Virgin Islands updates digital signature law to speed up business

The House of Assembly has given final approval to changes in how the Virgin Islands handles electronic signatures in business, voting unanimously on October 20 to modernise rules that have created delays and confusion.

The Electronic Transactions Amendment Bill, 2026 revises the 2021 law to clarify which documents can be signed electronically. Premier Natalio Wheatley explained that the original statute left ambiguities in section 41 that forced companies to keep using paper signatures for corporate and financing work, even when digital alternatives existed. "This has led to differing interpretations among practitioners and continued reliance on physical signatures, resulting in administrative burdens and delays," Wheatley told lawmakers.

The updated rules will now apply clearly to secured loans, share transfers and other documents commonly used in commercial transactions, both within the territory and across borders.

Opposition Leader Marlon Penn signalled backing for the shift toward technology-enabled business. "I support us moving in this direction," Penn said, noting that modernisation helps the Virgin Islands remain competitive.

Health Minister Vincent Wheatley supported the bill but urged colleagues to extend the same benefits to residents of sister islands. He pointed out that people on Anegada currently must travel to Tortola to sign documents or collect cheques. "The same way we are making things easier for international businesses, let's also make it easier for local businesses, particularly persons who are on the sister islands," he said.