British Virgin Islands

British Virgin Islands Fund Services & Offshore Formation

Set your strategy in motion from one of the world’s most agile fund domiciles. Our British Virgin Islands practice offers end-to-end formation and governance for Incubator, Approved, Professional, Private and SPC fund vehicles—combining zero-tax efficiency with quick licensing turnaround under the Securities & Investment Business Act. Whether you’re an emerging manager seeking a low-friction launch pad or an established firm building a multi-cell platform, we deliver structure design, FSC filings, service-provider coordination and ongoing compliance that let you raise capital quickly and operate with institutional-grade confidence.

Why the BVI?

  • Fast, cost‑efficient launches – FSC approval for Incubator/Approved Funds typically in ten business days.
  • Regulatory “light‑touch” options – Incubator and Approved Funds cap investor numbers but keep compliance minimal.
  • Tax neutrality – no income, capital‑gains or withholding taxes at fund or investor level.
  • Robust common‑law framework under the Securities & Investment Business Act 2010 (“SIBA”) as amended 2023. 
  • Growing ecosystem – 60 new funds registered in Q2 2024 alone, led by Approved and Professional categories. 

Fund Vehicles at a Glance

Vehicle

Ideal For

Core Limits / Features

Citation

Incubator Fund

Start‑up managers testing strategy

≤ 20 investors; min subscription US$20k; AUM ≤ US$20 m; 2‑year term (extendable 12 m).

 

Approved Fund

Small, friends‑and‑family pools

≤ 20 investors; no min subscription; AUM ≤ US$100 m; no term limit.

 

Professional Fund

Sophisticated / institutional investors

Investors must be “professional” and, if not exempt, invest ≥ US$100k; no cap on investor numbers.

 

Private Fund

Boutique offerings

≤ 50 investors or invitation on a private basis; no statutory min investment.

 

Public Fund

Retail distribution

Full prospectus; highest FSC scrutiny; open‑ended redemptions permitted.

 

Segregated Portfolio Company (SPC)

Multi‑strategy / umbrella platforms

Statutory ring‑fencing of liabilities across cells.

Limited Partnership (LP)

Closed‑ended PE/VC funds

Modern LP Act 2017; separate legal personality optional.

 

Regulatory Framework

  • SIBA 2010 (as amended 2023) – principal statute for investment business. 
  • Mutual Funds Regulations 2010 & Incubator/Approved Funds Regs 2015 – detail licensing and ongoing obligations.
  • Investment Business (Approved Managers) Regs 2012 – “light” regime for BVI‑based managers. 
  • Financial Services Commission (FSC) – single‑window regulator; electronic filings via VIRRGIN.
  • AML Code 2022 & FATCA/CRS rules – global tax‑reporting compliance. 

Our BVI Formation Services

  1. Jurisdiction & Vehicle Analysis – comparative memo matching Incubator, Approved or Professional status to your investor profile.

  2. Entity & SPV Formation – Business Company, SPC or LP incorporation with same‑day name reservation.

  3. Offering Document Drafting – term sheet, information memorandum, risk disclosures, subscription docs.

  4. FSC Licensing – preparation and e‑submission of Form MF/A and supporting affidavits; liaison with FSC reviewers.

  5. Service‑Provider On‑Boarding – administrators, custodians, prime brokers, auditors, AML officers.

  6. Economic‑Substance & Governance – director appointments, board‑meeting logistics, Approved Manager registration.

  7. Ongoing Compliance – annual returns, audited financials, FATCA/CRS filings, AML independent review.

Cost Transparency

Our BVI fund‑formation packages start at US $18,500 for Incubator or Approved Funds and include:

  • Incorporation & government fees (year 1)
  • Legal drafting & FSC application fees
  • Economic‑substance analysis
  • AML/CTF and FATCA/CRS policy templates
  • Optional first‑year independent directorship (add‑on)

Professional, Private or SPC structures are quoted case‑by‑case.

Ready to launch in the BVI?

Book a 20‑minute strategy call and receive a personalised structuring roadmap.