Barbados has cemented its position as a fintech trailblazer this week with the launch of the Fintech Islands Experience 2025 (FiX25). Held at the historic Sam Lord’s Castle, Wyndham Grand Resort, this dynamic three-day conference (January 22–24) has drawn over 500 global leaders, innovators, and investors from across the Caribbean, the Americas, Europe, Asia, and Africa. Together, they aim to redefine the global financial landscape and put the Caribbean at the forefront of fintech innovation.
Now in its third year, FiX25 has grown into the region’s premier fintech event. Allison Hunte, co-founder and CEO of Fintech Islands, expressed the conference’s ambitious vision: “FiX25 has attracted the brightest minds in fintech to inspire, challenge, and collaborate on solutions that will drive the future of finance. Our mission is to continue to build the fintech ecosystem in the region, and this conference plays a key role in making that vision a reality.”
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Powerhouse Panels and Trailblazing Discussions
Supported by platinum sponsor Tabit Insurance, a Barbados-based insurer specializing in blockchain-related risks, FiX25 launched with a stellar lineup of speakers and sessions. Highlights from the opening day included insights from industry leaders like Kahina Van Dyke, Operating Partner at Advent International; Stephen Stonberg, CEO of Tabit Insurance; Michael Lee-Chin, founder of Seed Micro Finance; and Matteo Rizzi, founder of TimePledge Network.
A standout session, How (and Why) to Be a Successful Fintech Founder, offered essential tips for thriving in the fintech sector, while Van Dyke’s talk, Why Fintech Matters, emphasized fintech’s critical role in driving global commerce and supporting underserved small businesses in emerging markets. “Financial services is huge; fintech is huge capital. It’s the fuel driving global commerce and connectivity,” she remarked.
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Barbados at the Forefront of Blockchain and AI
Stephen Stonberg highlighted Barbados’s strides in fintech, especially its well-established insurance licensing framework, which provides a solid foundation for companies entering the digital asset space. “What sets Barbados apart is its independent regulatory system, which offers businesses unique stability and support,” Stonberg explained, adding that the country’s growing interest in blockchain integration signals a promising future.
The conversation also expanded into the realm of artificial intelligence (AI) during the panel AI for Human Prosperity: Bridging Global and Caribbean Perspectives for a Tech-Driven Future. Senator Chad Blackman, Minister in the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Investment, championed AI as a transformative tool for addressing regional challenges and fostering innovation. Drawing inspiration from tech leaders like South Korea, China, and Japan, he emphasized the Caribbean’s potential to leverage AI for economic growth.
W. Dave Dowrich, Chief Financial Officer of TIAA, added that AI can drive efficiencies and prepare future generations for the tech-driven global economy. “The Caribbean, known for exporting brilliant minds, has a unique opportunity to capitalize on AI innovation,” Dowrich noted.
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A Platform for the Next Generation of Fintech Leaders
FiX25’s commitment to nurturing talent was evident in its pitch competition, featuring ten early-stage Caribbean fintech start-ups vying for over $17,000 in cash prizes. The competition is set to culminate on the main stage, showcasing the region’s brightest minds and groundbreaking ideas.
Over three days, more than 100 speakers will tackle pressing topics, from Unlocking the Caribbean’s Fintech Potential to How Blockchain Is Transforming Agriculture. With its inspiring agenda and global reach, FiX25 is not just a conference—it’s a catalyst for a fintech revolution in the Caribbean.
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