Legislation to regulate Money Transfer and Remittance Agents and Agencies was passed in parliament in February 2004 and the regulatory regime came into effect on 5 July 2005. This regulatory regime is one of several measures, which Jamaica was required to implement in order to fulfill its international obligations to combat money laundering and the financing of terrorism.
Under this regime, entities will be required to obtain the approval of the Minister of Finance and the Public Service to engage in the business of remittance and money transfer, (which power of approval has been delegated to the Bank of Jamaica) and all such entities will be regulated by the Bank of Jamaica.
The following comprises the current listing of companies that have been granted approval by the Bank of Jamaica, acting on behalf of the Minister of Finance and the Public Service, to engage in the operation of remittance businesses in Jamaica as Primary Agents:
| Status of Remittance Service Licences | |
|---|---|
| Licensing Requirements for Remittance Companies | |
| Remittance_Licence Application Form | |
| Operating Directions for Remittance Companies | |
| List of Remittance Locations as at 30 Apr 12 | |
| Fit and Proper Questionnaire | |
| Guidance Notes for the Prevention and Detection of Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing Activities | |
| Guidance Notes on the Detection and Prevention of Money Laundering & Terrorist Financing Activities (Revised 2009) | |
| Conducting Business with Financial Institutions Regulated by Bank of Jamaica | |
| What you need to know (Q1 2006 ) | |

setting interest rates to keep inflation low
contributing to a stable financial system
controlling our currency
The Bank of Jamaica, established by the Bank of Jamaica Law (1960), began operations in May 1961, terminating the Currency Board System which had been in existence from 1939.
The Central Bank stands at the center of the local financial system and is charged with the responsibility to promote and maintain financial system stability. To achieve this objective, the Bank supervises the activities of deposit-taking entities. In addition, the Bank seeks to promote the development of the local financial markets, and regulates and supports the major clearing and settlement systems.
Under the Bank of Jamaica Act (1960), the conduct of monetary policy is aimed at regulating the growth of money and credit in line with the resources expected to finance economic activity and generate employment, without undermining the conditions of price stability.
The Foreign Exchange section provides current and historical information on the movements of major currencies in relation to the Jamaican dollar. The section also provides powerful search techniques for users to manipulate the data and generate customize reports.
Under the Bank of Jamaica Act, the central bank has sole authority for the issue of notes and coins used in Jamaica..
The Bank of Jamaica publishes in the daily newspaper each quarter, balance sheet data for commercial banks, building societies and licensees under the Financial Institutions Act . Such financial data is based on unaudited prudential returns submitted by the licensees to the Bank of Jamaica which are required to be certified by the licensee 's management as reflecting a true and fair representation of the affairs and condition of the institution at the reporting date.
The Bank of Jamaica is committed to providing information on its activities on a timely and continuous basis. In this regard, this section is designed to provide access to all major releases compiled by the Bank of Jamaica.
The Bank of Jamaica publications are aimed at providing quality economic and financial analysis and information on Jamaica as well as timely updates on matters relating directly to the functions of the Bank.