Press Release: The Central Bank of The Bahamas Dispels Claims of Impending U.S. Sanctions on a Domestic Bank
Published: Monday September 14th, 2026
The Central Bank of The Bahamas is aware of a flyer circulating on social media and messaging platforms, falsely alleging that the stability and operations of major domestic commercial banks are under threat due to proposed United States Sanctions on a “major bank” operating within our jurisdiction. The public is advised that these claims are false, misleading, and not supported by any credible source.
The Central Bank understands the concerns the misinformation in this flyer would raise with individuals and businesses with funds in the banking system, and assures the public that the domestic financial sector remains stable, secure, and fully operational.
For public awareness, on 10 September 2026, the U.S. Treasury Secretary advised that the United States intended to sanction an unnamed "large bank" on Monday, 14 September 2026, as a part of a broader U.S. campaign aimed at cutting off the financial networks that support the Government of Iran. The banks and financial institutions targeted under this campaign to date have been entities linked to Iranian sanctions evasion in other parts of the world. None of these actions relate to The Bahamas, to the Bahamian financial system, or to any bank licensed to operate in The Bahamas.
The three Canadian-affiliated banks referenced in the erroneous flyer are well-established and capitalised institutions, licensed and supervised by the Central Bank of The Bahamas. They continue to operate normally, with all banking services functioning as usual.
Beyond this, the Bahamian banking system is sound, well-regulated, and compliant with the global sanctioning regime, in accordance with regulations for anti-money laundering (AML), counter financing of terrorism (CTF) and anti-proliferation financing (APF). Moreover, Bahamian dollar deposits in all banks and credit unions are protected under guarantee, by the Deposit Insurance Corporation of The Bahamas.
The Central Bank urges members of the public not to act or make decisions on unverified social media rumours. They should rely on trusted, official sources for such information, such as the Central Bank of The Bahamas, their licensed bank, the Deposit Insurance Corporation, and official Government communications. The public should also be cautious against forwarding such circulars.
The Central Bank takes the circulation of false financial information seriously, given its potential to cause unwarranted public concern. It will continue to communicate clearly and promptly should there be any development that genuinely affects depositors in The Bahamas.
14 September 2026
