Vanuatu Financial Services Commission

Financial non-banking regulator of Vanuatu

Vanuatu Financial Services Commission

Agency overview
Formed| 20 December 1993
Preceding agency|

* Ministry of Finance and Economic Management

Jurisdiction| Vanuatu
Headquarters| Companies House, PMB 9023, Rue Bougainville, Port Vila
Agency executives|

* George Andrews[1], Commissioner
* Moli Vanaos Goiset Thi Tam, Chair

Key document|

* Vanuatu Financial Services Commission Act No. 35 of 1993

Website| vfsc.vu

Vanuatu Financial Services Commission (VFSC) is the financial regulatory authority of Vanuatu. It was created by the Vanuatu Financial Services Commission Act No. 35 of 1993 when it assumed a part of the responsibilities of the Ministry of Finance and Economic Management.[2] The VFSC regulates non-banking financial services in the country.[3]

## History

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The Vanuatu Financial Services Commission was established in 1993 as a successor to the Ministry of Finance and Economic Management, established following the country had achieved its independence from the United Kingdom and France in 1980.[2]

After Vanuatu had been greylisted by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) in February 2016, the VFSC, along with the Financial Investigation Unit and the Reserve Bank of Vanuatu, worked to implement the FATF's action plan, leading to the delisting of Vanuatu in June 2018.[4]

In March 2019, the Vanuatu Financial Services Commission tightened regulations, forbidding its license holders to deal in cryptocurrencies.[5] However, in July 2021, the regulator introduced a separate license for dealing in cryptocurrency assets.[6]

## Powers

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The main role of the VFSC is to administer the registry of companies. It also has the powers to regulate, monitor, and supervise the non-banking financial sector of Vanuatu, protecting the public from loss and fraud, promoting Vanuatu as an international jurisdiction, and enforcing compliance. The Commission assists and advises the government on policies and regulation.

## References

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1. ^ "Vanuatu - Competent Authorities". Hague Conference on Private International Law. Retrieved 2021-09-30.
2. ^ a b "Who We Are | Vanuatu Financial Services Commission". VFSC. Retrieved 2021-09-30.
3. ^ Sharman, J.C.; Mistry, P.S. (2008). Considering the Consequences: The Development Implications of Initiatives on Taxation, Anti-money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism. London: Commonwealth Secretariat. p. 141\. ISBN 978-0-85092-874-7. Retrieved 2021-09-30.
4. ^ Chani Tabisal, Francois (2021-05-20). "Colonialism Redux: How the EU Is Punishing a Tiny Island Nation for Not 'Playing Fair'". The Diplomat. Retrieved 2021-09-30.
5. ^ Golovtchenko, Victor (2019-03-04). "Exclusive: Vanuatu Tightens Retail Broker Regulations". FinanceMagnates. Retrieved 2021-09-30.
6. ^ Hazan, Tom (2021-07-26). "Crypto Ban Is Finally Lifted in Vanuatu after Lobbying Efforts of Lawyers". FinanceMagnates. Retrieved 2021-09-30.

## External links

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* Official website