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General Information and Application Guidelines for Private Trust Companies, Qualified Executive Entities and their Registered Representatives

Published: Wednesday November 26th, 2025

Press Release

General Information and Application Guidelines for Private Trust Companies, Qualified Executive Entities and their Registered Representatives

 

The Central Bank of The Bahamas has issued, for a 15-day consultation period, the revised draft of the Application Guidelines for Private Trust Companies, Qualified Executive Entities, and Registered Representatives. This publication follows the issuance of the Banks and Trust Companies (Private Trust Companies and Qualified Executive Entities) Regulations, 2025 gazetted on 5 September 2025.

The Application Guidelines set out the governance, risk management, operational, and fiduciary standards applicable to Private Trust Companies (“PTCs”), Qualified Executive Entities (“QEEs”), and their Registered Representatives. This framework also provides clarity on key areas such as:

  • Eligibility, independence, and the competency criteria for directors, officers, and council members, including governance standards for families, and closely associated persons;
  • Expectations for prudent oversight, including decision-making, conflicts of interest, and fiduciary duties;
  • Requirements for functions supporting PTCs and QEEs, including their qualifications, responsibilities, and the reporting obligations of Registered Representatives, Special Directors, Special Officers, and Special Council Members;
  • Compliance obligations, including AML/CFT/CPF measures consistent with national and international standards; and
  • Operational and risk practices required to ensure effective administration of trust structures.

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​The Guidelines may be accessed on the Central Bank’s website at www.centralbankbahamas.com via the following path: Core Functions → Bank Supervision Department → Consultation Documents.

The consultation period will end on 16 December 2025. Feedback regarding the Application Guidelines for Private Trust Companies, Qualified Executive Entities, and Registered Representatives should be directed to:

Policy Unit
Bank Supervision Department
Email: [email protected]

Document(s)