Guyana Compliance Report

Generated 2026-09-22

Comprehensive Framework

Regulatory Overview

Regulatory Status: Dedicated crypto/VA legislation, licensing regime, active enforcement
Key Regulator(s): Bank of Guyana Official Advisory, Ministry of Legal Affairs, Bank of Guyana's, Ministry of Finance, Bank of Guyana Act, Securities and Exchange Commission
Primary Legislation: This is the most certain requirement. Even without a specific VASP law, Guyana h, For any entity requiring a license under the Money Transfer Agencies Act, a loca, Legal opinions confirming compliance with Guyanese law., A standalone VASP Act., Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Act 2009 (as ame, Guyana AML CFT Act 2009, Bank of Guyana Act (Chapter 86:02): This Act establishes the Bank of Guyana and, No specific URL for the consolidated act is easily available online from an offi, Financial Institutions Act (Chapter 85:01): This Act governs the licensing and s, The Constitution of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana Act (Cap. 1.01) is the s, Regulations, The subsidiary legislation list on Parliament's website shows regulations made u, Record retention obligations for financial records exist under general tax law,, No Guyanese court has issued a judgment interpreting or applying any law to a cr, The absence of enforcement actions reflects the absence of regulation
Travel Rule: Adopted — Threshold: Implemented
Tax Reporting: Trading: If an individual regularly and systematically trades cryptocurrency with the intention of making a profit, these activities could be considered a "business" or "trade." Profits derived from such activities would be taxable as business income.. Mining: Income generated from cryptocurrency mining activities, especially if conducted on a commercial or continuous basis, would likely be considered business income.. Received as Remuneration: If an individual receives cryptocurrency as payment for services rendered or as salary, the fair market value (FMV) of the cryptocurrency at the time of receipt would be taxable as employment income or business income, subject to standard individual income tax rates.. First G$90,000 per month (G$1,080,000 per year): Tax-exempt threshold.. Above the threshold up to G$210,000 per month (G$2,520,000 per year): 28%

Key Facts

aml Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) of Guyana Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Act 2009 (as amended) (AMLCFTA). This Act, enforced by the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) Guyana, serves as the cornerstone for financial institutions and designated non-financial businesses and professions (DNFBPs), which now explicitly include VASPs. This is the principal Act establishing the AML/CFT framework. This amendment, along with others, updated the original Act to address evolving FATF standards and typically broadened the scope of "reporting entities" or "financial institutions" to include new types of services, implicitly or explicitly bringing VASPs under its ambit. These regulations provide detailed rules and procedures for implementing the provisions of the AML/CFT Act. Various FIU Guidance Notes: The FIU often issues specific guidance notes, advisories, and directives to reporting entities, including those relevant to virtual assets, to clarify obligations. For individuals: Name, address, date of birth, national identification number (e.g., National ID card, passport number), and obtaining a copy of the verifying document. For legal entities (companies, trusts, etc.): Name, legal form, address, names of directors/partners, proof of incorporation/establishment, and details of the registered office.
banking Bank of Guyana: Central bank responsible for monetary policy and oversight of commercial banks. Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF): Oversees anti-money laundering standards for Caribbean nations. Financial Institutions Act No.1 of 1995 (Citation: Guyana - Banking Systems | export.gov) Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Act of 2009 (Citation: Guyana - Banking Systems | export.gov) Previously advised by CFATF in November 2013 for inadequate AML/CFT standards. Exited FATF International Cooperation Review Group in October 2016 after addressing deficiencies (Citation: Guyana - Banking Systems | export.gov). Lack of explicit legislation for digital assets. Ambiguity in whether existing banking licenses suffice for crypto-related services.
enforcement Entity Targeted: Individuals associated with "Coinvest Guyana" and "Accelerated Capital Firm Inc. (ACFI)," particularly Yuri Garcia-Lopez and Ateeka Ishmael, along with others later implicated. Violation Type: Operating a pyramid scheme, obtaining money by false pretences (fraud), unlicensed financial operations. The scheme reportedly solicited investments with promises of high returns, often facilitated through digital means and sometimes referencing digital asset investments as part of its pitch, though its core was a classic Ponzi/pyramid structure. Entity Targeted: General public, financial institutions, and implicitly, anyone considering operating an unregulated cryptocurrency business in Guyana. Violation Type: While not a "violation" in itself, the BoG warns against the inherent risks and unregulated nature of cryptocurrencies, implying that conducting such activities falls outside the regulated financial system and thus carries significant risks for participants. The advisories highlight that cryptocurrencies are not legal tender, are not regulated by the BoG, and offer no consumer protection. Penalty Amount: N/A (These are advisories, not direct enforcement actions with fines). Outcome: Increased public awareness of the risks associated with cryptocurrencies in Guyana, a clear statement that such activities are outside the regulated financial sector, and a deterrent for unregulated operations seeking legitimacy. This stance limits the growth of formal crypto businesses until a regulatory framework is established. Outcome: Increased public awareness of the risks associated with cryptocurrencies in Guyana, a clear statement that such activities are outside the regulated financial sector, and a deterrent for unregulated operations seeking legitimacy. This stance limits the growth of formal crypto businesses until a regulatory framework is established.
licensing Criminal prosecution of alleged fraudsters utilizing digital assets. Public advisories and warnings from the central bank about the risks of cryptocurrency, signaling a cautious and largely unregulated stance. Regulator/Enforcing Body: Guyana Police Force, Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) Not a direct regulatory fine, but criminal charges laid. The duo (Garcia-Lopez and Ishmael) faced over 100 fraud charges related to bilking Guyanese citizens of billions of dollars. They were granted bail totaling hundreds of millions of Guyanese dollars (e.g., GYD $200 million each for many charges, reduced to GYD $10 million for some). Assets were frozen and seized by the state as part of the criminal proceedings. Arrests and initial charges began in August/September 2020, with ongoing court proceedings and further charges laid well into 2021 and 2022.
marketing Regulatory Bodies: The primary regulator for non-traditional agricultural marketing is the Guyana Marketing Corporation (GMC), established under Section 46 of the Public Corporations Act, Cap 19:05. GMC's mandate extends to providing marketing services for non-traditional agricultural products but does not explicitly cover digital assets or cryptocurrencies. Primary Laws: The key legislation governing GMC is the Public Corporations Act, Cap 19:05. There are no specific laws directly addressing cryptocurrency or digital asset marketing in Guyana as of 2025–2026. International Standing: Guyana is a member of CARICOM and adheres to regional economic integration policies but has not adopted FATF or Moneyval recommendations specifically targeting crypto assets. Who Needs a License?: No specific licensing requirement exists for cryptocurrency or digital asset marketing under current Guyanese law. Activities Requiring Licensing: None identified for crypto-related activities. GMC licenses pertain to non-traditional agricultural products. Capital Requirements: Not applicable as no licensing regime exists for digital assets. Application Process & Timeline: N/A – No application process is defined by law or regulation. Structural Requirements: N/A – No structural prerequisites are mandated by legislation.
ongoing Bank of Guyana (BoG) – Central bank; responsible for monetary policy and oversight of financial institutions including digital asset service providers under the AMLCFT Act. Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) Guyana – Receives suspicious transaction reports and coordinates with regional bodies like the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF). CFATF – Sets international standards for AML/CFT; Guyana is a member and subject to mutual evaluations. Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Act 2009 (AMLCFT Act) – Chapter 11:06, as amended. Financial Institutions Act 1995 (as amended) – Governs banking and financial institutions, incorporating digital asset service providers under the AMLCFT requirements. Proceeds of Crime Act 2009 – Provides mechanisms for tracing and confiscating proceeds from criminal activities, applicable to crypto transactions. Any entity engaging in activities such as cryptocurrency exchanges, wallet services, initial coin offerings (ICOs), or stablecoin issuance must register with BoG and comply with AML/CFT obligations. No explicit capital thresholds are defined for crypto licenses under current statutes; compliance is based on risk assessment and ability to meet AML/CFT reporting standards.
sanctions Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), Ministry of Finance, Government of Guyana Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism Act (AMLCFT Act) – No specific article number provided in public sources, but it mandates reporting obligations for virtual asset service providers. Financial Sanctions (Targeted Financial Sanctions) Regulations – Issued by FIU; regulates transactions involving designated persons or entities under UN and US sanctions lists. United Nations Security Council Resolutions – Guyana implements these resolutions, affecting all financial institutions and crypto businesses dealing with sanctioned parties. Guyana is listed in the FATF mutual evaluation report (2021) as implementing measures to combat money laundering and terrorist financing, including compliance with UN sanctions. No explicit license is required for operating cryptocurrency exchanges or wallets in Guyana, but any business providing virtual asset services must register with the FIU and comply with AML/CFT regulations. Provision of wallet services, exchange platforms, custodial services, or any financial intermediary dealing with virtual assets. No monetary thresholds are specified for registration; however, the FIU's guidance requires entities to maintain adequate capital and reporting infrastructure to handle suspicious transaction monitoring.
securities Guyana has no specific cryptocurrency or digital asset legislation as of 2025–2026; the existing regulatory framework is built around the Securities Industry Act Cap. 73:04 and the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Act, Act No. 13 of 2009, which predate digital assets and contain no dedicated provisions for virtual assets or crypto tokens Guyana Securities Council - Ministry of Finance Guyana Securities Council No license type exists for crypto exchanges, crypto custodians, or digital asset service providers; the only licenseable activities are those defined as "securities business" under the Securities Industry Act Cap. 73:04, which has no definition for digital assets LAWS OF GUYANA Securities Industry Act Cap.73:04 No entity has been licensed to conduct crypto-related securities activities in Guyana, and the GSC's published functions and guidance make no reference to virtual assets Guyana Securities Council - Ministry of Finance Financial Intelligence Unit – Guideline No. 4 2016 1 GUIDANCE NOTES FOR The practical reality is that crypto businesses operate in a legal grey zone: they may fall within existing securities or AML obligations only if the tokens they deal in are deemed "securities" by analogy, but there is no formal determination or registration pathway, creating significant uncertainty for prospective market participants LAWS OF GUYANA Securities Industry Act Cap.73:04 Financial Intelligence Unit – Guideline No. 4 2016 1 GUIDANCE NOTES FOR The Guyana Securities Council (GSC) is the primary securities regulator in Guyana, established as a statutory body by the Securities Industry Act 1998 and brought into existence by Ministerial Order No. 5 of 2000 by the Minister of Finance, effective 16 December 2000, with operations commencing on 24 September 2001 Guyana Securities Council - Ministry of Finance The GSC reports to the Ministry of Finance and operates under the Securities Industry Act, Act No. 21 of 1998, consolidated as Cap. 73:04 in the Laws of Guyana Guyana Securities Council LAWS OF GUYANA Securities Industry Act Cap.73:04 The GSC's principal functions under section 5 of the Securities Industry Act 1998 include advising the Minister of Finance on all matters relating to securities; maintaining surveillance over the securities market; registering, authorising or regulating self-regulatory organizations, securities companies, securities intermediaries, brokers, dealers, traders, underwriters, issuers and investment advisers; protecting the integrity of the securities market against insider trading; and promoting conditions for the orderly growth of the capital market Guyana Securities Council - Ministry of Finance The GSC has a secondary mandate as designated supervisory authority of reporting entities within the securities market under the Anti Money Laundering and the Countering the Financing of Terrorism Act, Act No. 13 of 2009 and its amendments Guyana Securities Council
stablecoin E-money/Payment Tokens: This is the most likely classification if a stablecoin is intended to facilitate payments, is denominated in fiat currency (like the Guyanese Dollar or USD), and is redeemable at par. Legislation: The National Payment System Act 2018 empowers the Bank of Guyana to regulate payment systems and electronic money. While it doesn't explicitly mention "stablecoins," its definitions of "electronic money" and "payment instruments" could potentially encompass them. Reference: National Payment System Act 2018 (Act No. 3 of 2018). URL (Example, often found via Caribbean Law Search or Official Gazette): [While a direct official government PDF link can be elusive, legal databases like Caribbean Law Search or the Parliament of Guyana website would host it. An example search would be "Guyana National Payment System Act 2018".] Securities: If a stablecoin offers investment-like features, promises returns, or is structured as a share or debt instrument, it could potentially be classified as a security under the Securities Industry Act. However, most stablecoins are designed to avoid this classification. Legislation: Securities Industry Act 1998 (Cap. 83:02). URL (Example): [Similar to the above, often found on legal databases or the Parliament of Guyana website.] General Digital Asset: Without specific classification, stablecoins might simply be treated as an unregulated digital asset, subject only to general anti-money laundering and counter-financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) laws.
status Guyana has no dedicated cryptocurrency or digital asset legislation, licensing framework, or registered virtual asset service providers (VASPs) as of 2025–2026. Laws of Guyana | Ministry of Legal Affairs Guyana There is no designated regulator for digital assets; the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) administers customs and taxation but has not issued crypto-specific rules. Guyana - Customs Regulations No entity has been licensed to operate a cryptocurrency exchange, wallet provider, or custodian in Guyana. Regulations | Parliament of Guyana The practical reality is that crypto activity operates in a legal gray zone—not explicitly prohibited, but also not recognized, protected, or supervised by any Guyanese authority. Laws of Guyana | Ministry of Legal Affairs Guyana Guyana's FATF membership and ongoing anti-money laundering reforms suggest future crypto regulation is likely, but no timeline or draft bill has been publicly released. Laws of Guyana | Ministry of Legal Affairs Guyana The primary legal repository is the "Laws of Guyana," maintained by the Ministry of Legal Affairs, which organizes all national legislation by chapter (e.g., Cap. 1.01 through Cap. 3.04 in Volume 1). Laws of Guyana | Ministry of Legal Affairs Guyana No chapter or act within the Laws of Guyana references "cryptocurrency," "virtual asset," "digital asset," "digital currency," or "distributed ledger technology" as of the latest available revision. Laws of Guyana | Ministry of Legal Affairs Guyana The Constitution of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana Act (Cap. 1.01) is the supreme law but contains no provisions on digital assets or financial technology. Laws of Guyana | Ministry of Legal Affairs Guyana
tax Trading: If an individual regularly and systematically trades cryptocurrency with the intention of making a profit, these activities could be considered a "business" or "trade." Profits derived from such activities would be taxable as business income. Mining: Income generated from cryptocurrency mining activities, especially if conducted on a commercial or continuous basis, would likely be considered business income. Received as Remuneration: If an individual receives cryptocurrency as payment for services rendered or as salary, the fair market value (FMV) of the cryptocurrency at the time of receipt would be taxable as employment income or business income, subject to standard individual income tax rates. First G$90,000 per month (G$1,080,000 per year): Tax-exempt threshold. Above the threshold up to G$210,000 per month (G$2,520,000 per year): 28% Above G$210,000 per month: 40% Trading/Investment: Companies dealing in cryptocurrency as part of their business operations (e.g., trading, holding for investment, accepting as payment) would include any profits or gains from such activities in their taxable corporate income. Mining: Profits from corporate cryptocurrency mining operations would be taxable corporate income.
travel rule Adopted: Yes, Guyana has made legislative amendments to include Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs) within its Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) framework, thereby adopting the requirements that underpin the Travel Rule. Effective Date: The key legislative instrument is the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (Amendment) Act 2023 (No. 4 of 2023). This Act amended the principal AML/CFT Act 2009 (Cap. 10:11) to include virtual assets and VASPs. While the exact gazetting date marks its legal effectiveness, the practical implementation and issuance of specific guidance for VASPs are ongoing. While a direct URL to the gazetted 2023 Amendment Act is challenging to find publicly via official government channels (often requiring specific legal database access), the fact of its passage is confirmed by international bodies. CFATF Follow-Up Report on Guyana (2023): This report would detail the legislative changes made by Guyana to address FATF Recommendations, including R.15 (New Technologies) and R.16 (Wire Transfers, extended to VASPs). These reports typically confirm the enactment of relevant legislation. Guyana's legislation is expected to align with FATF Recommendation 16 for wire transfers, which has been extended to VASPs. For transfers between VASPs, the Travel Rule generally requires the originating VASP to obtain and transmit certain originator and beneficiary information (name, account number/wallet address) for transactions with no de minimis threshold (i.e., zero threshold for VASP-to-VASP transfers of required basic information). For transactions exceeding the equivalent of USD 1,000/EUR 1,000, the originating VASP must obtain and transmit more detailed information, including the originator's address or national identity number, and the beneficiary's address or national identity number. Specific guidance from the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) or the Bank of Guyana (BoG) for VASPs operating in Guyana would clarify any specific local thresholds or nuances.

Sources

This report is AI-generated from publicly available regulatory sources. Last updated: 2026-09-21. View full profile