ECCB 2025-2026 Annual Report

EASTERN CARIBBEAN CENTRAL BANK ANNUAL REPORT 2025 - 2026

Governor’s Foreword

T he 2025-2026 financial year was marked by heightened global uncertainty and profound shifts in the international political economy. Changes in trade policy, realigned diplomatic alliances, and geopolitical tensions created significant disruptions across the global landscape. For the small, hyper-open economies of the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union (ECCU), these developments reinforced the importance of sound institutions, prudent policymaking, and regional cooperation. Despite these external challenges, the ECCU maintained economic stability and recorded estimated growth of 2.5 per cent in 2025. Growth was supported by tourism and infrastructure investment, while inflation eased during the latter part of the year. Through disciplined stewardship and a shared commitment to stability, the region continued to navigate an increasingly complex global environment. The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) remained steadfast in executing its core mandates of maintaining monetary and financial stability. The Eastern Caribbean dollar remained strong and stable at EC$2.70 to US$1.00. Foreign currency reserves increased from $5.5 billion to $6.0 billion as at 31 March 2026 while maintaining a strong backing ratio of around 97.0 per cent. The Bank also delivered another year of strong financial performance, recording a profit of $121.6 million. Across the Currency Union, the banking sector

During the year, the Bank deepened its efforts to expand financial inclusion. A major milestone was the launch of the ECCU First Step Savings Account across all eight member countries, providing citizens with a simple and affordable entry point into the formal financial system. At the same time, efforts to strengthen the region’s credit infrastructure advanced, with EveryData ECCU beginning to receive data from participating institutions. This important milestone paves the way for stronger credit underwriting, improved access to finance, and greater private-sector expansion.

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