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Trinidad and Tobago: crypto & digital assets regulation

Regulated

Trinidad and Tobago VASP licensing under the 2025 Act; TTSEC oversight

Lead regulator:
Trinidad and Tobago Securities and Exchange Commission
Key law:
Virtual Assets and Virtual Asset Service Providers Act 2025
Last updated:
2026-07-12

Trinidad and Tobago has established a formal regulatory framework for virtual assets, designating the TTSEC as the primary supervisor for Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs). The Virtual Assets and Virtual Asset Service Providers Act 2025 mandates licensing for VASP activities and prohibits unlicensed operations.

The regime includes a Regulatory Sandbox to facilitate innovation while ensuring oversight. Additionally, the jurisdiction has enacted the Miscellaneous Provisions (FATF Compliance) Act 2025 to align with international anti-money laundering standards.

Recent risk assessments published by the TTSEC highlight specific vulnerabilities related to proliferation financing, guiding ongoing regulatory reforms and compliance expectations for the sector.

Who regulates

  • Trinidad and Tobago Securities and Exchange Commission

    Primary supervisor for VASPs and issuer of risk assessments

    [1][2]

Core laws & rules

  • Virtual Assets and Virtual Asset Service Providers Act 2025 (2025)

    Establishes the regulatory framework for VASPs, mandates licensing, prohibits unlicensed activities, and creates a Regulatory Sandbox.

    [1]

  • Miscellaneous Provisions (FATF Compliance) Act 2025 (2025)

    Amends existing statutes to fulfill FATF obligations, including trust registration and proceeds of crime provisions.

    [3]

Licensing & registration

  • VASP License

    Mandatory for entities providing virtual asset services; unlicensed activities are prohibited. A Regulatory Sandbox is available for testing.

    [1]

Restrictions & warnings

  • Unlicensed VASP activities are strictly prohibited. Sector-specific risks related to proliferation financing and money laundering are identified for regulatory attention.

    [1][2]

Direction of travel

  • Regulatory reforms are being guided by standalone national risk assessments for proliferation financing and VASPs, indicating a focus on robust AML/CFT compliance.

    [2]

Sources

  1. Virtual Assets and Virtual Asset Service Providers Act 2025 · 2025-12-30
  2. Circular Letter- VA-VASP-PF Risk Assessments · 2026-03-11
  3. Miscellaneous Provisions (FATF Compliance) Act, 2025 · 2026-01-27

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This guide is compiled automatically from 3 primary-source documents published by Trinidad and Tobago's regulators, reviewed by RegAlert, and refreshed monthly (last updated 2026-07-12). It is not legal advice — always confirm requirements with the regulator or local counsel before acting.