When Managing Director, Dr. Marlene Street Forrest, joined the Jamaica Stock Exchange (JSE) more than 25 years ago, the stock market was a niche arena, with less than three per cent of the adult population participating. Today, under her leadership, nearly 20 per cent of Jamaicans are engaged in investing – a testament to her efforts in democratising access to...

Navigating the various tax obligations can sometimes be a complex process for both individuals and businesses alike. Those with grievances have an opportunity to have their disputes resolved through the Revenue Appeals Division (RAD), which was established as an independent appellate to hear the appeals of taxpayers against decisions of the revenue authorities. Speaking on the Ministry of Finance and...

In an ambitious move to deepen financial literacy and empower Jamaicans with investment knowledge, the Jamaica Stock Exchange (JSE) has been expanding its educational initiatives, reaching audiences from primary-school students to seasoned investors. Since launching its Caribbean Business Exchange (CBX) cable television channel in 2022 as part of its educational programmes, the JSE has seen tremendous feedback, with increasing participation...

In an era when digital transformation is no longer optional but essential, the Jamaica Business Development Corporation (JBDC) is paving the way for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) to thrive in the digital economy.  The agency has opened applications for MSMEs to participate in a training programme as part of ‘Digital Jamaica’, a European Union (EU)-funded initiative that was...

Users of automated banking machines (ABMs) will have a pivotal role to play in the process of compliance by deposit-taking institutions (DTIs) with the ABM Service-Level Standards recently introduced by the Bank of Jamaica (BOJ). The Standards, which were issued on April 2, are guidelines for the operation of ABMs by BOJ-regulated DTIs. The recently promulgated Standards address matters regarding...

Bank of Jamaica’s (BOJ’s) recently introduced Automated Banking Machines (ABM) Service-Level Standards for deposit-taking institutions (DTIs), are consistent with the Government’s thrust to develop a robust and comprehensive market conduct and consumer protection framework for the financial sector. This framework will ensure that, in addition to prudential regulation of all financial institutions by one regulator, another will monitor the market...

Several business leaders are expressing optimism about the economy, based on macroeconomic outturns, and the prospects for the calendar year and 2024/25 fiscal period. Notable among the outturns is a reduction in the debt-to-gross domestic product (GDP) ratio, which Minister of Finance and the Public Service, Dr. the Hon. Nigel Clarke, has indicated, is on track to fall to 72...

The Jamaica Single Window for Trade (JSWIFT), the new and improved way of facilitating trade through Jamaica’s borders, continues to enhance Jamaica’s business and trade environment. This Government of Jamaica (GOJ) initiative, operated by the Jamaica Customs Agency (JCA), was developed to improve the ease of doing business and enhance the country's competitiveness, while bringing together various Border Regulatory Agencies...