BVI Beneficial Ownership Regulations: Key Changes

On July 1, 2025, important amendments to the BVI Business Companies and Limited Partnerships (Beneficial Ownership) Regulations, 2024 came into effect. These changes impact how beneficial ownership information is filed, accessed, and managed by BVI entities. For business owners and investors with BVI companies or partnerships, it is vital to understand the new requirements to remain compliant and avoid potential penalties.

At WWincorp, our team has been guiding clients through regulatory updates for over 20 years. Here, we outline the key elements of the amendment and what it means for your company.

Key Deadlines for Compliance

All existing legal entities in the BVI now have six months from July 1, 2025 to comply with the updated filing requirements. That means beneficial ownership details must be submitted to the BVI Registry by December 31, 2025.

Access to Beneficial Ownership Information

One of the most significant changes is the expansion of who can access beneficial ownership information. Under the new rules, access is limited to persons who can demonstrate a legitimate interest, including:

• Authorities or entities investigating money laundering, terrorist financing, or proliferation financing.
• Parties connected to criminal proceedings involving such offences.
• Obliged entities (such as financial institutions or professional service providers) conducting customer due diligence under relevant AML and counter-terrorism financing laws.

Conditions of Access

Any request must be made in writing and include:

• Full details of the requesting individual or entity, including ID, address, and contact information.
• The name of the BVI legal entity.
• The name of the beneficial owner (if known).
• A signed declaration that the information will only be used for the specified purpose.

If the Registrar accepts the request, the legal entity will be notified through its registered agent and given five days to file an objection. If no objection is raised, the Registry will release limited information on beneficial owners with 25% or greater ownership interest—specifically their name, date of birth, and nature/extent of ownership.

Entities may appeal denied objections to the BVI Appeal Board.

Exemptions from Disclosure of Beneficial Ownership Information

From January 2, 2026, beneficial owners may apply to the Registrar for exemptions from disclosure if:

• Disclosure could put them or their family at risk of fraud, kidnapping, extortion, harassment, violence, or similar harm.
• The beneficial owner is a child or otherwise lacks capacity.
• Disclosure raises issues of national security.
• The Registrar determines it is not in the public interest to disclose.
• Exceptional circumstances apply, as determined by the Registry.

Importantly, the Registry will not process requests to inspect or provide ownership information until April 1, 2026.

Expanded Exemptions from Filing Beneficial Ownership Information

Certain entities are now exempt from filing beneficial ownership details, including:

• BVI companies with shares held by a foreign regulated trustee.
• Subsidiaries of funds (including foreign regulated funds).
• Subsidiaries of companies listed on a recognised stock exchange.
• Companies where 50% or more of the shares or voting rights are held by the BVI government or a foreign government.

Why This Matters for BVI Companies

The amendments are part of global efforts to enhance transparency while balancing privacy and security concerns for legitimate business owners. Failure to comply could result in regulatory penalties, reputational damage, or complications in conducting international business.

How WWincorp Can Help

Navigating BVI compliance requirements can be complex, especially with evolving regulations. At WWincorp, our experienced team provides:

• Guidance on new filing deadlines and exemptions.
• Preparation and submission of beneficial ownership filings to the BVI Registry.
• Support with exemption applications where disclosure risks apply.
• Ongoing compliance management to ensure your BVI entity remains in good standing.

Final Thoughts

The 2025 amendments to the BVI Beneficial Ownership Regulations bring new responsibilities for companies and partnerships. With clear deadlines and stricter access conditions, it is essential to act early and ensure your entity is fully compliant.

If you need tailored advice or assistance with your filings, contact WWincorp today. Our specialists are here to guide you through the process and safeguard your compliance.