BAHAMAS-Central bank denies US sanctions on local banks.

NASSAU, Bahamas, CMC – The Central Bank of The Bahamas (CBB) has described as “false, misleading, and not supported by any credible source” reports circulating on social media that the United States will impose sanctions on a “domestic bank operating within our jurisdiction”.

The CBB said that it is aware of the reports circulating on “social media and messaging platforms, falsely alleging that the stability and operations of major domestic commercial banks are under threat due to proposed United States Sanctions on a “major bank” operating within our jurisdiction.

“The public is advised that these claims are false, misleading, and not supported by any credible source,” the CBB said, adding that it “understands the concerns the misinformation in this flyer would raise with individuals and businesses with funds in the banking system, and assures the public that the domestic financial sector remains stable, secure, and fully operational.”

The CBB said that on September 10, 2026, the US Treasury Secretary advised that the United States intended to sanction an unnamed “large bank” on Monday, September 14, 2026, “as a part of a broader US campaign aimed at cutting off the financial networks that support the Government of Iran.

“The banks and financial institutions targeted under this campaign to date have been entities linked to Iranian sanctions evasion in other parts of the world. None of these actions relate to The Bahamas, to the Bahamian financial system, or to any bank licensed to operate in The Bahamas.”

The Central Bank said that the three Canadian-affiliated banks referenced in the erroneous flyer “are well-established and capitalized institutions, licensed and supervised by the Central Bank of The Bahamas,” adding “they continue to operate normally, with all banking services functioning as usual.

“Beyond this, the Bahamian banking system is sound, well-regulated, and compliant with the global sanctioning regime, in accordance with regulations for anti-money laundering (AML), counter financing of terrorism (CTF) and anti-proliferation financing (APF). Moreover, Bahamian dollar deposits in all banks and credit unions are protected under guarantee by the Deposit Insurance Corporation of The Bahamas.”

The Central Bank said it is urging members of the public not to act or make decisions on unverified social media rumors.

“They should rely on trusted, official sources for such information, such as the Central Bank of The Bahamas, their licensed bank, the Deposit Insurance Corporation, and official Government communications. The public should also be cautious against forwarding such circulars.

“The Central Bank takes the circulation of false financial information seriously, given its potential to cause unwarranted public concern. It will continue to communicate clearly and promptly should any development genuinely affect depositors in The Bahamas, it added.