NASSAU, BAHAMAS: The Central Bank of The Bahamas has dismissed as “false” and “misleading” social media claims that a major domestic commercial bank faces impending United States sanctions, assuring depositors and businesses that the country’s financial sector remains stable.
The regulator said a flyer circulating on social media and messaging platforms alleges that proposed US sanctions against a “major bank” threaten the stability and operations of leading commercial banks in The Bahamas.
“The public is advised that these claims are false, misleading, and not supported by any credible source,” the Central Bank said.
It acknowledged that the misinformation could raise concerns among individuals and businesses with money deposited in the banking system. However, the regulator assured the public that “the domestic financial sector remains stable, secure, and fully operational.”
According to the Central Bank, the US Treasury Secretary announced on September 10, 2026, that the United States intended to sanction an unnamed “large bank” as part of a broader campaign targeting financial networks that support the Government of Iran.
The regulator said the financial institutions targeted under that campaign have been linked to Iranian sanctions evasion in other jurisdictions.
“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.
It added that the three Canadian-affiliated banks mentioned in the erroneous flyer are “well-established and capitalised institutions” licensed and supervised by the Central Bank.
“They continue to operate normally, with all banking services functioning as usual,” the regulator said.
The Central Bank also described the Bahamian banking system as “sound, well-regulated, and compliant with the global sanctioning regime,” including regulations governing anti-money laundering, counter-financing of terrorism and anti-proliferation financing.
It noted that Bahamian-dollar deposits held in banks and credit unions are protected under guarantee by the Deposit Insurance Corporation of The Bahamas.
The regulator urged members of the public not to make financial decisions based on unverified social media rumours and cautioned against forwarding such material. It advised consumers to rely on trusted sources, including the Central Bank, licensed banks, the Deposit Insurance Corporation and official government communications.
“The Central Bank takes the circulation of false financial information seriously, given its potential to cause unwarranted public concern,” the regulator said.
It added that it would continue to communicate “clearly and promptly” if any development genuinely affecting depositors in The Bahamas arises.
