Forex trading is completely legal in Puerto Rico, as the territory operates under U.S. federal financial regulations while maintaining its own local regulatory framework. Puerto Rico residents can engage in foreign exchange trading through regulated international brokers without legal restrictions (1). The Office of the Commissioner of Financial Institutions (OCIF) serves as Puerto Rico's primary financial regulatory authority, overseeing and supervising financial institutions that operate within the territory to ensure compliance with established standards and consumer protection.
The regulatory environment in Puerto Rico is particularly favorable for forex traders due to the territory's unique tax incentives under Act 60, which replaced previous Acts 20 and 22 (2). These incentives were designed to attract financial services and trading businesses to help stimulate Puerto Rico's economic recovery. International forex brokers operating in Puerto Rico typically maintain licenses from recognized authorities such as the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC) or other established regulatory bodies, ensuring that traders have access to legitimate and protected trading platforms.
"Most traders in Puerto Rico choose to work with an internationally licensed FX broker, which helps ensure that your deposit is backed and protected from potential risks."
While forex trading remains legal and accessible, Puerto Rico traders are subject to both federal U.S. anti-money laundering regulations, including the Bank Secrecy Act and the Patriot Act, as well as local OCIF oversight. The combination of legal trading status, favorable tax incentives, and regulatory protection makes Puerto Rico an attractive jurisdiction for both individual traders and trading businesses. However, traders should always work with properly licensed brokers and maintain compliance with applicable reporting requirements to ensure their trading activities remain within legal boundaries.
Source:
https://www.benzinga.com/money/forex-trading-in-puerto-rico
https://www.ocif.pr.gov/
Last updated: 01-06-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
