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St. Kitts & Nevis Banking License

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St. Kitts & Nevis Banking License: Nevis International Banking Ordinance (NIBO) Authorisation

The Financial Services Regulatory Commission (FSRC) of St. Kitts and Nevis regulates offshore banking under the Nevis International Banking Ordinance (NIBO), administered by the Nevis Island Administration. The Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis is internationally best known for the oldest Citizenship by Investment Programme in the world, established in 1984. The Nevis Island Administration has developed the NIBO as a dedicated regulatory framework for international banking operations conducted exclusively with non-resident clients, creating a well-established offshore banking environment with over three decades of operational history.

Nevis international banks may carry on all standard banking activities outside of St. Kitts and Nevis, including deposit-taking, lending, foreign exchange, trade finance, and treasury management. The NIBO framework provides strong statutory confidentiality protections within an AML/CFT-compliant structure.

Minimum Capital

USD 1 million minimum paid-up capital for a Nevis international bank licence. Capital must be maintained as a condition of continued authorisation.

Directors

At least two directors are required, with at least one having demonstrated competence as a qualified banker or financial professional. All directors are assessed by the FSRC for integrity and suitability.

Registered Agent

An FSRC-approved registered agent in Nevis must be appointed and maintained. The registered agent provides the international bank's registered address and handles regulatory filings on its behalf.

AML/CFT Programme

A comprehensive AML/CFT programme compliant with the Financial Intelligence Unit Act of St. Kitts and Nevis and CFATF recommendations is required. Annual audited accounts and FSRC returns must be submitted.

Tax Position

St. Kitts and Nevis has no capital gains tax, no wealth tax, and no inheritance tax. International banks operating under the NIBO are exempt from local income tax on all offshore income. There is no withholding tax on dividends or interest paid by NIBO-licensed entities.

Neptune Fiduciaries: St. Kitts & Nevis Banking Licence Support

Neptune Fiduciaries provides full-service support for Nevis international bank licence applications under the NIBO, including FSRC pre-application assessment, business plan preparation, director vetting, registered agent coordination, and ongoing AML/CFT compliance advisory.

Get in Touch

Contact Neptune Fiduciaries at info@neptunecorporate.com or sales@neptunecorporate.com or visit our Contact Us page.

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