The Inter-American Development Bank launched two studies that show the low regard citizens have for the quality of public services they receive and how innovation can help make these services less bureaucratic. [IDB Release](http://www.iadb.org/en/news/news-releases/2017-01-12/perceptions-of-bureaucracy-in-latin-america,11704.html)
Business
IBFS 2017: Responding to Change Through Innovation
The annual [International Business & Finance Summit](http://www.ibfsbahamas.com/ibfs2017/ ) (IBFS) will be held January 26-28, 2017 in the idyllic surroundings of Grand Bahama at the Lighthouse Pointe, The Grand Lucayan Resort. It will bring together key stakeholders, executives and thought leaders to discuss matters pertinent to the industry. Specifically, says BFSB CEO Tanya McCartney, *”IBFS 2017 … Read More
The Bahamas Makes Progress in the Implementation of CRS
Minister of Financial Services the Hon. C.V. Hope Strachan reported today that [the Bill](http://www.bfsb-bahamas.com/news.php?cmd=view&id=3694&pre=y) to provide for the implementation of the Common Standard on Reporting and Due Diligence for Financial Account Information in Tax matters and for connected purposes now has been passed unanimously in both Houses of Parliament. A release from the Ministry notes … Read More
FSB On Decline in Correspondent Banking
The Financial Stability Board (FSB) has released its latest progress report on the implementation of its four-point action to assess and address the decline in correspondence banking. The progress report includes a set of deliverables for 2017 to implement the action plan, and describes progress in taking forward the plan: * Further examining the dimensions … Read More
US Senate Passes US-Caribbean Strategic Engagement Act 2016
The [legislation](https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/114/hr4939) to enhance US engagement with the Caribbean has passed both the House and Senate and is headed to President Barack Obama for signature into law. Sponsored by Rep. Eliot Engel (D-NY), ranking member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, and Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), a former chair of the Committee, the new … Read More
IMF Mission Concludes Visit to The Bahamas
An International Monetary Fund (IMF) team led by Jarkko Turunen visited The Bahamas from December 7-13, 2016, to update the economic and financial outlook following Hurricane Matthew. The team reports that despite significant damage by Hurricane Matthew, growth is expected to resume next year, supported by construction activity and work toward completion of Baha Mar … Read More
FSB Regional Consultative Group for the Americas Meets in Nassau
The Financial Stability Board (FSB) Regional Consultative Group (RCG) for the Americas met in Nassau today at a meeting hosted by the Central Bank of The Bahamas. At their meeting, members of the FSB RCG for the Americas began by reviewing the FSB’s Work Plan and policy priorities for 2017. In particular, the group discussed … Read More
Caribbean Infrastructure Finance Forum 2016
CIBC FirstCaribbean was title sponsor for the 3rd Caribbean Infrastructure Finance Forum held Dec 6-7 at the British Colonial Hilton. Managing Director of Corporate & Investment Banking, Berisford Grey says the institution is committed to assisting governments across the region to achieve their infrastructure development goals. *”What we want to do is be there as … Read More
Securities Commission Rules to Facilitate Small Business Funding
New Rules under development by the [Securities Commission of The Bahamas](http://www.scb.gov.bs) would allow entrepreneurs to use crowdfunding to raise up to $1,000,000 and make it easier for small businesses to raise up to $3,000,000 per year. Crowdfunding Rules as well as Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) Rules are being developed to introduce specific regulations … Read More
Accountants on the Business Front Line – With Strong Role in National Development
The Rt. Hon. Perry G. Christie delivered Opening Remarks at the 2016 Accountants Week series of seminars today. The [Bahamas Institute of Chartered Accountants](http://www.bica.bs/) (BICA) is partnering with the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants to host the seminars under the theme, ‘Capitalising on Our Past and Building Opportunities for the Future’, and PM Christie … Read More