BVI begins legitimate-interest access to beneficial ownership information

The BVI Government published its legitimate-interest access policy in June 2025, and the Registrar's guidance set the start date as 1 April 2026.

What changed

• A natural or legal person can request beneficial ownership information on a specified BVI entity if they show a legitimate interest: investigating, preventing or detecting money laundering, terrorist financing or proliferation financing, or a link to a person convicted or charged with such offences.
• Obliged entities can also access the register for customer due diligence.
• Disclosure is limited to individuals with 25% or more of ownership or control, and to name, month and year of birth, nationality and the nature of the interest.
• Requests go through the VIRRGIN platform. The company is notified, and objections and appeals are dealt with before any data is released.

Who is affected

BVI companies and their beneficial owners, registered agents, and investigators and counterparties seeking ownership data.

Sources

• Government of the Virgin Islands: BVI publishes policy on legitimate interest access to beneficial ownership register (June 2025)
• BVI FSC: Revised beneficial ownership guidelines (2 January 2026)
• BVI FSC: Access to beneficial ownership, presentation (2025)