KINGSTON, Jamaica — The 20th staging of the Jamaica Stock Exchange (JSE) Regional Conference on Investments and Capital Markets opened with a call to reimagine the future of regional finance.

Marlene Street-Forrest, managing director of the JSE urged attendees to embrace bold thinking and challenge conventional approaches as the region navigates an evolving global financial landscape.

Held under the theme “Safeguarding the Capital Markets: People, Progress, and Opportunities,” the conference celebrates two decades of fostering collaboration and innovation.

“This milestone reflects two decades of advancing our regional financial ecosystem,” Street-Forrest declared.

This year’s discussions are anchored by the sub-theme “Enhancing Financial Products by Innovation for Long-Term Growth”. Street-Forrest highlighted the importance of expanding financial offerings, such as green bonds, sustainability-linked securities and alternative investment funds to attract a broader range of investors.

“We must look beyond traditional models and see innovation as the catalyst for creating long-term value,” she said, pointing to technologies like blockchain and tokenised assets as tools that could reshape the way regional markets operate.

Tailoring financial products for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) was another focal point. Street-Forrest noted that while the Junior Market has delivered success, the region must go further by developing innovative instruments that meet the unique needs of SMEs.

Inclusivity was also emphasised, with Street-Forrest advocating for technology-enabled solutions like micro-investment platforms to open doors for underserved populations.

“To truly make our markets work for everyone, we must ensure access for all,” she said.

Throughout the two-day event, participants will tackle issues ranging from the creation of innovative financial instruments to strategies for ensuring financial resilience in a rapidly changing environment.

— Karena Bennett