Barbados is poised to become the smallest full member of the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean (CAF), unlocking access to over US$18 billion (approximately BDS$36 billion) in financing for government projects, private sector ventures, and individuals. Finance and Economic Affairs Minister Ryan Straughn introduced legislation on Tuesday to formalize the island’s upgraded status,...
The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) is hosting the 22nd Annual Meeting of the Independent Accountability Mechanisms Network (IAMNet) from October 6–9, 2025, in Barbados, convening accountability professionals from development finance institutions across the globe. CDB is partnering with the Inter-American Development Bank’s Independent Consultation and Investigation Mechanism (MICI), and the...
Equity financing could be the missing piece to help small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Barbados scale up and thrive. That’s the view of Marlon Yarde, managing director of the Barbados Stock Exchange (BSE), who believes SMEs have a real opportunity to grow if they embrace equity capital through the BSE’s Innovation and Growth Market (IGM), its junior stock market. Yarde explained that while most...
Barbadians investing through Fortress Fund Managers (FFM) are enjoying higher returns this year, with the remainder of 2025 showing strong potential, according to the firm’s latest investor update. FFM chief executive officer and chief investment officer Peter Arender noted that global markets have provided opportunities, with Fortress funds reporting solid performance across multiple categories. The...
Barbados has officially launched the Innovation Growth Market (IGM200), a groundbreaking initiative designed to provide small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with structured, transparent, and credible access to equity financing. Managing Director of the Barbados Stock Exchange, Marlon Yarde, described IGM200 as “Barbados’ bridge between ambition and opportunity,” calling on SMEs, investors,...
In a landmark move this September 2025, IDB Invest has unveiled its first-ever partnership in Barbados with a non-bank financial institution - a five-year, USD 5 million (BBD 10 million) loan to Cave Shepherd Card Inc., trading as Payce Digital. Why This Matters Bridging the credit divide: This pioneering partnership aims to extend credit and digital payment services to underbanked and...
Barbados’ micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) are set to benefit from a major financial boost as the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) extends a $100 million loan to the Central Bank of Barbados. The funding will strengthen the Central Bank’s Enhanced Credit Guarantee Fund (ECGF), designed to ease access to credit for local businesses. Since its launch in 2015, the ECGF has...
Sagicor Financial Company Ltd has reported significant gains in revenue and investment income from its insurance business in Barbados for the first half of 2025. According to the company’s unaudited condensed financial statements for the six months ending June 30, Sagicor Life Barbados recorded insurance revenue of $130.6 million, up from $124.8 million in the same period last year. For the second...
The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) has awarded an estimated USD 420,000 in grants to twenty women-owned and led Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises (WMSMEs) across seven of its Borrowing Member Countries (BMCs). The funding, delivered through the Bank’s SheTrades Caribbean Regional Hub Grow and Go Grant Facility, is aimed at helping these entrepreneurs expand operations, access new markets,...
Barbados attracted $367.3 million in foreign direct investment (FDI) in the first half of 2025 — a sharp increase of $109.9 million compared to the same period last year, according to the Central Bank of Barbados. The figure surpasses the $257.4 million recorded in the first half of 2024 and puts the country well on track to exceed the $523 million total for all of last year. Central Bank Governor Dr...