In a significant advancement for its financial sector, Belize has secured ordinary membership in the International Organisation of Securities Commissions (IOSCO), the world’s foremost authority on securities market regulation. This elevation positions the Central American nation alongside the globe’s most respected financial watchdogs.
The Belize Financial Services Commission (FSC), the nation’s primary non-bank financial regulator, announced that this designation represents the highest tier of participation within IOSCO. This prestigious status is exclusively granted to regulatory bodies demonstrating robust legal frameworks, sophisticated supervisory capabilities, and a proven commitment to international enforcement cooperation. The organization’s membership collectively governs over 95% of worldwide securities markets spanning 130 jurisdictions.
Belize’s journey to this elite status commenced with its acceptance as an Associate Member in May 2024. This preliminary phase was followed by a critical milestone in December 2025, when the FSC became a signatory to IOSCO’s Multilateral Memorandum of Understanding (MMoU), a key agreement facilitating cross-border regulatory collaboration and information sharing.
This upgraded membership confers substantial benefits upon Belize, including full voting rights within IOSCO’s governing structures and eligibility for participation on its specialized committees. These privileges enable the FSC to actively contribute to shaping international regulatory standards and policies. Furthermore, officials emphasize that this enhanced standing will significantly bolster Belize’s capacity to oversee rapidly evolving financial technologies, particularly within the digital asset ecosystem.
The FSC maintains regulatory oversight of Belize’s comprehensive non-bank financial services industry, encompassing investment firms, securities brokers, and various other financial entities. This recognition signals to international investors and financial institutions that Belize operates within a framework of transparency and regulatory excellence aligned with global best practices.