ECCB, U.S. Treasury and Caribbean Leaders Advance Governance Standards for CBI

A photograph showing attendees at the Fourth U.S.–Caribbean Roundtable on Citizenship by Investment (CBI) in Antigua and Barbuda.

By Val Matthias. Updated 2:35 p.m., Monday, December 1, 2025, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).

The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) has hailed regional progress in strengthening governance of Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programmes, following the Fourth U.S, Caribbean Roundtable on CBI held in Antigua and Barbuda.

The meeting brought together leaders from the five Eastern Caribbean states that operate CBI programmes Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Lucia, and St. Kitts and Nevis alongside officials from the U.S. Department of the Treasury, the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Commission, and the ECCB.

According to the ECCB connect website, discussions centered on the implementation of the Six Principles for CBI, agreed earlier this year with the United States. These principles include enhanced due diligence, information sharing, minimum investment thresholds, and restrictions on applicants from high‑risk jurisdictions. The roundtable commended the Caribbean governments for steps already taken to align their programmes with international standards.

ECCB Governor Timothy N.J. Antoine emphasized that safeguarding the integrity of CBI schemes is critical to both regional financial stability and international confidence. “The ECCB welcomes the collaborative spirit shown by our member governments and partners. These reforms are essential to ensuring that CBI remains a credible and sustainable contributor to development,” he said.

CBI programmes have long been a significant source of revenue for small island economies, funding infrastructure, social services, and debt reduction. However, they have also faced scrutiny from international partners concerned about security risks and reputational damage. The roundtable underscored that continued cooperation between Caribbean states and the U.S. is vital to maintaining access to global financial systems.

For St. Vincent and the Grenadines, which does not currently operate a CBI programme, the developments remain relevant. Regional debates about transparency, foreign investment, and economic resilience often reference the successes and challenges of CBI schemes in neighbouring states. The ECCB’s leadership role signals that regional financial governance is inseparable from political decisions on investment and citizenship.

The roundtable concluded with a commitment to ongoing dialogue and monitoring of reforms, ensuring that Caribbean CBI programmes remain compliant with evolving global standards.

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