ECCB 2025-2026 Annual Report

EASTERN CARIBBEAN CENTRAL BANK ANNUAL REPORT 2025 - 2026

Areas of Focus: 2026-2027

and businesses in more effectively engaging with the financial system.

modern financial services, ultimately supporting economic resilience and sustainable growth across the ECCU. Fast Payment System and CARICOM Payment and Settlement System Priority will be given to the finalising the FPS policy considerations and the development of a road map to support the next phase of implementation planning, coordination and stakeholder alignment. In parallel, the Bank will participate in the CARICOM Payment and Settlement System (CAPSS) Pilot Project. The pilot will test a regional cross-border payment and settlement arrangement capable of facilitating real-time transactions in the domestic currencies of participating central banks, leveraging their existing RTGS infrastructure, and inform the legal, regulatory, governance, and operational frameworks required for broader rollout. The pilot is also expected to provide practical insights into interoperability and regional settlement arrangements, while highlighting the potential to improve cross-border payment efficiency, support intra-regional trade and transfers and promote deeper regional financial integration. Under this strategic theme IV of the Bank’s 2026– 2031 Strategic Plan, the focus for the 2026–2027 financial year will be on strengthening regional collaboration, fostering inclusive economic growth, and advancing strategic partnerships to support resilience and sustainable development across the ECCU. Promote Inclusive Economic Growth and Partnerships

Implementation efforts will focus on three key priority areas: ; Promoting wider access to and use of financial accounts, particularly through simplified onboarding and inclusive banking initiatives; ; Increasing access to and adoption of digital financial services, with emphasis on improving digital payments usage among individuals and MSMEs; and ; Strengthening financial education, consumer empowerment, and protection, ensuring that individuals are equipped with the knowledge and tools to make informed financial decisions. The Bank will work closely with national focal points, financial institutions, and regional partners to support coordinated implementation across member states. This will include stakeholder engagement, public awareness initiatives, and targeted programmes to address identified gaps. Efforts will also be directed towards building awareness and understanding of financial services, ensuring that individuals are not only able to access services, but are confident in using them effectively. In addition, the Bank will advance the monitoring and evaluation framework to track progress against the Strategy’s targets and support data-driven decision-making throughout the implementation period. Through the effective rollout of the Strategy, the Bank aims to create a more inclusive financial system where individuals and businesses can access, use, and benefit from safe, affordable, and

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