding van Money Laundering en Terrorisme Financiering (S.B. 2022 no. 138), as last amended by S.B. 2024 no. 99.
- Authority: The implementation and enforcement involve the Financial Intelligence Unit Suriname (FIUS) and the Centrale Bank van Suriname (CBvS) in their supervisory capacities. The Ministry of Justice and Police and Ministry of Finance and Planning are tasked with the execution of this law.
- Date: The original act was promulgated on November 19, 2022. It was subsequently amended on August 2, 2024.
- Summary: This law defines "virtual asset services" and subjects them to AML/CFT measures, requiring service providers to implement risk-based programs, conduct customer due diligence, and report unusual transactions. It represents a crucial step in aligning Suriname's financial system with international standards set by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF). However, it does not constitute a comprehensive regulatory framework for the broader aspects of cryptocurrency trading.

Centrale Bankwet 2022 (S.B. 2023 no. 65).
- Authority: Centrale Bank van Suriname (CBvS).
- Date: Enacted in 2023.
- Summary: This act strengthens the autonomy and governance of the Central Bank, underpinning its authority to issue warnings and engage in the development of supervisory frameworks for unregulated financial activities, including those involving virtual assets.

Wet ter Voorkoming en Bestrijding van Money Laundering en Terrorisme Financiering (S.B. 2022 no. 138), as last amended by S.B. 2024 no. 99.
- Authority: The implementation and enforcement involve the Financial Intelligence Unit Suriname (FIUS) and the Centrale Bank van Suriname (CBvS) in their supervisory capacities. The Ministry of Justice and Police and Ministry of Finance and Planning are tasked with the execution of this law.
- Date: The original act was promulgated on November 19, 2022. It was subsequently amended on August 2, 2024.
- Summary: This law defines "virtual asset services" and subjects them to AML/CFT measures, requiring service providers to implement risk-based programs, conduct customer due diligence, and report unusual transactions. It represents a crucial step in aligning Suriname's financial system with international standards set by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF). However, it does not constitute a comprehensive regulatory framework for the broader aspects of cryptocurrency trading.

Centrale Bankwet 2022 (S.B. 2023 no. 65).
- Authority: Centrale Bank van Suriname (CBvS).
- Date: Enacted in 2023.
- Summary: This act strengthens the autonomy and governance of the Central Bank, underpinning its authority to issue warnings and engage in the development of supervisory frameworks for unregulated financial activities, including those involving virtual assets.

Considerations

Asset Classification: Cryptocurrencies are generally not recognized as legal tender in Suriname. There is no explicit classification of virtual assets within the current legal framework beyond their definition in the context of virtual asset services under AML/CFT law.
Taxation: As of June 2025, Suriname does not have specific mechanisms or laws to regulate or tax income derived from cryptocurrency activities. This means profits from retail crypto trading are not explicitly covered by dedicated tax legislation.
Consumer Protection: Due to the unregulated nature of the retail crypto trading market, the Central Bank of Suriname has explicitly warned the public that engaging with or investing in these services and products carries inherent risks for which individuals are solely responsible. There are no specific consumer protection measures tailored for crypto investors outside of general financial laws.

Asset Classification: Cryptocurrencies are generally not recognized as legal tender in Suriname. There is no explicit classification of virtual assets within the current legal framework beyond their definition in the context of virtual asset services under AML/CFT law.
Taxation: As of June 2025, Suriname does not have specific mechanisms or laws to regulate or tax income derived from cryptocurrency activities. This means profits from retail crypto trading are not explicitly covered by dedicated tax legislation.
Consumer Protection: Due to the unregulated nature of the retail crypto trading market, the Central Bank of Suriname has explicitly warned the public that engaging with or investing in these services and products carries inherent risks for which individuals are solely responsible. There are no specific consumer protection measures tailored for crypto investors outside of general financial laws.

Notes

The Centrale Bank van Suriname (CBvS) is actively working towards establishing a dedicated regulatory framework for Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs). This initiative includes the completion of a sectoral risk analysis, which serves as a foundational step for drafting comprehensive policy and regulations for the VASP sector. A "Virtual Asset Service Providers Supervision Act" has reportedly been drafted, aiming to provide a legal basis for VASP oversight and incorporating recommendations from international bodies such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
Suriname has been a member of the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) since 1998 and is subject to the FATF's 40 recommendations aimed at combating money laundering and terrorist financing. While the country has made significant strides in strengthening its overall AML/CFT regime, the 2023 CFATF Mutual Evaluation Report indicated that Suriname still lacks specific legislative provisions for VASPs and mechanisms to identify those operating within its jurisdiction. These ongoing efforts underscore the country's commitment to eventually bringing virtual asset services under a more structured regulatory umbrella, particularly concerning financial integrity, even though comprehensive retail trading regulations are not yet in place.

The Centrale Bank van Suriname (CBvS) is actively working towards establishing a dedicated regulatory framework for Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs). This initiative includes the completion of a sectoral risk analysis, which serves as a foundational step for drafting comprehensive policy and regulations for the VASP sector. A "Virtual Asset Service Providers Supervision Act" has reportedly been drafted, aiming to provide a legal basis for VASP oversight and incorporating recommendations from international bodies such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
Suriname has been a member of the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) since 1998 and is subject to the FATF's 40 recommendations aimed at combating money laundering and terrorist financing. While the country has made significant strides in strengthening its overall AML/CFT regime, the 2023 CFATF Mutual Evaluation Report indicated that Suriname still lacks specific legislative provisions for VASPs and mechanisms to identify those operating within its jurisdiction. These ongoing efforts underscore the country's commitment to eventually bringing virtual asset services under a more structured regulatory umbrella, particularly concerning financial integrity, even though comprehensive retail trading regulations are not yet in place.

Web Sources

15 sources

Source

15 sources

Source

Full Analysis Report

Report on Retail Cryptocurrency Trading Status in Suriname

Date: 2025-06-26

Topic: Retail_Trading_Status

Description: Assess whether individual citizens and residents in the country are legally permitted to buy, sell, and hold cryptocurrencies. Detail the regulatory environment surrounding this activity (e.g., KYC/AML requirements imposed on platforms, general warnings issued).

Retail_Trading_Status: Allowed-Unregulated

Narrative Explanation:

As of June 2025, retail cryptocurrency trading in Suriname is best described as Allowed-Unregulated. There is currently no specific legal framework or cryptocurrency-focused regulation governing the buying, selling, or holding of digital currencies by individual citizens and residents. Cryptocurrencies do not have official legal tender status in Suriname's financial system.

While there are no explicit prohibitions on engaging with cryptocurrencies, the activity exists in a space devoid of specific regulatory oversight. This means that while individuals can and do participate in cryptocurrency trading, often through peer-to-peer (P2P) platforms and international exchanges that accept Surinamese users, they do so without specific protections or guidelines tailored to the crypto market. General commercial or financial laws might theoretically apply, but no crypto-specific rules regarding licensing for exchanges, investor protection, or dedicated tax regimes have been established.

The Central Bank of Suriname has not issued licenses for cryptocurrency activities, and in the past, has advised caution regarding their use. There are no known Bitcoin ATMs operating in Suriname.

It is important to note the evolving political discourse surrounding cryptocurrencies in Suriname. There have been discussions and proposals by political figures regarding the potential adoption of Bitcoin, including making it legal tender and integrating cryptocurrencies more formally into the economy. For instance, presidential candidate Maya Parbhoe has been a vocal proponent of adopting Bitcoin, potentially even replacing the national currency and dismantling the central bank in favor of a decentralized system. Additionally, there have been reports of meetings between government officials and companies promoting Bitcoin adoption at a national level. These discussions, however, remain largely aspirational and have not yet translated into concrete legal or regulatory changes.

The absence of specific regulations means there are no formal KYC/AML (Know Your Customer/Anti-Money Laundering) requirements imposed specifically on cryptocurrency platforms operating within Suriname by Surinamese authorities. However, international platforms accessible to Surinamese residents will typically enforce their own KYC/AML procedures based on their jurisdictions of operation and international standards.

Therefore, individuals in Suriname can engage in cryptocurrency trading, but this occurs in an environment that lacks specific regulatory clarity, investor protection mechanisms tailored to digital assets, and official oversight from Surinamese financial authorities. The situation is characterized by a lack of dedicated crypto laws rather than an outright ban.

Relevant Text Excerpts:

UPay Blog (2024-12-08): "As of now, there is no established cryptocurrency legal framework in Suriname. The country currently has no formal cryptocurrency regulations and cryptocurrency holds no official legal status in its financial system."
UPay Blog (2024-12-08): "The current state of Suriname's crypto law is essentially non-existent, with no existing legal mechanisms governing the use, trade, or recognition of cryptocurrencies in the national financial ecosystem."
Medium - The Shyft Perspective (2023-08-22): "Cryptocurrencies are not regulated by the law in Suriname, and there are no mechanisms to regulate their use or tax the income derived from them. However, trading and investing in crypto assets is possible through P2P and crypto exchanges."
Proelium Law LLP (Updated regularly): "Suriname. Undecided. Cryptocurrency has no legal status; No formal cryptocurrency regulation put into place." (Note: While Proelium Law uses "Undecided," their description aligns with an unregulated environment where activity is not banned but lacks specific rules).
UEEx Technology (2025-04-22): "As of February 2025, Suriname does not have specific regulations governing cryptocurrency exchanges. This means there is no official legal status for digital currencies within the country's financial system. Despite the absence of formal regulations, you can still access and use cryptocurrency exchanges."
UEEx Technology (2025-04-22): "It's important to note that while these activities are possible, they operate in a legal gray area due to the lack of clear regulatory guidelines." (Note: While "legal gray area" is used here, the overall context from multiple sources points to a lack of specific prohibition or specific regulation, fitting "Allowed-Unregulated" better than the "Gray-Zone" definition provided in the prompt which implies nuances beyond simply being unregulated).
Inter-American Center of Tax Administrations (CIAT) (2021-03-17): "The “crypto” phenomenon is hardly regulated in the Latin American region, in some countries there are hardly any tax provisions or regulations." (While a broader regional comment, it reflects the situation in Suriname at the time and largely still applicable based on other sources).

Source URLs:

Report on Retail Cryptocurrency Trading Status in Suriname

Date: 2025-06-26

Topic: Retail_Trading_Status

Description: Assess whether individual citizens and residents in the country are legally permitted to buy, sell, and hold cryptocurrencies. Detail the regulatory environment surrounding this activity (e.g., KYC/AML requirements imposed on platforms, general warnings issued).

Retail_Trading_Status: Allowed-Unregulated

Narrative Explanation:

As of June 2025, retail cryptocurrency trading in Suriname is best described as Allowed-Unregulated. There is currently no specific legal framework or cryptocurrency-focused regulation governing the buying, selling, or holding of digital currencies by individual citizens and residents. Cryptocurrencies do not have official legal tender status in Suriname's financial system.

While there are no explicit prohibitions on engaging with cryptocurrencies, the activity exists in a space devoid of specific regulatory oversight. This means that while individuals can and do participate in cryptocurrency trading, often through peer-to-peer (P2P) platforms and international exchanges that accept Surinamese users, they do so without specific protections or guidelines tailored to the crypto market. General commercial or financial laws might theoretically apply, but no crypto-specific rules regarding licensing for exchanges, investor protection, or dedicated tax regimes have been established.

The Central Bank of Suriname has not issued licenses for cryptocurrency activities, and in the past, has advised caution regarding their use. There are no known Bitcoin ATMs operating in Suriname.

It is important to note the evolving political discourse surrounding cryptocurrencies in Suriname. There have been discussions and proposals by political figures regarding the potential adoption of Bitcoin, including making it legal tender and integrating cryptocurrencies more formally into the economy. For instance, presidential candidate Maya Parbhoe has been a vocal proponent of adopting Bitcoin, potentially even replacing the national currency and dismantling the central bank in favor of a decentralized system. Additionally, there have been reports of meetings between government officials and companies promoting Bitcoin adoption at a national level. These discussions, however, remain largely aspirational and have not yet translated into concrete legal or regulatory changes.

The absence of specific regulations means there are no formal KYC/AML (Know Your Customer/Anti-Money Laundering) requirements imposed specifically on cryptocurrency platforms operating within Suriname by Surinamese authorities. However, international platforms accessible to Surinamese residents will typically enforce their own KYC/AML procedures based on their jurisdictions of operation and international standards.

Therefore, individuals in Suriname can engage in cryptocurrency trading, but this occurs in an environment that lacks specific regulatory clarity, investor protection mechanisms tailored to digital assets, and official oversight from Surinamese financial authorities. The situation is characterized by a lack of dedicated crypto laws rather than an outright ban.

Relevant Text Excerpts:

UPay Blog (2024-12-08): "As of now, there is no established cryptocurrency legal framework in Suriname. The country currently has no formal cryptocurrency regulations and cryptocurrency holds no official legal status in its financial system."
UPay Blog (2024-12-08): "The current state of Suriname's crypto law is essentially non-existent, with no existing legal mechanisms governing the use, trade, or recognition of cryptocurrencies in the national financial ecosystem."
Medium - The Shyft Perspective (2023-08-22): "Cryptocurrencies are not regulated by the law in Suriname, and there are no mechanisms to regulate their use or tax the income derived from them. However, trading and investing in crypto assets is possible through P2P and crypto exchanges."
Proelium Law LLP (Updated regularly): "Suriname. Undecided. Cryptocurrency has no legal status; No formal cryptocurrency regulation put into place." (Note: While Proelium Law uses "Undecided," their description aligns with an unregulated environment where activity is not banned but lacks specific rules).
UEEx Technology (2025-04-22): "As of February 2025, Suriname does not have specific regulations governing cryptocurrency exchanges. This means there is no official legal status for digital currencies within the country's financial system. Despite the absence of formal regulations, you can still access and use cryptocurrency exchanges."
UEEx Technology (2025-04-22): "It's important to note that while these activities are possible, they operate in a legal gray area due to the lack of clear regulatory guidelines." (Note: While "legal gray area" is used here, the overall context from multiple sources points to a lack of specific prohibition or specific regulation, fitting "Allowed-Unregulated" better than the "Gray-Zone" definition provided in the prompt which implies nuances beyond simply being unregulated).
Inter-American Center of Tax Administrations (CIAT) (2021-03-17): "The “crypto” phenomenon is hardly regulated in the Latin American region, in some countries there are hardly any tax provisions or regulations." (While a broader regional comment, it reflects the situation in Suriname at the time and largely still applicable based on other sources).

Source URLs:

Version Comparison

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Executive Summary

Key Pillars

Landmark Laws

Considerations

Notes

Web Sources

Full Analysis Report

Report on Retail Cryptocurrency Trading Status in Suriname

Retail_Trading_Status: Allowed-Unregulated

Report on Retail Cryptocurrency Trading Status in Suriname

Retail_Trading_Status: Allowed-Unregulated