Caribbean fintech gains momentum as conference draws global interest

The Caribbean’s fledgling fintech industry is experiencing a surge in growth, with the recent FinTech Islands Experience (FiX25) in Barbados attracting international investors and industry leaders, one of the conference’s organisers has said. 

Co-founder and CEO of FinTech Islands, Allison Hunte, has noted increasing global interest in digital banking, mobile payments and financial technology solutions in the region.

During FiX25 industry leaders, investors and startups explored opportunities to expand financial access, strengthen fintech regulation and attract investment to the region.

Hunte told Barbados TODAY the event, now in its third year, was created to help the Caribbean “catch up” with advancements in financial services technology while fostering solutions that make financial services more accessible to individuals and businesses.

“FinTech Islands was really born from necessity,” Hunte said.

“During COVID, my partner, Kurt Persaud, and I discussed the gaps in financial technology in the region and the need to modernise financial services. The goal was to bring people together to talk about where we are, where we need to be, and how we get there.”

One of the key themes at FiX25 was financial inclusion, as many individuals in the Caribbean remain unbanked or underbanked, relying on cash transactions or informal savings methods.

“My grandmother used to save money under her bed,” Hunte said.

“That practice still exists because, for some, traditional banking hasn’t been accessible or convenient. Meanwhile, financial technology is advancing worldwide, and the Caribbean needs to keep pace to ensure people have better options.”

The conference also served as a platform for Caribbean fintech startups to connect with investors.

The Startup Pitch Competition, a major feature of FiX25, allowed ten regional startups to compete for investment, mentorship and funding.

“It’s not easy being an entrepreneur in the region, and it’s even harder in tech,” Hunte said.

“We wanted to create an environment where startups can meet investors, gain exposure, and access the support they need to grow.”

FiX25 is also helping to position Barbados as a fintech hub, with global investors and fintech leaders recognising the island’s potential for business development and innovation, Hunte said. “We’re seeing increasing discussions about how Barbados can attract more fintech businesses..

“Companies and investors are looking at the island as a place where they can collaborate, test new ideas, and build partnerships.”

The conference is also benefiting the domestic economy, with attendees often extending their stays to explore business opportunities and cultural experiences.

“It really was to foster community and relationships and to experience the beauty of Barbados and the wealth of opportunities here, whether it is to come back as a visitor, start a business, or partner with a local stakeholder,” Hunte said, noting that a key feature of the conference since its premiere has been the inclusion of tours and other local experiences to give attendees a taste of Barbados.

Another major focus of the event was regional collaboration on financial technology solutions, particularly in cross-border payments, remittances and banking accessibility.

Discussions centred on how fintech can address transaction costs and accessibility challenges while fostering stronger financial ecosystems across the region.

Hunte believes FiX25 has already played a role in connecting key stakeholders and driving meaningful conversations, and organisers plan to continue expanding the event’s reach and impact.

“FinTech Islands is more than a conference—it’s a space where people can share ideas, form partnerships, and work on real solutions,” she said.

She noted that as the fintech industry grows globally, the Caribbean has an opportunity to strengthen its financial infrastructure and expand digital finance options, ensuring the region remains competitive and financially inclusive. (SM)