
International Financial Services Commission
(Belize IFSC)Regulatory Snapshot
The International Financial Services Commission of Belize is the financial regulatory authority responsible for the licensing, regulation, and supervision of international financial services within Belize. Founded in 1999, the IFSC regulates market participants, exchanges, and the administration of financial regulations in this Central American jurisdiction.
About Belize IFSC
The International Financial Services Commission (IFSC) of Belize was founded in 1999 and is responsible for regulating international financial services operating within the country. The IFSC issues licences for trading in financial and commodity-based derivative instruments, securities, and other financial activities.
Regulatory Considerations
Belize's IFSC is one of the more commonly seen offshore licences in the forex industry, primarily because of its relatively low capital requirements and accessible licensing process. However, the regulatory framework provides limited investor protection, with no formal compensation scheme and constrained enforcement capabilities. Traders should exercise caution and conduct thorough due diligence when considering brokers regulated solely by the Belize IFSC.
- Basic licensing framework for international financial services
- Minimal capital requirements compared to major regulators
Minimal capital requirements and limited regulatory oversight. No investor compensation scheme.
Related Regulators

CFTC
AAATier 1Commodity Futures Trading Commission
The Commodity Futures Trading Commission is an independent agency of the United States Government that regulates the US derivatives markets, including futures, swaps, and certain kinds of options. Established in 1975, the CFTC enforces one of the world's strictest regulatory frameworks for forex trading, with capital requirements that far exceed most international standards.

NFA
AATier 1National Futures Association
The National Futures Association is the industry-wide, self-regulatory organisation for the US derivatives industry. Working in partnership with the CFTC, the NFA develops rules, programmes, and services to safeguard market integrity, protect investors, and help its members fulfil their regulatory obligations. NFA membership is mandatory for all entities conducting futures and forex business in the United States.

CIMA
ATier 2Cayman Islands Monetary Authority
The Cayman Islands Monetary Authority is the regulatory body responsible for the supervision of financial services businesses in the Cayman Islands. Established in 1997, CIMA regulates banks, insurance companies, mutual funds, money service businesses, and securities investment firms within one of the world's most prominent international financial centres.

BMA
ATier 2Bermuda Monetary Authority
The Bermuda Monetary Authority is the integrated regulatory authority for the financial services sector in Bermuda. Established in 1969, the BMA supervises, regulates, and inspects financial institutions operating in or from Bermuda, including banks, investment businesses, insurance companies, and trust companies.

FinCEN
BTier 3Financial Crimes Enforcement Network
The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network is a bureau of the US Department of the Treasury. FinCEN's mission is to safeguard the financial system from illicit use, combat money laundering, and promote national security. While FinCEN does not regulate forex dealers in terms of market conduct or consumer protection, forex dealers must register with FinCEN as Money Services Businesses.

BCB
ATier 3Central Bank of Brazil
The Central Bank of Brazil (Banco Central do Brasil) is Brazil's monetary authority, responsible for monetary policy, currency issuance, financial system supervision, and foreign exchange market regulation. Established in 1964, the BCB plays a central role in regulating one of Latin America's largest and most dynamic financial markets.

