The Caribbean Association of Banks (CAB) commends the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union’s (ECCU) Monetary Council for approving the Harmonized Credit Reporting Bill and Regulations for the OECS Region, at its 87th Meeting of the ECCU Monetary Council on 2nd March, 2017.
The CAB views the approval of this bill as a step in the right direction to facilitate the establishment of credit bureau services in the OECS. The CAB is pleased to note that the Council has set a deadline of September 2017, for enactment of this bill in the respective territories.
In some territories, the current Foreclosure Legislation has created some additional difficulties for Banks in reducing their non-productive loan portfolios, thus increasing their associated credit risks. The inability of a Bank to liquidate bad loans impacts its profitability, Government’s revenue and restricts lending to the productive sectors of the economy which are necessary to stimulate growth.
Early enactment of legislation which has been agreed by all member states, is critical to the effective functioning of the banking sector and we encourage Governments to expedite the process of enacting Harmonized Foreclosure Legislation within the ECCU.
The CAB is a community of banks and other financial institutions in the Caribbean Region, which proactively influences issues impacting the financial services sector through advocacy, education and networking. The CAB represents fifty-two (52) banks and financial institutions in the Caribbean with an asset base in excess of US$40 billion as at Dec 31, 2016, in addition to eighteen (18) Service members comprising regional and international technological and professional institutions and three (3) Honorary Members.
For more information contact:
Mary Popo
General Manager
Email: mary.popo@cabâ€inc.com
