Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago — CANTO, the leading trade association for the ICT sector in the Caribbean and Caribbean Association of Banks (CAB), the representative body for banks and financial institutions across the region has officially entered into a strategic partnership, marking a significant step toward accelerating digital transformation and strengthening financial innovation across the region.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) formalizes a collaborative framework between the two organizations, aimed at bridging the gap between telecommunications and banking, two sectors at the heart of the Caribbean’s digital economy. The partnership underscores a shared commitment to aligning financial services modernization with advanced digital infrastructure.

This partnership comes at a critical time as the convergence of connectivity, fintech, and financial services continues to reshape the region’s economic landscape. By aligning their efforts, CANTO and CAB will work together to promote digital financial inclusion, enhance cybersecurity resilience, support the modernization of banking systems, and support the development of robust digital infrastructure across the Caribbean.

Driving Regional Impact Through Collaboration

Under the agreement, both organizations will collaborate on several key initiatives, including:

• Joint participation in major regional industry events, including CANTO Connect, CAB Annual Meetings, and other flagship conferences
• Co-branded marketing and promotional activities across regional platforms
• Co‑hosting an annual Telecom–Banking Roundtable led jointly by CAB and CANTO, bringing together bank CEOs, telecom executives, regulators, and policymakers
• Development of training and capacity-building programs focused on digital banking, AI, cybersecurity, risk management, and regulatory modernization
• Structured information sharing on fintech and banking trends, emerging cyber and fraud threats, payment system innovation, and digital resilience strategies

These initiatives are designed to foster stronger cross-industry collaboration, enabling telecom operators, financial institutions, and policymakers to collectively address challenges such as cross-border payments, mobile financial services, and digital identity systems.

A Shared Vision for the Caribbean’s Digital Future

CANTO, founded in 1985, represents a diverse membership of telecommunications operators, ICT providers, governments, and institutions, and plays a central role in shaping the region’s digital agenda. The Caribbean Association of Banks serves as the unified voice of the region’s banking sector, representing financial institutions committed to advancing innovation, strengthening financial stability, and supporting sustainable economic development across Caribbean economies.

Through this partnership, CANTO and CAB reaffirm their shared commitment to building a more connected, inclusive, and competitive Caribbean, where innovation in both connectivity and finance drives sustainable economic growth.

Leadership Perspectives

Speaking on the partnership, CANTO Secretary General, Teresa Wankin, emphasized the importance of cross-sector collaboration:

“This partnership represents a powerful alignment between connectivity and finance, two critical pillars of the Caribbean’s digital transformation. By working together, we can unlock new opportunities for innovation, inclusion, and regional growth.”

Commenting on the collaboration, CAB Chief Executive Officer, Ms. Wendy Delmar, stated:

“This partnership with CANTO strengthens the banking sector’s ability to innovate securely, adapt to evolving regulatory and risk environments, and deliver inclusive, customer‑focused digital financial services. By aligning banking and telecommunications, we are reinforcing the foundation for a more resilient and competitive regional economy.”

Looking Ahead

As digital transformation continues to accelerate globally, this partnership positions the Caribbean to better compete on the world stage—leveraging technology, innovation, strong financial systems and collaboration to drive progress

About CANTO

CANTO is the leading trade association of the ICT sector in the Caribbean, bringing together operators, organizations, and stakeholders to promote innovation, collaboration, and the development of the region’s digital ecosystem. CANTO document

About the Caribbean Association of Banks (CAB)

The Caribbean Association of Banks (CAB) is the representative body for banks and financial institutions in the Caribbean, dedicated to advancing banking‑sector resilience, policy alignment, innovation, and the sustainable development of the region’s financial services industry.

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