Trinidad & Tobago International Financial Centre

European Press Releases

• Press Release June 2016 - Trinidad and Tobago - Handling Negative Publicity
• Press Release May 2016 - Trinidad and Tobago - London Calling
• Press Release April 2016 - Trinidad and Tobago – Working with the International Community
• Press Release March 2016 - Trinidad and Tobago – Not Just Caribbean Islands

International Contacts

European Contact:

• Mark Yeandle
  +44(20) 7562 9562
  trinidadandTobagoIFC@zyen.com

Trinidad Contact:

• Geron Burnett
  +1 (868) 627 3081
  geron.burnett@ttifc.co.tt

The Trinidad and Tobago IFC is an onshore financial centre located in Trinidad and Tobago, which is recognised as the de facto financial centre of the English-speaking Caribbean. Trinidad and Tobago is strategically positioned to act as a gateway to Latin America for financial institutions from North America, Europe and Asia.

To attract financial institutions, the Trinidad and Tobago IFC has focused on the five key areas of competitiveness measured by the Global Financial Centres Index published by the Z/Yen Group, a commercial think-tank in London. These areas of competitiveness represent the factors that international financial institutions consider when deciding where to establish operations. The aim of the Trinidad and Tobago IFC is to attract these institutions to invest in Trinidad and Tobago, by creating a business environment that caters to their needs.

Business Environment

International financial firms seeking new locations to establish operations, look for countries that demonstrate and instil the attributes of confidence, trust and respect. Trinidad and Tobago's stable English-speaking democracy and resilient economy create a secure and efficient business environment which, with support from the government and other stakeholders, will be enhanced by IFC-specific legislation.

Financial Sector Development

The local financial sector has been robust despite the ongoing global challenges and has contributed to the diversification of Trinidad and Tobago. The financial system in Trinidad and Tobago is home to some of the largest commercial banks and financial institutions indigenous to the Caribbean as well as international firms such as the Royal Bank of Canada and Scotiabank. Trinidad and Tobago’s track record proves that it is capable of supporting the activities of international financial firms

Infrastructure

As one of the most connected countries in the Caribbean, major airlines offer regularly scheduled flights from Trinidad and Tobago to cities such as New York, Toronto, Miami, London and Panama. Trinidad and Tobago offers a reliable and low-cost electricity supply, affordable modern office space and broadband that is competitively priced when compared to prices in the Americas. Also available, is one of the most robust ICT infrastructures in the region with a higher capacity of international submarine cable systems than other islands in the Caribbean. Trinidad and Tobago experienced the highest growth among Caribbean countries in fixed (wired) broadband penetration in the period 2010-2013 due to the affordability of broadband plans.

Human Capital

The Government of Trinidad and Tobago has invested significantly in education since 2004 to provide financial assistance to persons pursuing tertiary level studies. This strategic move has resulted in persons obtaining undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications from The University of the West Indies and the University of Trinidad and Tobago, our local universities, and from international institutions such as the University of London, the Edinburgh Business School, the Henley Business School and the Australian Institute of Business. Continuous development courses are available from institutions such as the New York institute of Finance, with ongoing discussions with the Chartered Institute of Securities and Investment (CISI) to offer courses in the near future.

Reputational and General Factors

To be successful as an IFC, a country must attract international firms and provide a comfortable living environment for expatriate workers. Due to its oil and gas industry, expatriates have been able to easily assimilate to life in Trinidad and Tobago. The rich culture, cuisine and festivals have been influenced by the diverse and unique history of Trinidad and Tobago and offer a much appreciated alternative to life in major metropolitan cities around the world. As one of the most modern countries in the Caribbean, Trinidad and Tobago offers an appealing lifestyle while still being able to conduct business.