Log in or register
Share on LinkedInShare on LinkedIn

ARTICLE · 26 FEBRUARY 2021

Filing An Economic Substance Declaration In Bermuda

Conyers
Conyers
Contributor
Conyers

Conyers

For over 25 years Conyers’ London office has provided time-zone sensitive advice and support to our...

View firm profile
Explore more from Conyers

In 2018, Bermuda enacted legislation with respect to economic substance requirements for entities based in the jurisdiction.

BermudaFinance and Banking
Sophia Greaves
Sophia Greaves
Neil Henderson
Neil Henderson
Jason Piney
Jason Piney
Anthony Whaley
Anthony Whaley
Author LinkedIn connections

In 2018, Bermuda enacted legislation with respect to economic substance requirements for entities based in the jurisdiction. All other major offshore jurisdictions enacted similar legislation at the same time. The Economic Substance Act 2018 (the “Act”) requires all Bermuda-based entities that are carrying on a “relevant activity” to file an Economic Substance Declaration Form (a “Declaration Form”) with the Bermuda Registrar of Companies annually, within six months of the last day of the entity's financial year (for example, such an entity with a financial year-end of 31 December 2020 will be required to file its completed Declaration Form by 30 June 2021).

Relevant Activities

We operate a free-to-view policy, asking only that you register in order to read all of our content. Please login or register to view the rest of this article.

Register for freeORLog in

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.

View source

Related Articles

Legal Intelligence Newsletters: sign up for the latest legal and regulatory news on your chosen topics

Read more about

Related Comparative Guides

See more popular content from

Article

Navigating BMA’s Proposed AI Guidance Note

The Bermuda Monetary Authority has released a consultation paper on artificial intelligence regulation in financial services, proposing a risk-based framework that extends existing regulatory requirements rather than creating new licensing regimes. Financial institutions now face critical decisions about how to classify AI use cases, implement governance controls, and prepare for heightened scrutiny of generative and agentic AI systems before the October 30 feedback deadline.
BermudaFinance and Banking
Appleby
Appleby
Article

Bermuda Digital Assets - October 2026 Update

The Bermuda Monetary Authority has issued three major regulatory initiatives advancing Bermuda's digital asset framework, covering artificial intelligence governance, asset tokenisation clarity, and stablecoin usage in insurance and investment funds. These developments reflect Bermuda's commitment to maintaining a progressive, risk-based regulatory environment that balances innovation with consumer protection and financial stability.
BermudaFinance and Banking
Carey Olsen
Carey Olsen
Article

BMA Consults On AI Guidance For Bermuda's Financial Services Sector

The Bermuda Monetary Authority has released a consultation paper proposing principles-based guidance on artificial intelligence use in financial services, clarifying how existing regulatory frameworks apply without introducing new AI-specific legislation. The guidance establishes eight core principles and detailed expectations for governance, risk management, and oversight of AI systems, including emerging agentic AI capabilities. Regulated entities must now assess their AI inventories, board oversight arra
BermudaFinance and Banking
Walkers
Walkers
Article

Bermuda Investment Funds: A Practical Guide

Bermuda's investment funds regime provides sponsors with a sophisticated regulatory framework that balances flexibility with investor protection. From registered private funds to authorised retail vehicles, the jurisdiction accommodates diverse strategies through multiple structural options including SACs, ISACs, and traditional partnerships. Understanding the classification system, ongoing compliance requirements, and the interplay between fund regulation and investment business licensing is essential for
BermudaFinance and Banking
Carey Olsen
Carey Olsen
Article

Late-stage Liquidity And The Bermuda Fund Toolkit

Bermuda's private equity funds face mounting pressure as net asset values concentrate in fewer, larger portfolios while traditional exit routes remain constrained. With merger and acquisition markets uncertain and distribution droughts complicating fundraising, sponsors must navigate continuation vehicles and NAV financing as alternative liquidity solutions, each carrying distinct structural complexities and contractual implications under Bermuda's flexible partnership framework.
BermudaFinance and Banking
Appleby
Appleby
Article

Stablecoin Regulation 2026: Key Takeaways From Stablecoin Week And The Clarity Act Vote

The failure of the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act in the US Senate leaves cryptocurrency market participants navigating regulatory uncertainty, while major blockchain networks accelerate infrastructure development to integrate traditional banks onto stablecoin payment rails. Cross-border payments emerge as a dominant use case, with stablecoins offering faster, cheaper international settlements than correspondent banking, though compliance frameworks must evolve to match real-time transaction speeds.
Cayman IslandsFinance and Banking
Conyers
Conyers
Article

The Cayman Islands Makes Its Mark At The NAIC 2026 Summer National Meeting

The Cayman Islands has formally applied for Qualified Jurisdiction Status with the NAIC, marking a pivotal moment for its insurance sector. As regulators advance significant changes to risk-based capital requirements for offshore reinsurance and intensify scrutiny of private credit investments, stakeholders face a transforming regulatory landscape that will reshape capital treatment and competitive positioning.
Cayman IslandsInsurance
Conyers
Conyers
Article

SGX Mainboard & Catalist Public Companies Report L H1 2026

Singapore's capital markets are experiencing a significant transformation driven by the MAS-led Equity Market Development Programme, which has injected S$6.5 billion in liquidity and sparked a revival in IPO activity. With over 20 companies preparing to go public and new cross-border listing infrastructure connecting SGX with Nasdaq, the market is showing signs of meaningful structural reform and growing institutional confidence.
SingaporeFinance and Banking
Conyers
Conyers
Article

BVI Annual Returns: Preparation For Upcoming Deadline – 30 September 2026

BVI companies must file annual returns containing balance sheets and income statements with their registered agents. Companies with a December 31 year-end face a September 30, 2026 deadline, while others must file within nine months of their financial year-end. Conyers offers preparation services starting at $1,500 for simple holding companies and provides secure online filing through their client portal.
British Virgin IslandsCorporate/Commercial Law
Conyers
Conyers