Charities Amendment Act 2025

What this bill does

This bill changes the rules for privately funded charities in Bermuda, making it easier for some to avoid having to register with the government. It also keeps information about privately funded charities private from the public, unlike other charities whose details can be viewed by anyone.

If passed (voted YES)

• More privately funded charities can skip registration requirements if they work with licensed trust companies or corporate service providers who handle anti-money laundering compliance
• Information about privately funded charities will be kept confidential and not available for public viewing
• Charities that don't update the government about changes to their status can be fined $200

If rejected (voted NO)

• Current registration requirements for privately funded charities stay the same, with fewer exemptions available
• The public register of charities continues to include privately funded charities (current law is unclear on this)
• No new penalties exist for charities that fail to report changes in their exemption status

Who it affects

This primarily affects privately funded charities in Bermuda and the licensed trust companies and corporate service providers who work with them. It may also impact members of the public who currently expect to access information about all registered charities.