The Future of Fintech in the Caribbean

The Caribbean’s premier fintech conference, Fintech Islands Experience 2025 (FiX25), convened at the historic Sam Lord’s Castle, Wyndham Grand Resort in Barbados from January 22nd to 24th. This third annual event attracted over 500 global leaders in fintech, including executives, innovators, investors, and enthusiasts from the Caribbean, the Americas, Europe, Asia, and Africa. FiX25, with its mission to cultivate the region’s fintech ecosystem and reshape the global financial landscape, provided a platform for these individuals to connect, collaborate, and explore the future of finance. The conference showcased a diverse range of topics, from digital asset insurance and the importance of fintech in global commerce to the application of AI for human prosperity and the future of currency. A key highlight of the event was the participation of ten early-stage Caribbean fintech startups competing for over US$17,000 in prizes, demonstrating the conference’s commitment to fostering the next generation of fintech leaders.

The opening day featured prominent speakers like Kahina Van Dyke, Operating Partner at Advent International, who emphasized the significant role of fintech in driving global commerce and connectivity. Van Dyke highlighted the vast potential of underserved small businesses in emerging markets and how fintech could empower their growth and expansion through access to funding and resources. Stephen Stonberg, CEO of Tabit Insurance, the conference’s platinum sponsor, discussed Barbados’s burgeoning fintech landscape. He pointed to the country’s established insurance licensing framework as a strong foundation for companies entering the market and its independent regulatory system as a distinguishing feature offering stability and support. While acknowledging that Barbados hasn’t yet introduced a specific digital asset license, Stonberg affirmed the nation’s commitment to integrating blockchain technology and its progress in this direction.

Another crucial discussion revolved around the role of insurance in the future of digital assets. Stonberg, along with Drew Taylor, Head of Insurance at Tabit, and moderator Tara Frater, Principal & Founder of FT Legal, explored this complex issue. Tabit Insurance, a newly licensed Class 2 insurer based in Barbados, specializes in addressing the unique risks associated with the blockchain ecosystem, highlighting the growing importance of insurance in this rapidly evolving sector. Furthermore, a session featuring Matteo Rizzi, founder of TimePledge Network, a global initiative focused on financial inclusion and entrepreneurship, and moderated by Andrew B. Morris, Founder & CEO of The Fintech Agenda and Chief Content Officer of Fintech Islands, explored the keys to success for fintech founders.

The conference also addressed the critical topic of artificial intelligence (AI) and its potential to revolutionize various sectors. Senator Chad Blackman, Minister in the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Investment in Barbados, underscored the country’s proactive approach to integrating AI into government initiatives, advocating for its use as a fundamental tool for addressing challenges and driving innovation across the Caribbean. He envisioned AI being applied broadly in public services and everyday tasks, drawing inspiration from countries like South Korea, China, and Japan that have achieved economic growth through strategic AI investments. W. Dave Dowrich, Chief Financial Officer of TIAA, reinforced the positive impact of AI, emphasizing its potential to enhance business efficiency and encouraging the Caribbean to leverage its human capital to capitalize on the opportunities presented by this technology.

FiX25 demonstrated a strong focus on regional development and collaboration. The conference dedicated sessions to exploring the Caribbean’s untapped fintech potential and discussing investment strategies for the region. This emphasis reflects the organizers’ commitment to building a robust fintech ecosystem within the Caribbean and leveraging its unique advantages to attract investment and foster innovation. The discussions also extended to the agricultural sector, examining how blockchain technology can transform agriculture by enhancing supply chain transparency and addressing food insecurity. This highlights the conference’s broad perspective on the application of fintech solutions and its recognition of the potential for positive impact across various industries.

Over the three-day event, over 100 speakers engaged in in-depth discussions on a wide array of critical themes shaping the future of finance. The event underscored the Caribbean’s growing prominence in the global fintech landscape and its commitment to driving innovation and collaboration in this dynamic sector. The pitch competition, featuring ten early-stage Caribbean fintech startups, exemplified FiX25’s dedication to nurturing emerging talent and fostering the next generation of fintech leaders within the region. The conference successfully provided a platform for knowledge sharing, networking, and collaboration, ultimately contributing to the advancement of the fintech ecosystem both regionally and globally.