The Securities Commission of The Bahamas has launched a consultation on draft reforms to the regulation of contracts for differences firms. The proposals would require firms to hold a minimum deposit of one million dollars, or its USD equivalent, with a licensed bank and maintain higher regulatory capital where required under the Securities Industry Financial Resources Rules. Firms would also have to notify the Commission immediately of an actual or expected capital breach. The draft would replace prescribed retail margin requirements with firm-specific policies subject to Commission approval. These policies must set minimum margins by underlying asset class, explain the methodology and risk assumptions used, and be reviewed at least annually. Minimum margin requirements would not apply to professional clients, including elective professional clients. Existing CFD firms would have 90 days after the rules take effect to submit their retail margin policies for approval. The current margin rules would continue to apply until approval is granted.
2026-08-28Bahamas Securities Commission
Securities Commission of The Bahamas launches consultation on one million dollar CFD capital floor and retail margin reforms
The Securities Commission of The Bahamas is consulting on a one million dollar minimum deposit requirement for CFD firms, with higher regulatory capital required where applicable. Firms would set Commission-approved margin policies for retail clients, while professional clients would be exempt from minimum margin requirements.