How To Utilize A Business Company For Cryptocurrency in BVI?

The British Virgin Islands (BVI) is widely known as one of the world’s largest offshore jurisdictions. The country has taken major steps to become an attractive destination for global entrepreneurs, especially those who want to launch, host, and develop crypto-related businesses.

In today’s article, we will discuss the cryptocurrency landscape in the British Virgin Islands, the key benefits and drawbacks of crypto business, as well as insights on how to incorporate your Business Company for cryptocurrency in the BVI.

The current landscape of cryptocurrency in BVI

Government attitude toward crypto

At the present time, the government does not have a specific form of regulatory advice or guidance for cryptocurrencies, nor have they issued any framework for virtual assets, blockchain, or financial technology generally.

Although the jurisdiction has declared its willingness to develop a supportive legal framework tailored for cryptocurrency, no draft legislation or consultations have been announced.

Regulations for crypto in BVI

On 10 July 2020, the BVI Financial Services Commission (FSC) confirmed that the regulations for crypto-related activities will be determined under existing financial services legislation.

Therefore, businesses with activities related to operating a cryptocurrency exchange or engaging in crypto lending will need to carefully consider whether their proposed activities will fall within the scope of the existing legislations to ensure compliance, to name a few:

• The Securities and Investment Business Act, 2010 (SIBA)

An Act to provide for the licensing, regulation, and supervision of investment business and for connected purposes.

The BVI Financial Services Commission has confirmed that where a virtual asset product or service provides a benefit or right beyond a medium of exchange, it may be captured under the SIBA.

• The Money Laundering Regulations, 2008 (MLR) as amended from time to time

These regulations aim to prevent and detect money laundering and terrorist financing in the BVI by applying customer due diligence measures.

Companies should nonetheless think about adhering to the anti-money laundering framework as a matter of good corporate governance whether they fall under the purview of this rule or not.

• The Banks and Trust Companies Act, 1990 (BTCA) as amended

Since the Act establishes the prudential standards for banks and trust organizations, it would also apply to cryptocurrency companies whose operations fall under the purview of banking business.

• The Financial Services Commission Act, 2001 (FSCA)

Under this act, the FSC has broad supervisory powers over all financial services in or from within the BVI.

• The Financing and Money Services Act, 2009 (FMSA) as amended

Where a cryptocurrency transaction is used to facilitate currency exchange services, it may be viewed as the provision of money services and therefore fall within the remit of FMSA.

Updates on Key Legislative Changes in BVI

The BVI Business Companies (Amendment) Act, 2022 has recently been enacted with certain key changes in company dissolution, bearer shares, and record-keeping measures.

With additional legislation for company strike-off regimes, businesses must stay in good standing for future compliance.

The additional legislation may introduce new administrative queries among the involved stakeholders, but no disruption is expected. Business owners should check and ensure that their BCs are in good standing for future compliance.

Should you incorporate cryptocurrency activities in BVI?

The worldwide use of cryptocurrency and the increasing number of cryptocurrencies, transactions, and investments have tempted many entrepreneurs to enter this sector.

A recent research study forecasted that the global blockchain market size will be worth upward of US$60 billion in 2025, representing a 69.4% compound annual growth rate.

And like any business, there will come a time when it makes sense for you to consider incorporating your cryptocurrency activities.

If you’re looking to venturing crypto-based businesses, one of the most common legal structures you can choose is a BVI Business Company (BC).

A Business Company is an entity incorporated under the BVI Business Companies Act 2004 (BCA), proving flexibility, relative free flow of funds, and low establishment costs. You can use a BC to engage in the crypto-based operation, provided that the cryptocurrency is not linked to illegal activities.

Although there is no properly established legislation on crypto licenses for BVI companies, a BC will be expected to obtain licenses to conduct crypto ventures in accordance with regulations set by the FSC.

How to incorporate a BC for cryptocurrency in BVI?

The requirements to incorporate a BC in BVI

You need to fulfill the following criteria to incorporate a BC in BVI:

• Have at least one director and one shareholder, who can be the same person and does not need to reside in the BVI
• A registered office address or registered agent office address is required (a P.O. box address is not sufficient)
• Need a company name that is not the same or similar to an existing company

The incorporation process

The process of incorporating a cryptocurrency company in the BVI is relatively straightforward and can be completed in just a few steps:

Step 1: Appoint a registered agent

All BVI companies must appoint a licensed and registered agent, who must be a resident and hold a valid license from the FSC. The agent will be responsible for maintaining the company’s statutory records and filing annual returns.

Step 2: Register your business name

The following conditions must be met in order to register a name for a BC:

• The name must be unique (i.e., not identical to previously existing company names);
• It must not contain offensive language or violate the rights of any other business
• It must not, without the consent of the BVI Registrar of Companies, suggest a connection with financial services business and/or the Government, or use other terminology that the Commission does not permit.
• The name must be licensed under specific enactment (e.g., insurance company)

Additionally, you must include the appropriate suffixes in the name of your company, such as “Limited,” “Corporation,” “Incorporated,” “Societe Anonyme” or “Sociedad Anonima,” or the abbreviations “Ltd.”, “Corp.” “Inc.”, “S.A.” or “A.S.”

It should be noted that the BVI BC may use either the full or shortened form and may be legally designated as so.

Step 3: Incorporate your company

To incorporate, you will need to submit the following documents to the BVI Registrar of Companies:

• A completed application form
• The company’s memorandum and articles of association
• The approved form signed by the proposed registered agent signifying his or her consent to act as a registered agent
• Such other documents as may be prescribed
• The incorporation fee

Only your intended registered agent may submit your application for company registration; any other applicant’s application will not be accepted by the Registrar.

It will take around 2-3 days for the Registrar to review your application. Once your company has been incorporated, you will be issued a certificate of incorporation to verify that your company has been registered in the BVI.

Step 4: Obtain a business license

After your company has been registered, you will need to get a cryptocurrency license to start operating your cryptocurrency business in BVI.

You need to determine if a license is applicable to your company, by considering the following factors:

• How the cryptocurrency asset is used
• The types of activities being proposed or carried out.
• Whether the business operations resemble those of a conventional business; and
• The characteristics and business activities (economic substance) relating to an offering/issuance.

Once you’ve determined that your company conducts a regulated activity, you must apply for a license with the FSC. The application process involves the submission of the application form, business plan, and application fees (depending on whether the license is standard or non-standard).

Step 5: Comply with post-registration requirements

The compliance requirement for a BC is minimum and very simple to follow.

• No annual general meetings required
• Open a business bank account to maintain financial transparency (e.g., an offshore brokerage account)
• Except for the annual renewal, there are no financial statements, annual return filing, or yearly audits
• Corporate books, minutes of meetings, and resolutions of members/directors can be kept at any location.

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Conclusion

The cryptocurrency industry is growing rapidly, and the BVI is well-positioned to take advantage of this growth, offering a favorable regime for business such as low taxes, flexible incorporation rules, and a supportive government attitude. However, there are also some drawbacks to consider, such as the lack of clarity regarding regulations and few banking choices.

The process of incorporating a cryptocurrency company in the BVI is relatively straightforward and can be completed in just a few steps. Additionally, the compliance requirements for cryptocurrency companies are minimal, making the BVI an attractive jurisdiction for cryptocurrency businesses.

If you’re planning on starting a cryptocurrency company, the BVI is a worthy consideration. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us for any questions or queries you may have about this matter. Our friendly consultants are ready to provide you with practical advice and helpful guidance for your business venture.