Industry Circular No. 6 of 2021 - BVI FSC & HK Office Closure Schedule for Upcoming Holidays and AML/CFT Returns Deadline extended

BVI FSC & HK Office Closure Schedule for Upcoming Holidays and AML/CFT Returns Deadline Extended

The British Virgin Islands Financial Services Commission (the “Commission") announces the following office closures to observe the upcoming holidays:

• Asia Representative Office: Closed on 19 May (Birthday of the Buddha)
• BVI Physical Offices: Closed on 24 May (Whit Monday).

Industry Practitioners are asked to view the complete list of holidays and closure for our offices. 

Please contact our Corporate Communications Unit via corpcomm@bvifsc.vg if there are questions that you have about this notice or Commission services.

AML/CFT Returns Deadline extended to 15 June 2021

The Commission is informing licensees that the deadline for submitting AML/CFT returns for the 2020 reporting period has been extended to 15 June 2021.  

The revised deadline will facilitate electronic filing using the Commission’s new VIRRGIN Returns System (“VIRRGIN Returns”) which will be launched at the beginning of June. VIRRGIN Returns will enable licensees to complete the AML/CFT returns online and submit them directly to the Commission.

Beta testing and registration to use VIRRGIN Returns will be available to licensees within the next two weeks. Licensees may volunteer to participate in the beta testing of VIRRGIN Returns by sending an email to testing@bvifsc.vg by Friday, 14 May 2021.

Licensees are encouraged to review the AML/CFT Returns on our website and prepare to make the necessary submissions prior to the new deadline. 

Note that the deadlines for all other returns remain the same including those due on or before 15 May 2021.

Your continued cooperation is appreciated.