CDB funds feasibility study into regional stock exchange for Caricom

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados. The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) is providing US$100,000 to the Caricom Private Sector Organisation (CPSO) to support a feasibility study on establishing a regional stock exchange for Caricom states participating in the CSME.

Funded through the CDB’s Special Development Fund, the study is the first phase of a broader initiative to explore models for deeper regional capital market integration.

It will examine how a more connected market could mobilise investment, improve liquidity, reduce financing costs and widen access to capital, particularly for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises.

The CDB said greater integration could also help overcome fragmented markets and strengthen the region’s 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 of the CDB’s Private Sector Division.

She said the study would “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”.

Scope of the study

The study will assess capital market demand across Caricom, legal and regulatory requirements, international stock exchange models, and input from public and private sector stakeholders.

It will also explore ways to improve access to financing for women-led businesses, young people, entrepreneurs and other underserved groups.

The first phase, implemented by the CPSO with support from the CDB and the Inter-American Development Bank, has US$324,700 in combined funding.

Findings will be presented at a regional symposium to guide decisions on capital market integration.