A prominent financial consultant has endorsed proposals for establishing a consolidated Caribbean stock market, asserting that the current fragmentation of national exchanges significantly impedes regional economic expansion and cross-border business scalability. Maria Daniel, Managing Director of EY Parthenon Caribbean, emphasized that a unified securities exchange would simultaneously empower companies to broaden their operational footprint throughout the region while offering investors substantially diversified portfolio opportunities.
Speaking at a two-day Innovation Growth Market workshop in Barbados, Daniel articulated the compelling economic rationale for integration: “We must acknowledge our individual limitations—small populations and confined territories. True scalability in the Caribbean necessitates unification: harmonized regulations, a single stock exchange, and ultimately a common currency.”
The consultant elaborated that a regional exchange would attract capital from both within the Caribbean and international markets, noting that technological advancements now render implementation more feasible than ever. Digital trading platforms and streamlined online reporting mechanisms, she explained, effectively eliminate historical logistical barriers that previously hindered such initiatives.
Daniel particularly highlighted the transformative potential for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), stating that a unified market would “distribute risk across larger populations while amplifying corporate narratives to broader investor audiences.” She cited Jamaica’s Junior Stock Exchange as a proven success model, where prohibitively high debt costs forced companies toward equity financing, ultimately stimulating economic growth.
Beyond regional benefits, Daniel emphasized that standardized regulations and a single exchange would significantly boost foreign investor confidence by eliminating the complexity of navigating multiple regulatory frameworks. She concluded with an urgent call to action: “We possess the necessary tools, technology, and expertise. What remains essential is political will and intergovernmental collaboration to transform this vision into reality. A Caribbean stock exchange transcends mere concept—it represents an imperative stride toward regional economic development and integration.”