Frequently Asked Questions

Advantages

• Q: What are the primary advantages of The Bahamas as the international financial services "jurisdiction of choice"?

Banking Services

• Q: What is the difference between a restricted vs non-restricted Banking Licence?
• Q: What are "Managed Banks"?
• Q: How did the Central Bank of The Bahamas Act 2000 and the Banks and Trust Companies Regulation Act 2000 impact banking operations?
• Q: What is private banking?
• Q: What is a global offshore bank?

Corporate Services

• Q: How do I go about incorporating a company?
• Q: What are the principal changes in the International Business Company coming about as a result of new

Economy

• Q: What is the general state of the economy?
• Q: What is the general state of the Financial services Industry
• Q: What percentage of The Bahamas' GDP is represented by the industry?

Immigration

• Q: How difficult is it for non citizens to work in The Bahamas?

Industry Legislation

• Q: What are the key pieces of legislation considered instrumental in enhancing the competitiveness of the financial services industry?

Insurance

• Q: What types of insurance products are offered in The Bahamas?
• Q: Is The Bahamas an international insurance center?
• Q: Why are international insurance products proving so popular?

International Cooperation

• Q: Are mechanisms in place allowing The Bahamas to cooperate with foreign jurisdictions in legal proceedings?

Investment

• Q: Does the Government have an Investment Policy?
• Q: Are certain areas of business activity restricted to Bahamian nationals?

Legal System

• Q: What legal system is used in The Bahamas? And the judiciary?

Maritime

• Q: What is an open ship register? Has this impacted the growth of The Bahamas Register?

Miscellaneous

• Q: What is BISX?
• Q: What is the currency of The Bahamas?
• Q: Is gambling legal in The Bahamas?
• Q: How would you describe telecommunications services in The Bahamas?
• Q: In which time zone is The Bahamas located?

Mutual Funds

• Q: What services can The Bahamas provide to the international mutual fund?

Professional Services

• Q: Is it difficult finding qualified personnel in the industry?

Real Estate

• Q: Can non Bahamians sell real estate in The Bahamas?
• Q: Do non Bahamians need permission to purchase real estate in The Bahamas?
• Q: Is there a time share industry in The Bahamas?
• Q: How difficult is it to find reasonably priced rental accommodations? Are homes expensive to purchase, or build?

Regulatory Agencies

• Q: What are the primary regulatory agencies for the financial services industry in The Bahamas?

Services & Products

• Q: What are the principal services and products offered by The Bahamas as
• Q: What are some of the primary wealth planning/management structures provided by The Bahamas' financi

Tourism

• Q: Where would I find information about the tourism industry in The Bahamas, specifically visitor info
• Q: Is tourism the number one industry in The Bahamas?

Trust Services

• Q: How has the Trustees Act impacted the marketing of trust services in The Bahamas?
• Q: What are Trusts used for primarily?