Something’s Happening in the Caribbean in 2025… | Fintech Islands | FF Virtual Arena #342

In the latest FF News Virtual Arena we spoke to some of the team behind Fintech Islands, a unique event showcasing global fintech innovation and the Caribbean’s growing potential as a hotspot for fintech innovation and investment.

Curt Persaud, Alison Hunte and Andrew B. Morris speak to Ali Paterson about their genesis during the pandemic and the vision around tackling financial inclusion and underdeveloped infrastructure. We get an insight into what to expect and what really sets it apart ahead of the next edition in January 2025.

Untapped potential

Throughout the conversation co-founders Allison Hunte and Curt Persaud, and Chief Content Officer Andrew B. Morris shared insights into the origins, challenges, and ambitions of this burgeoning initiative.

The idea for Fintech Islands was born during the pandemic, when Curt Persaud and Alison Hunte recognized the untapped potential of fintech to address critical challenges in the Caribbean, such as limited digital access to financial services, and a low financial literacy which has been a problem for some time.

They believe fintech has transformative potential to empower unbanked and underserved populations across the islands. Their complementary skills—Curt’s tech expertise and Alison’s event-planning prowess—laid the foundation for a collaborative platform aimed at addressing the region’s financial inclusion and technology gaps. The next stage was building a multidisciplinary team that included experts like Andrew, whose experience with global conferences brought additional depth to the project.

Improving fragmented infrastructure in the Caribbean

One of the major opportunities for development highlighted was the Caribbean’s fragmented financial infrastructure, which creates significant hurdles for cross-border transactions and banking access. Curt noted that the region often lags in technology adoption, partly due to consumer distrust and a lack of localised solutions. However, this presents a ripe opportunity for entrepreneurs and investors to address these gaps, provided there is greater international interest and financial backing. By viewing the region as a unified market rather than disparate islands, investors could unlock greater returns while driving innovation that benefits the entire Caribbean.

Andrew also emphasises how Fintech Islands serves as a catalyst for this transformation by fostering connections between global leaders and local innovators. Over the years, the event has attracted influential figures, from CEOs of unicorn fintechs to central bank governors and government officials. This year’s agenda has been streamlined to feature two concurrent stages and six thematic tracks, covering topics like AI in financial services, blockchain, open banking, and inclusive design. Andrew underscored the global perspective of the event, with speakers from Africa, Latin America, and beyond, reflecting the interconnected nature of the fintech ecosystem.

What sets fintech islands apart?

What truly sets Fintech Islands apart, however, is its distinctive blend of professional engagement and cultural immersion. Alison described the deliberate effort to integrate the Caribbean’s rich culture into the event, fostering meaningful connections through shared experiences like snorkelling, exploring caves, and savouring local cuisine. This approach has resonated deeply with attendees, creating a relaxed but impactful networking environment that strengthens both professional relationships and the event’s community spirit.

We also hear about the significant opportunities for technology vendors and startups to engage with the Caribbean market. Andrew pointed out that Fintech Islands offers unparalleled access to high-level decision-makers at a fraction of the cost of larger global events. With a growing demand for digital transformation across the region, vendors can make meaningful connections and drive tangible change.

As the event gears up for its 2025 edition in Barbados, the team remains committed to positioning the Caribbean as a global hub for innovation, talent, and investment. Whether you’re a fintech founder, investor, or regulator, Fintech Islands offers a unique gateway to new partnerships and markets, all set against the vibrant backdrop of Caribbean culture. Visit the event’s website to find out more and book yourself a space. And be sure to check out more great conversations like this one on our website.