Telecommunications Infrastructure
Liberalization and Deregulation
IT Financing
The Bahamas is developing the basic infrastructure to support financial investment in the IT sector by creating a stock exchange and privatizing utility companies. The Bahamas International Securities Exchange, launched in the last quarter of 1999 and went live during the first half of 2000. This is a major milestone for the financial services sector of The Bahamas and clears the way for other investment in Bahamian development.The regulatory Securities Commission of The Bahamas has been granted full membership in the International Organization of Securities Commissions and the Council of Securities Regulators of the Americas. 1
In addition to a stock exchange, organizations such as the Bahamas Financial Services Board (BFSB), launched in April 1998, represents a commitment by the financial services industry and the Government of The Bahamas to promote a greater awareness of The Bahamas' strengths as an international financial center. BFSB represents and promotes the development of all sectors of the industry, including: banking, private banking and trust services, mutual funds, capital markets, investment advisory services, accounting and legal services, insurance, and corporate and shipping registry. The National Investment Policy of The Bahamas is expected to support an economic and regulatory environment that encourages free enterprise.
Caribbean Securities Exchange Initiatives
The Bahamas International Securities Exchange (BISX) hosted the first Caribbean Securities Exchanges Conference in September 2000. The General Managers of Barbados, Trinidad, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, and Eastern Caribbean States exchanges attended the conference to share information on the development of Securities Markets within the Region.
As these basic financial structures develop, technology IPOs, venture capital inflows, and research and development funding have the platform to build upon.
