CDB supports feasibility study for regional stock exchange

The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) has approved a grant of US$100,000 to the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Private Sector Organization Inc. (CPSO) to support a study that will assess the feasibility and inform the design of a regional stock exchange for participating states of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME).

 

Receiving funding through CDB’s Special Development Fund (SDF) 11, the grant will finance Phase I of a broader initiative, which will assess viable models for establishing a regional securities exchange and advance deeper capital market integration across the Caribbean.

 

The study will examine opportunities to create a more connected and efficient regional capital market that will mobilise investment, improve liquidity, reduce financing costs, and expand access to capital for businesses across CARICOM Member States.

 

Despite the presence of several stock exchanges across the political and economic bloc, Caribbean capital markets remain fragmented, limiting cross-border participation and constraining the scale of investment opportunities available to businesses and investors. A more integrated regional market could help unlock new sources of financing, particularly for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), while supporting greater economic resilience and competitiveness.

 

“The Caribbean’s long-term growth depends on our ability to create stronger, more accessible financial markets that support entrepreneurship, innovation and investment,” said Lisa Harding, division chief, Private Sector Division at CDB. 

 

“This feasibility study will provide the analysis needed to determine how a regional stock exchange can strengthen access to finance, support private sector development, and advance regional economic integration. It also reflects CDB’s commitment to building institutions and financial systems that foster inclusive and sustainable growth across our member countries,” she said.

 

The feasibility study will assess capital market demand across CARICOM Member States, assess legal and regulatory requirements for greater market integration, evaluate international stock exchange models, and engage stakeholders from across the public and private sectors. The study will also explore opportunities to improve access to financing for women-led enterprises, youth entrepreneurs, and other traditionally underserved groups.

 

CPSO will conduct the study with support from the CDB and Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). Together, the institutions are contributing US$324,700 toward the completion of Phase I of the study.

 

Upon completion, the findings will be presented at a regional symposium where the CDB will provide policymakers, regulators, private sector stakeholders and development partners with evidence-based recommendations to guide decisions on the future of regional capital market integration.

 

The project aligns with CDB’s strategic objective of building economic resilience and supports regional efforts to strengthen financial markets, promote private sector development, and advance Caribbean integration.

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