BVI company registrations hit five-year high in first half of 2026

The British Virgin Islands recorded its best first half for new company incorporations in five years, with the Financial Services Commission registering nearly 15,000 new firms between January and June 2026.

The Financial Services Commission released data showing the exact figure was 14,977 incorporations during the six-month period. Company registration is the primary revenue driver for the BVI's financial services sector.

Growth extended across multiple areas of the financial services industry. Limited partnerships, commonly used for investment and business structures, increased by 73 percent over the past year. Private investment fund registrations nearly doubled, rising from 14 to 27, with 74 new funds registered during the quarter compared to 60 a year earlier.

The territory's regulated virtual asset sector also expanded significantly. The number of licensed Virtual Asset Service Providers grew from five to 27 within 12 months.

Elise Donovan, CEO of BVI Finance, said the results reflect the jurisdiction's ability to adapt to changing international financial markets. "The growth in limited partnerships and private investment funds reflects the jurisdiction's continued relevance to global private capital," she said. Donovan noted that expansion in licensed virtual asset businesses demonstrates the BVI's traditional strengths remain applicable to the digital economy.

Financial Services Minister Lorna Smith highlighted the diversity of the jurisdiction's offerings. "Continued strength in our corporate sector, combined with growth in private-capital structures and regulated digital assets, demonstrates the breadth of the jurisdiction's offering," Smith said. She added that the government is committed to supporting responsible innovation while maintaining the BVI's competitive position as an international financial centre.