Bahamas Moves to Eliminate Bearer Shares in Corporate Reform
- Reports
- 3
- Developments
- 1
- Repetition
- 67%
New informationRepeats or wire copies
What happened
Chester Cooper led the debate on the Companies Amendment Bill, 2026, in the House of Assembly. The bill seeks to strengthen The Bahamas’ corporate framework by eliminating the use of bearer shares and bearer share warrants under the Companies Act. This change requires companies to allot registered shares, aligning domestic companies with the International Business Companies Act.
Why it matters
The reform is intended to ensure The Bahamas meets international standards of financial transparency and accountability. By closing a technical gap in the laws, the government is aligning its legislation with international best practices and recommendations from the Financial Action Task Force.
Who's involved
- Chester CooperLed the debate on the Companies Amendment Bill, 2026
- JoBeth Coleby-DavisSupported the bill, noting that bearer shares hide ownership
- The BahamasThe sovereign state implementing the corporate framework changes
Keep exploring
The entities involved
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House of Assembly
lower house of the Bahamas
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parliament
legislative body of government
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Chester Cooper
Bahamian politician (born 1970)
Nothing else this week.
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JoBeth Coleby-Davis
Bahamian politician
Nothing else this week.
Related events
- Parliamentarians passed an Anti-Terrorism Bill and the Bahamas committed to a UN Security Council Resolution.
- The Trades Union Congress (TUC) urges the House of Assembly to include a minimum wage increase in its agenda, representing labor interests in the Bahamas.
- Parliament in Papua New Guinea is considering governance reforms.