Is Crypto Legal in Suriname?
Regulatory Bodies
Suriname has laws in place to combat money laundering and terrorist financing, such as the Wet Melding Ongebruikelijke Transacties (WMOT) (Reporting Unusual Transactions Act) and related regulations.
Operating Models
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AI · UnreviewedPrimary Legislation
| Law / Regulation | Year | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| The Customs Act commodity code (WTI) 1996 SB 1995 no. 111, as amended by SB 2004 | 1996 | The Customs Act commodity code (WTI) 1996 SB 1995 no. 111, as amended by SB 2004 no. 79, governs customs and import duties but does not classify or regulate cryptocurrencies as goods or financial instruments Suriname - Customs Regulations. |
| AML/CFT Act | 2002 | The Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Act 2002 (AML/CFT Act) imposes customer due diligence (CDD) obligations on banks, trust companies, money transfer operators, and other financial institutions, but its… |
Licensing Requirements
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AML/KYC Requirements
None specifically for crypto custody. There is no specific licensing regime in Suriname for companies providing cryptocurrency or digital asset custody services.
Suriname's existing financial services licensing laws (e.g., for banks, money transfer businesses) do not explicitly cover or define virtual asset custody as a regulated activity.
Regulatory Reference (Indirect): The FATF Mutual Evaluation Report for Suriname (published in 2020 and subsequent follow-up reports) indicates that Recommendation 15 (which addresses Virtual Assets and Virtual Asset Service Providers) has significant deficiencies. Suriname has been rated as "Non-Compliant" or "Partially Compliant" with this recommendation, specifically noting that there is no legal or regulatory framework for the licensing, registration, or supervision of VASPs for AML/CFT purposes.
FATF Mutual Evaluation Report of Suriname (2020): https://www.fatf-gafi.org/content/fatf-gafi/en/countries-regions/s-t/suriname/documents/mer-suriname-2020.html (Look specifically at ratings for R.15 and findings related to VASPs).
No specific rules. Given the absence of a dedicated regulatory framework for crypto custodians, there are no explicit mandates or guidelines requiring the segregation of client digital assets from the custodian's own assets.
None. There are no specific insurance or bonding requirements for entities providing crypto custody services in Suriname.
None. No specific regulations or mandates exist regarding the use of cold storage (offline storage) for digital assets held in custody.
No specific definition. Suriname's existing laws do not define what constitutes a "qualified custodian" in the context of digital assets.
As of the latest available public information, there is no specific pending legislation in Suriname focused on regulating cryptocurrency or digital asset custody.
However, as a member of the Caribbean Financial Action Group (CFATF) and under the oversight of the FATF, Suriname is under pressure to improve its AML/CFT framework, which could eventually lead to the regulation of VASPs. Any future legislation would likely first address basic AML/CFT registration/licensing before moving to specific operational requirements like custody rules.
Centrale Bank van Suriname (CBvS) Official Website: While not specific to custody legislation, this is the primary source for any official announcements or regulations regarding financial services in Suriname.
Obligation: As a UN member state, Suriname is legally bound to implement sanctions resolutions passed by the UN Security Council. These resolutions target individuals, entities, and countries involved in terrorism, proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, and other threats to international peace and security.
Implementation in Suriname: The Government of Suriname, through its financial regulators (primarily the Centrale Bank van Suriname - CBvS) and its Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU-S), is responsible for circulating UN sanctions lists (e.g., the UN Security Council Consolidated List) and ensuring financial institutions (which would include VASPs if regulated) comply.
VASP Requirements: VASPs operating in or from Suriname, or dealing with Surinamese customers, must screen all their customers (KYC/CDD) and transactions against the UN sanctions lists. If a match is found, assets must be frozen, and a report made to the FIU-S.
UN Security Council Resolutions: Accessible via the UN Digital Library: https://digitallibrary.un.org/
UN Security Council Consolidated List: https://www.un.org/securitycouncil/sanctions/un-sc-consolidated-list
Extraterritorial Reach: The U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctions primarily apply to "U.S. persons" (U.S. citizens, permanent residents, entities organized under U.S. law, and persons within the U.S.). However, OFAC sanctions can have significant extraterritorial effects, especially through secondary sanctions and when transactions involve the U.S. financial system or U.S.-origin technology.
If a VASP operating in Suriname (or its parent company) is a U.S. person, it must comply fully with OFAC regulations.
If a VASP in Suriname transacts with U.S. persons or uses U.S.-based virtual asset exchanges, custodians, or other service providers, those U.S. entities will require OFAC compliance, indirectly impacting the Surinamese VASP.
Engaging in transactions with OFAC-sanctioned individuals, entities, or jurisdictions (e.g., Iran, North Korea, Cuba, Syria, specific regions of Ukraine) via cryptocurrency can expose non-U.S. VASPs to significant risk of U.S. enforcement action, including being added to the SDN list.
VASP Requirements: VASPs must screen customers and transactions against OFAC's Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons (SDN) List and other sanctions lists. They should also be aware of OFAC's guidance specifically addressing virtual currency.
OFAC Virtual Currency Guidance: Search for "OFAC Guidance on Virtual Currency" on the Treasury website (e.g., the "Sanctions Compliance Guidance for the Virtual Currency Industry"): https:// /policy-issues/financial-sanctions/faqs/topic/2311
Applicability: EU sanctions apply to all EU persons, entities, and anyone operating within the EU's jurisdiction. While Suriname is not an EU member, VASPs in Suriname that have a nexus with the EU (e.g., European ownership, serving EU customers, using EU-based service providers, or transacting with EU-sanctioned individuals/entities) could fall under the scope of EU sanctions.
VASP Requirements: Similar to OFAC, VASPs with an EU nexus must screen against EU sanctions lists, freeze assets, and report to relevant authorities if matches are found.
The CBvS is the central bank and primary financial regulator in Suriname. While it has issued warnings about the risks of cryptocurrencies, comprehensive specific regulations for VASPs are still under development or not yet fully enacted. However, any financial activity, including those involving virtual assets, is expected to adhere to general AML/CFT principles.
The FIU-S is the national center for receiving, analyzing, and disseminating suspicious transaction reports (STRs) and other information related to money laundering and terrorist financing.
Role in Sanctions: The FIU-S would be the primary recipient of reports regarding suspected sanctions violations involving virtual assets, once a clear reporting mechanism for VASPs is established. It also disseminates UN sanctions lists domestically.
Suriname has laws in place to combat money laundering and terrorist financing, such as the Wet Melding Ongebruikelijke Transacties (WMOT) (Reporting Unusual Transactions Act) and related regulations. These laws implement FATF Recommendations and UN Security Council Resolutions.
Application to Crypto: Even without specific crypto regulations, financial institutions (and potentially VASPs under a broader interpretation or future specific designation) are expected to report suspicious transactions to the FIU-S. This would include transactions suspected of being linked to sanctioned entities or jurisdictions.
FATF Recommendations: Suriname, as a jurisdiction subject to FATF assessments, is expected to implement FATF Recommendation 15 (New Technologies), which requires countries to regulate and supervise VASPs for AML/CFT purposes, including sanctions compliance.
Customer Due Diligence (CDD) / Know Your Customer (KYC): Identify and verify the identity of all customers, including beneficial owners.
Sanctions Screening: Screen all customers and counterparties (where identifiable), as well as ongoing transactions, against
UN Sanctions Lists: The Consolidated List (terrorists, proliferation, specific regimes).
OFAC SDN List and other relevant OFAC lists: For any U.S. nexus or to mitigate secondary sanctions risk.
EU Sanctions Lists: For any EU nexus.
Adverse Media Screening: Check for any news or reports linking customers to criminal activity or sanctions evasion.
Blockchain Analytics: Utilize tools to identify links to known illicit addresses, sanctioned wallets, or high-risk jurisdictions.
Ongoing Monitoring: Continuously monitor customer activity and re-screen against updated sanctions lists.
Crimea, Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, Zaporizhzhia regions of Ukraine (under Russian control)
Russia (extensive sanctions by US, EU, UK, etc., though UN sanctions are less broad)
Other jurisdictions under specific UN, OFAC, or EU sanctions programs (e.g., certain individuals/entities in Belarus, Venezuela, Myanmar, etc.).
Financial Penalties: Substantial fines for individuals and legal entities.
Imprisonment: Criminal charges leading to significant prison sentences for individuals involved.
Asset Forfeiture: Seizure and forfeiture of assets involved in or derived from illicit activities, including virtual assets.
Reputational Damage: Significant harm to the reputation of the VASP and individuals involved.
Loss of License/Operating Ability: If a regulatory framework for VASPs is established, non-compliance would likely lead to license revocation.
International Penalties: If OFAC or EU sanctions are violated, U.S. or EU authorities can impose their own substantial fines, designate the VASP or individuals on their sanctions lists, and block access to their financial systems.
Travel Rule
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Tax Reporting
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Custody Requirements
Reactive Focus: Primarily on criminal activities post-factum.
The CBS has not published any directives regarding the licensing of crypto-related entities as of 2023.
No recent updates from the CBS or Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) of Suriname detailing AML/KYC mandates for digital asset platforms.
Recent cases, such as the arrest of Dataram (2023), highlight individual-level enforcement without broad regulatory reform.
The National Revenue Agency (NRA) of Suriname lacks explicit provisions for crypto-related taxable events as of 2023.
Investor Protection: Lack of oversight exposes investors to fraud and market manipulation.
Operational Risk: Operators face uncertainty regarding legal compliance.
Financial Stability: Potential for illicit financial activities without AML/KYC safeguards.
Establish Licensing Framework: The CBS should develop a licensing regime for crypto exchanges and custodians to ensure operational standards.
Implement AML/KYC Obligations: Clear guidelines from the FIU are needed to mandate customer due diligence in digital asset transactions.
Clarify Taxation Policies: The NRA must issue specific regulations on how cryptocurrency gains and income are taxed.
Proactive Enforcement: Enhance monitoring capabilities to preemptively address illicit crypto activities.
Best Bitcoin Exchanges in Suriname for 2024 | Newhedge
Stablecoin Regulation
Reference: Statements and press releases from the CBvS, which often emphasize the risks of investing in unregulated digital assets. For example, advisories can be found on their official website (though specific stablecoin advisories might not be distinct from general crypto warnings).
Centrale Bank van Suriname (CBvS) Official Website: https://www.cbvs.sr/ (Navigating to "Nieuws" or "Publicaties" might show relevant advisories, typically in Dutch).
No Explicit Classification: Suriname does not have specific legislation classifying stablecoins.
E-money/Payment Tokens: If a stablecoin functions purely as a medium of exchange, maintains a stable value, and is redeemable at par, it might conceptually fall under the purview of e-money regulations if the existing laws were broadly interpreted. However, Suriname's current e-money framework (if any exists) is unlikely to explicitly cover distributed ledger technology (DLT) based assets.
Securities: If a stablecoin offers any form of dividend, interest, or represents an ownership interest in a pool of assets in a way that resembles an investment contract, it could potentially be viewed as a security under the Wet op het Toezicht op de Effectenhandel 1999 (Securities Trading Supervision Act 1999). However, this would require a specific determination by the regulator.
Unregulated Digital Asset: In practice, most stablecoins (and cryptocurrencies) in Suriname would likely be considered unregulated digital assets outside the traditional financial system.
No Specific Requirements: Given the lack of specific stablecoin legislation, there are no explicit reserve requirements for stablecoin issuers in Suriname.
Implied Requirements (Hypothetical): If a stablecoin were ever to be classified as e-money, general e-money regulations would likely require full backing of customer funds in segregated accounts. However, this is speculative for stablecoins.
No Specific Licensing: There is no specific licensing regime for stablecoin issuers in Suriname.
General Financial Licensing (Hypothetical): If a stablecoin issuer were deemed to be performing activities that fall under existing financial services (e.g., banking, payment services, securities brokerage), they would theoretically need to obtain the relevant licenses under laws like the Wet Toezicht Bank- en Kredietwezen 2011 (Banking and Credit Supervision Act 2011) or payment services regulations. However, stablecoin issuance itself is not a defined licensed activity.
AML/CFT Consideration: Suriname is a member of the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) and is subject to FATF recommendations. FATF Recommendation 15 requires countries to regulate Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs) for Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) purposes. While specific VASP licensing/registration might be in development or loosely applied, it primarily focuses on AML/CFT compliance rather than prudential stablecoin regulation. Suriname has AML/CFT legislation, such as the Wet Melding Ongebruikelijke Transacties (WMOT) / Act Reporting Unusual Transactions (ARUT), which could eventually be extended to cover VASPs, including stablecoin issuers/exchanges if they are identified as such.
No Regulatory Guarantees: Without specific stablecoin regulation, there are no legally enforced redemption rights for stablecoin holders in Suriname beyond what might be contractually offered by the issuer (which would be subject to general contract law, not financial regulation specific to stablecoins).
Risk: This means users bear the full counterparty risk of the issuer.
None Exist: Given the absence of even basic stablecoin regulation, there are no specific rules or regulations for algorithmic stablecoins in Suriname. These are complex even for advanced jurisdictions.
Exploration Stage: The Centrale Bank van Suriname (CBvS) has, like many central banks globally, expressed interest in exploring the concept of a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC). This is typically viewed as a separate initiative to enhance the national payment system and monetary policy, distinct from regulating privately issued stablecoins.
Potential Future Impact: If Suriname were to launch a CBDC, it would likely compete with or potentially influence the regulatory approach towards private stablecoins. A CBDC could potentially offer a more stable and regulated digital payment alternative. However, this is a long-term prospect.
Wet Toezicht Bank- en Kredietwezen 2011 (Banking and Credit Supervision Act 2011)
Direct URL for text is difficult to provide as Surinamese legal texts are often in government gazettes and not always digitally indexed publicly in a single repository easily accessible with direct links.
Wet op het Toezicht op de Effectenhandel 1999 (Securities Trading Supervision Act 1999)
This law governs the issuance and trading of securities. Applicable if stablecoins were classified as securities.
Similar to the banking act, direct URL is challenging.
This is Suriname's key AML/CFT legislation. As the global standard evolves to include VASPs, this law or related regulations would be the vehicle for AML/CFT compliance for stablecoin issuers/exchanges.
Information often found via the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) Suriname or CBvS.
Suriname is a member of CFATF. Their reports and recommendations (which align with FATF) heavily influence Suriname's approach to virtual assets, particularly concerning AML/CFT.
Securities Classification
The Central Bank of Suriname (Centrale Bank van Suriname, CBvS) exercises regulatory authority over financial institutions and payment systems, which may extend to certain digital asset activities if characterized as financial services, but no dedicated crypto-asset license has been created or granted to any entity. Suriname: Ninth Review Under the Extended Arrangement Under the Extended Fund Facility, Request for a Waiver of Nonobservance of Performance Criterion, and Financing Assurances Review-Press Release; Staff Report; and Statement by the Executive Director for Suriname in: IMF Staff Country Reports Volume 2025 Issue 097 (2025)
The Government of Suriname (GOS) has taken steps toward improving the broader financial and anti-money laundering (AML) framework, including legislative reforms pursued in cooperation with international partners such as the IMF, but these efforts do not yet specifically address virtual asset service providers (VASPs) or digital asset securities.
No entity has been licensed to conduct cryptocurrency exchange, custody, or digital asset securities business in Suriname; the practical reality is that such activities operate in a legal gray zone, and market participants face uncertainty regarding their regulatory status. Suriname: Ninth Review Under the Extended Arrangement Under the Extended Fund Facility, Request for a Waiver of Nonobservance of Performance Criterion, and Financing Assurances Review-Press Release; Staff Report; and Statement by the Executive Director for Suriname in: IMF Staff Country Reports Volume 2025 Issue 097 (2025)
Suriname is not a member of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) but is subject to FATF-style evaluations through its membership in the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF), and the IMF has urged Suriname to strengthen its AML/CFT framework, including for emerging financial technologies.
The Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Act (Wet Bestrijding Witwassen en Terrorismefinanciering) currently in force in Suriname imposes customer due diligence (CDD), record-keeping, and suspicious transaction reporting obligations on "reporting institutions."
Reporting institutions under the AML/CFT Act include banks, credit unions, money transfer services, and other financial institutions supervised by the Central Bank of Suriname; crypto exchanges and wallet provides are not explicitly listed as reporting institutions unless they qualify as financial enterprises under the law.
The Suriname Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) receives suspicious transaction reports (STRs) from reporting institutions, but it has not issued guidance on STR filing for crypto-related transactions, and reporting institutions have no clear obligation to report crypto-specific suspicious activity.
Record retention requirements under the AML/CFT Act require reporting institutions to keep transaction and identification records for a specified period, but this period is not publicly documented, and no specific retention rules exist for virtual asset transactions.
Beneficial ownership reporting requirements apply to legal entities under Suriname's corporate and AML laws, but these requirements are not extended to cover the beneficial owners of crypto wallets or token issuers.
The Government of Suriname has cooperated with the United States and other international partners to strengthen its AML/CFT regime, including through information-sharing and technical assistance programs, but these programs have not specifically targeted crypto-asset compliance.
The IMF has encouraged Suriname to ensure that its AML/CFT framework remains compliant with international standards, including the FATF recommendations, but as of 2025–2026, Suriname has not enacted FATF Recommendation 15-specific measures on virtual assets and VASPs. Suriname: Ninth Review Under the Extended Arrangement Under the Extended Fund Facility, Request for a Waiver of Nonobservance of Performance Criterion, and Financing Assurances Review-Press Release; Staff Report; and Statement by the Executive Director for Suriname in: IMF Staff Country Reports Volume 2025 Issue 097 (2025)
The most significant gap is the complete absence of a dedicated legal framework for virtual assets in Suriname; there is no law that defines “virtual asset,” “VASP,” “crypto-asset,” or “digital security,” leaving market participants without legal certainty regarding their standing. Suriname: Ninth Review Under the Extended Arrangement Under the Extended Fund Facility, Request for a Waiver of Nonobservance of Performance Criterion, and Financing Assurances Review-Press Release; Staff Report; and Statement by the Executive Director for Suriname in: IMF Staff Country Reports Volume 2025 Issue 097 (2025)
Businesses operating in Suriname's crypto space face the risk that their activities may be retroactively classified as unlicensed banking or securities dealing, which could result in penalties under the Banking and Credit System Supervision Act or the Securities Act; however, no precedent has been established to predict how the CBvS or courts would treat such a case. Suriname: Ninth Review Under the Extended Arrangement Under the Extended Fund Facility, Request for a Waiver of Nonobservance of Performance Criterion, and Financing Assurances Review-Press Release; Staff Report; and Statement by the Executive Director for Suriname in: IMF Staff Country Reports Volume 2025 Issue 097 (2025)
The Financial Intelligence Unit of Suriname does not issue guidance on crypto-specific AML compliance, and reporting institutions do not have clear rules on how to handle crypto-related transactions, creating a gap in the AML/CFT framework.
International pressure from CFATF and the IMF may lead to the introduction of FATF-style requirements for VASPs in the near future, but until such legislation is enacted and implemented, crypto businesses operate in a regulatory vacuum.
The absence of a licensing regime means there is no supervisory oversight of crypto businesses for consumer protection, market integrity, or financial stability purposes, and there is no mechanism for investors to seek redress through a regulator. Suriname: Ninth Review Under the Extended Arrangement Under the Extended Fund Facility, Request for a Waiver of Nonobservance of Performance Criterion, and Financing Assurances Review-Press Release; Staff Report; and Statement by the Executive Director for Suriname in: IMF Staff Country Reports Volume 2025 Issue 097 (2025)
The IMF's 2025 report highlights that Suriname's financial system is shallow and that the central bank's supervisory capacity is limited; this institutional weakness exacerbates the risks for crypto businesses, as even compliant firms may not receive adequate regulatory engagement. Suriname: Ninth Review Under the Extended Arrangement Under the Extended Fund Facility, Request for a Waiver of Nonobservance of Performance Criterion, and Financing Assurances Review-Press Release; Staff Report; and Statement by the Executive Director for Suriname in: IMF Staff Country Reports Volume 2025 Issue 097 (2025)
Suriname: Ninth Review Under the Extended Arrangement Under the Extended Fund Facility, Request for a Waiver of Nonobservance of Performance Criterion, and Financing Assurances Review-Press Release; Staff Report; and Statement by the Executive Director for Suriname in: IMF Staff Country Reports Volume 2025 Issue 097 (2025)
Sanctions & Restrictions
Financial Intelligence Unit (FIUS) – Suriname’s primary authority for AML/CFT oversight, under the Ministry of Finance.
Ministry of Finance – Oversees financial regulations and sanctions compliance.
Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism Act (AML/CFT Act), 2020 – Mandates AML/CFT measures for financial institutions.
UN Sanctions Regulations, implemented as per UN Security Council Resolutions.
Suriname adheres to UN sanctions but does not maintain an autonomous sanctions list. FATF membership is pending, indicating ongoing alignment with global anti-money laundering standards.
Guide to Suriname's Sanctions List — Castellum.AI Castellum.AI Guide
US imposes sanctions on Suriname companies St.Maarten Media Center
Suriname – OAS Organization of American States
AML/CFT Framework in Suriname: Legal and Regulatory Gaps – Global Indian Network Global Indian Network Article
Tax Debt Collection Enforcement: When are Collateral Tax Sanctions Effective Due to Their Quick Impact? – SSRN SSRN Paper
Suriname does not maintain an autonomous sanctions list; it implements UN sanctions only. Guide to Suriname's Sanctions List — Castellum.AI
The US has sanctioned three Surinamese companies for alleged involvement in Iranian oil trade, effective as of October 2024. US imposes sanctions on Suriname companies
Suriname’s AML/CFT framework lacks clear licensing requirements for crypto services, with no registered entities as of 2025. AML/CFT Framework in Suriname: Legal and Regulatory Gaps
The Financial Intelligence Unit (FIUS) oversees AML/CFT compliance but faces resource constraints.
Enforcement Actions
Focus on Warnings and Risk Advisory: The Centrale Bank van Suriname (CBvS) has, on multiple occasions, issued warnings to the public about the risks associated with investing in or using cryptocurrencies, emphasizing their volatile nature, lack of legal tender status, and potential for fraud and money laundering. These are advisories, not enforcement actions against specific entities.
International Recommendations (FATF): Suriname, like many countries, is subject to recommendations from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) regarding Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Counter-Financing of Terrorism (CFT) for virtual assets. While these reports assess a country's progress, they do not detail specific domestic enforcement actions against individual entities.
Lack of Publicly Disclosed Cases: Significant enforcement actions, especially those involving penalties and specific outcomes, are typically publicized by financial authorities to deter future violations. The absence of such public disclosures from the CBvS, the FIU, or major news outlets indicates that such actions have not occurred or have not been made public within the specified timeframe.
Centrale Bank van Suriname (CBvS): The central bank, responsible for monetary policy, financial stability, and supervision of financial institutions. It has issued warnings regarding cryptocurrencies.
Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) Suriname: Responsible for receiving, analyzing, and disseminating suspicious transaction reports related to money laundering and terrorist financing. They would be involved in investigating crypto-related illicit financial activities.
Centrale Bank van Suriname Official Statements: The CBvS periodically issues press releases and statements regarding financial sector developments, including warnings about unregulated financial products like cryptocurrencies. Searching their official website (www.cbvs.sr) would show general advisories, but not enforcement actions.
FATF Reports: The FATF evaluates countries' AML/CFT frameworks, including for virtual assets. Suriname's evaluations discuss its legal framework development but not individual enforcement actions.
Research & Articles
Regulatory Forecast
high confidenceLikely enforcement action expected around 2026-10-22
Based on 104 historical regulatory events for Suriname, averaging every 13 days, with increasing regulatory activity.
Recent Updates
None specifically for crypto custody. There is no specific licensing regime in Suriname for companies providing c...
None specifically for crypto custody. There is no specific licensing regime in Suriname for companies providing cryptocurrency or digital asset custody services.
Suriname's existing financial services licensing laws (e.g., for banks, money transfer businesses) do not explicitly ...
Suriname's existing financial services licensing laws (e.g., for banks, money transfer businesses) do not explicitly cover or define virtual asset custody as a regulated activity.
Regulatory Reference (Indirect): The FATF Mutual Evaluation Report for Suriname (published in 2020 and subsequent...
Regulatory Reference (Indirect): The FATF Mutual Evaluation Report for Suriname (published in 2020 and subsequent follow-up reports) indicates that Recommendation 15 (which addresses Virtual Assets and Virtual Asset Service Providers) has significant deficiencies. Suriname has been rated as "Non-Compliant" or "Partially Compliant" with this recommendation, specifically noting that there is no legal or regulatory framework for the licensing, registration, or supervision of VASPs for AML/CFT purposes.
No specific rules. Given the absence of a dedicated regulatory framework for crypto custodians, there are no expl...
No specific rules. Given the absence of a dedicated regulatory framework for crypto custodians, there are no explicit mandates or guidelines requiring the segregation of client digital assets from the custodian's own assets.
No specific definition. Suriname's existing laws do not define what constitutes a "qualified custodian" in the co...
No specific definition. Suriname's existing laws do not define what constitutes a "qualified custodian" in the context of digital assets.
Centrale Bank van Suriname (CBvS): The central bank, responsible for monetary policy, financial stability, and su...
Centrale Bank van Suriname (CBvS): The central bank, responsible for monetary policy, financial stability, and supervision of financial institutions. It has issued warnings regarding cryptocurrencies.
Centrale Bank van Suriname Official Statements: The CBvS periodically issues press releases and statements regard...
Centrale Bank van Suriname Official Statements: The CBvS periodically issues press releases and statements regarding financial sector developments, including warnings about unregulated financial products like cryptocurrencies. Searching their official website (www.cbvs.sr) would show general advisories, but not enforcement actions.
FATF Reports: The FATF evaluates countries' AML/CFT frameworks, including for virtual assets. Suriname's evaluati...
FATF Reports: The FATF evaluates countries' AML/CFT frameworks, including for virtual assets. Suriname's evaluations discuss its legal framework development but not individual enforcement actions.
Centrale Bank van Suriname (CBS): The central bank is the primary financial regulator in Suriname and has issued ...
Centrale Bank van Suriname (CBS): The central bank is the primary financial regulator in Suriname and has issued official statements regarding cryptocurrencies.
There are no specific licenses or permits issued by the CBS or any other Surinamese authority explicitly for operatin...
There are no specific licenses or permits issued by the CBS or any other Surinamese authority explicitly for operating a crypto exchange, providing crypto custody, or processing crypto payments as distinct from traditional financial services.
However, this does not imply a "free pass." If an entity's operations begin to resemble traditional financial ser...
However, this does not imply a "free pass." If an entity's operations begin to resemble traditional financial services (e.g., taking deposits, issuing financial instruments, providing lending services that involve fiat currency or carry financial risk) it could potentially fall under existing financial services laws and require traditional banking, money transfer, or investment licenses from the CBS. This would be determined on a case-by-case basis by the CBS.
Obligation: As a UN member state, Suriname is legally bound to implement sanctions resolutions passed by the UN S...
Obligation: As a UN member state, Suriname is legally bound to implement sanctions resolutions passed by the UN Security Council. These resolutions target individuals, entities, and countries involved in terrorism, proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, and other threats to international peace and security.
Implementation in Suriname: The Government of Suriname, through its financial regulators (primarily the Centrale ...
Implementation in Suriname: The Government of Suriname, through its financial regulators (primarily the Centrale Bank van Suriname - CBvS) and its Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU-S), is responsible for circulating UN sanctions lists (e.g., the UN Security Council Consolidated List) and ensuring financial institutions (which would include VASPs if regulated) comply.
VASP Requirements: VASPs operating in or from Suriname, or dealing with Surinamese customers, must screen all the...
VASP Requirements: VASPs operating in or from Suriname, or dealing with Surinamese customers, must screen all their customers (KYC/CDD) and transactions against the UN sanctions lists. If a match is found, assets must be frozen, and a report made to the FIU-S.
Extraterritorial Reach: The U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctions primarily apply to "U.S. perso...
Extraterritorial Reach: The U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctions primarily apply to "U.S. persons" (U.S. citizens, permanent residents, entities organized under U.S. law, and persons within the U.S.). However, OFAC sanctions can have significant extraterritorial effects, especially through secondary sanctions and when transactions involve the U.S. financial system or U.S.-origin technology.
VASP Requirements: VASPs must screen customers and transactions against OFAC's Specially Designated Nationals and...
VASP Requirements: VASPs must screen customers and transactions against OFAC's Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons (SDN) List and other sanctions lists. They should also be aware of OFAC's guidance specifically addressing virtual currency.
Applicability: EU sanctions apply to all EU persons, entities, and anyone operating within the EU's jurisdiction....
Applicability: EU sanctions apply to all EU persons, entities, and anyone operating within the EU's jurisdiction. While Suriname is not an EU member, VASPs in Suriname that have a nexus with the EU (e.g., European ownership, serving EU customers, using EU-based service providers, or transacting with EU-sanctioned individuals/entities) could fall under the scope of EU sanctions.
VASP Requirements: Similar to OFAC, VASPs with an EU nexus must screen against EU sanctions lists, freeze assets,...
VASP Requirements: Similar to OFAC, VASPs with an EU nexus must screen against EU sanctions lists, freeze assets, and report to relevant authorities if matches are found.
The CBvS is the central bank and primary financial regulator in Suriname. While it has issued warnings about the risk...
The CBvS is the central bank and primary financial regulator in Suriname. While it has issued warnings about the risks of cryptocurrencies, comprehensive specific regulations for VASPs are still under development or not yet fully enacted. However, any financial activity, including those involving virtual assets, is expected to adhere to general AML/CFT principles.
Role in Sanctions: The FIU-S would be the primary recipient of reports regarding suspected sanctions violations i...
Role in Sanctions: The FIU-S would be the primary recipient of reports regarding suspected sanctions violations involving virtual assets, once a clear reporting mechanism for VASPs is established. It also disseminates UN sanctions lists domestically.
FATF Recommendations: Suriname, as a jurisdiction subject to FATF assessments, is expected to implement FATF Reco...
FATF Recommendations: Suriname, as a jurisdiction subject to FATF assessments, is expected to implement FATF Recommendation 15 (New Technologies), which requires countries to regulate and supervise VASPs for AML/CFT purposes, including sanctions compliance.
Sanctions Screening: Screen all customers and counterparties (where identifiable), as well as ongoing transaction...
Sanctions Screening: Screen all customers and counterparties (where identifiable), as well as ongoing transactions, against:
Adverse Media Screening: Check for any news or reports linking customers to criminal activity or sanctions evasion.
Adverse Media Screening: Check for any news or reports linking customers to criminal activity or sanctions evasion.
Ongoing Monitoring: Continuously monitor customer activity and re-screen against updated sanctions lists.
Ongoing Monitoring: Continuously monitor customer activity and re-screen against updated sanctions lists.
Financial Penalties: Substantial fines for individuals and legal entities.
Financial Penalties: Substantial fines for individuals and legal entities.
Loss of License/Operating Ability: If a regulatory framework for VASPs is established, non-compliance would likel...
Loss of License/Operating Ability: If a regulatory framework for VASPs is established, non-compliance would likely lead to license revocation.
International Penalties: If OFAC or EU sanctions are violated, U.S. or EU authorities can impose their own substa...
International Penalties: If OFAC or EU sanctions are violated, U.S. or EU authorities can impose their own substantial fines, designate the VASP or individuals on their sanctions lists, and block access to their financial systems.
Wet Toezicht Bank- en Kredietwezen 1993 (Banking and Credit Supervision Act 1993): This is the foundational act f...
Wet Toezicht Bank- en Kredietwezen 1993 (Banking and Credit Supervision Act 1993): This is the foundational act for financial institutions, though it doesn't explicitly mention cryptocurrencies. However, if an entity issuing or dealing with tokens is deemed to be performing banking or credit-related activities, this act would apply.
Warnings against Unlicensed Activities: While not directly crypto-specific, the CBvS has historically acted again...
Warnings against Unlicensed Activities: While not directly crypto-specific, the CBvS has historically acted against entities conducting financial services without proper licenses. If a crypto offering were deemed to fall under existing securities or financial services laws, an unlicensed operation would be subject to enforcement action.
Centrale Bank van Suriname (CBvS) Official Website: https://www.cbvs.sr/
Centrale Bank van Suriname (CBvS) Official Website: https://www.cbvs.sr/
General Financial Licensing (Hypothetical): If a stablecoin issuer were deemed to be performing activities that f...
General Financial Licensing (Hypothetical): If a stablecoin issuer were deemed to be performing activities that fall under existing financial services (e.g., banking, payment services, securities brokerage), they would theoretically need to obtain the relevant licenses under laws like the Wet Toezicht Bank- en Kredietwezen 2011 (Banking and Credit Supervision Act 2011) or payment services regulations. However, stablecoin issuance itself is not a defined licensed activity.
Exploration Stage: The Centrale Bank van Suriname (CBvS) has, like many central banks globally, expressed interes...
Exploration Stage: The Centrale Bank van Suriname (CBvS) has, like many central banks globally, expressed interest in exploring the concept of a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC). This is typically viewed as a separate initiative to enhance the national payment system and monetary policy, distinct from regulating privately issued stablecoins.
Centrale Bank van Suriname (CBvS) Official Website:
Centrale Bank van Suriname (CBvS) Official Website:
Wet Toezicht Bank- en Kredietwezen 2011 (Banking and Credit Supervision Act 2011):
Wet Toezicht Bank- en Kredietwezen 2011 (Banking and Credit Supervision Act 2011):
None currently exists. As mentioned repeatedly, Suriname has not yet enacted specific legislation addressing the ...
None currently exists. As mentioned repeatedly, Suriname has not yet enacted specific legislation addressing the taxation of cryptocurrencies or virtual assets.
Not Adopted (for VASPs): Suriname's AML/CFT framework, as detailed in its 2019 Mutual Evaluation Report and 2021 ...
Not Adopted (for VASPs): Suriname's AML/CFT framework, as detailed in its 2019 Mutual Evaluation Report and 2021 Follow-Up Report, does not yet define or regulate Virtual Assets or Virtual Asset Service Providers. Without this fundamental recognition and regulatory framework, the specific requirements of the FATF Travel Rule (Recommendation 16, as applied to VASPs under Recommendation 15) cannot be effectively adopted or implemented.
The CFATF MER for Suriname (2019) noted that the country had not conducted a risk assessment related to VAs and VASPs...
The CFATF MER for Suriname (2019) noted that the country had not conducted a risk assessment related to VAs and VASPs, nor had it put in place any legislation or regulation to define, license, register, or supervise them for AML/CFT purposes.
Effective Date: There is no effective date for the Travel Rule as it has not been adopted for VASPs.
Effective Date: There is no effective date for the Travel Rule as it has not been adopted for VASPs.
Central Bank of Suriname (CBS): Responsible for overseeing monetary policy and financial stability. Stablecoin.so
Central Bank of Suriname (CBS): Responsible for overseeing monetary policy and financial stability. Stablecoin.so
As of 2025–2026, no entities have been licensed for VASP operations in Suriname due to the absence of a clear regulat...
As of 2025–2026, no entities have been licensed for VASP operations in Suriname due to the absence of a clear regulatory framework. Stablecoin.so
The Central Bank of Suriname (CBS) is the primary regulator for financial stability, while the FIU handles AML/CFT ma...
The Central Bank of Suriname (CBS) is the primary regulator for financial stability, while the FIU handles AML/CFT matters. Stablecoin.so
Suriname adheres to UN sanctions but does not maintain an autonomous sanctions list. FATF membership is pending, indi...
Suriname adheres to UN sanctions but does not maintain an autonomous sanctions list. FATF membership is pending, indicating ongoing alignment with global anti-money laundering standards.
Guide to Suriname's Sanctions List — Castellum.AI Castellum.AI Guide
Guide to Suriname's Sanctions List — Castellum.AI Castellum.AI Guide
US imposes sanctions on Suriname companies St.Maarten Media Center
US imposes sanctions on Suriname companies St.Maarten Media Center
Suriname does not maintain an autonomous sanctions list; it implements UN sanctions only. Guide to Suriname's Sanctio...
Suriname does not maintain an autonomous sanctions list; it implements UN sanctions only. Guide to Suriname's Sanctions List — Castellum.AI
No specific tax guidance exists for virtual assets in Suriname; general income tax principles apply. Tax Debt Collect...
No specific tax guidance exists for virtual assets in Suriname; general income tax principles apply. Tax Debt Collection Enforcement: When are Collateral Tax Sanctions Effective Due to Their Quick Impact?
Central Bank of Suriname (CBS) Annual Report 2023
Central Bank of Suriname (CBS) Annual Report 2023
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