Is Crypto Legal In Antigua And Barbuda?

Cryptocurrency is legal in Antigua and Barbuda, operating under a comprehensive regulatory framework established by the Digital Assets Business Act of 2020. This legislation officially became law on June 18, 2020, after being passed by the government and published in the Official Gazette (1). The Act regulates persons carrying on digital asset business while ensuring protection for clients and potential clients engaging with digital asset services in the country.

The Digital Assets Business Act defines digital assets broadly to include anything existing in binary or digital format with associated usage rights, encompassing virtual currencies, asset representations, and blockchain-based applications utilizing distributed ledger technology. Licensed undertakings may conduct various activities including issuing and selling digital assets, operating exchanges, providing custodial wallet services, offering payment services, and providing digital asset custody services (1). The Financial Services Regulatory Commission oversees the licensing process and ensures compliance with anti-money laundering requirements and other regulatory obligations.

"Subject to section 7, a person shall not carry on digital asset business in or from within Antigua and Barbuda unless that person is a licensed undertaking in one of the classes specified in section 9."

The regulatory framework requires any person or entity conducting digital asset business in or from Antigua and Barbuda to obtain proper licensing from the Financial Services Regulatory Commission unless specifically exempted. The Commission issues either Class A licenses for unlimited duration or Class B licenses for defined periods based on the nature and scope of proposed activities (2). Applications require comprehensive documentation including business plans, management arrangements, compliance policies, and information about officers and controllers to ensure all operators meet fit and proper standards before conducting cryptocurrency-related business activities.

Source:
https://laws.gov.ag/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/No.-16-of-2020-Digital-Assets-Business-Act-2020.pdf
https://www.fsrc.gov.ag/images/pdf/digital-assets/Digtal%20Asset%20Business%20-%20Application%20Form.pdf

Last updated: 18-10-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.