
The Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago has been actively involved in various initiatives to promote financial stability and growth in the country.
One of the key initiatives is the implementation of a robust financial system to safeguard depositors' funds.
The bank has also been working to strengthen the country's financial infrastructure, including the establishment of a payment systems framework.
This framework aims to enhance the efficiency and security of electronic payments in Trinidad and Tobago.
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Governors and Leadership
The Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago has had a long line of dedicated governors who have played a crucial role in shaping the country's monetary policy.
John Pierce was the first governor, serving from 1964 to 1966.
The bank has had a total of 11 governors since its inception.
Here's a list of the governors and their tenure:
- John Pierce (1964–1966)
- Alexander McLeod (1966–1969)
- Victor Bruce (1969–1984)
- Euric Bobb (1984–1988)
- William Demas (1988–1992)
- Thomas Ainsworth Harewood (1992–1997)
- Winston Dookeran (1997–2002)
- Ewart S. Williams (2002–2012)
- Jwala Rambarran (2012–2015)
- Alvin Hilaire (2015–present)
Challenges and Issues
One of the biggest challenges facing the Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago is maintaining the country's economic stability in the face of global economic shifts. The bank has to navigate complex international markets and economic trends to ensure the country's financial system remains robust.
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The Central Bank has to balance the need for economic growth with the need to control inflation, which can be a delicate task. The bank has to make tough decisions about interest rates and monetary policy to achieve this balance.
The bank's efforts to implement anti-money laundering and combating the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) regulations have been hindered by a lack of resources and inadequate infrastructure.
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Challenges
One of the biggest challenges in addressing these issues is the lack of clear data on the problem. This makes it difficult to track progress and understand the full scope of the issue.
The current lack of standardized reporting on this topic means that data is often inconsistent and unreliable. This can make it hard to get a clear picture of what's going on.
In many cases, the root cause of the problem is not well understood, making it harder to develop effective solutions. For example, research has shown that a lack of awareness and education is a major contributor to the issue.

The issue is often exacerbated by systemic barriers that prevent people from accessing the resources they need. For instance, a lack of funding for programs that address the issue can make it harder for people to get the help they need.
In addition to these systemic barriers, individual behaviors and attitudes can also contribute to the problem. For example, research has shown that stigma and shame can prevent people from seeking help.
The lack of a coordinated response to the issue means that efforts to address it are often fragmented and ineffective. This can lead to a sense of frustration and disillusionment among those trying to make a difference.
Trinidad to Remove Columbus Imagery from Banknote
The country of Trinidad and Tobago is taking steps to remove the image of Christopher Columbus from its banknote. The move is part of a broader effort to reevaluate the country's historical narrative.
This decision was made in response to growing criticism of Columbus's legacy. Many people view him as a symbol of colonialism and exploitation.

The removal of Columbus's image is a significant step towards a more inclusive and representative national identity. It acknowledges the country's complex history and its impact on indigenous cultures.
This change is expected to be implemented soon, with the new banknote design featuring a more diverse range of historical figures.
Financial Sector and Regulations
The Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago plays a crucial role in regulating the financial sector of the country.
The bank's main objective is to maintain price stability and promote economic growth, which is achieved through effective regulation of the financial system.
The Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago is responsible for ensuring that all financial institutions operate within the bounds of the law and maintain high standards of integrity and transparency.
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Joint Media Release: Financial Sector Regulators on Pyramid Schemes
Financial sector regulators in Trinidad and Tobago are warning the public about pyramid schemes.
The Trinidad and Tobago Securities and Exchange Commission (TTSEC), the Financial Intelligence Unit of Trinidad and Tobago (FIU), and the Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago (CBTT) have jointly issued an advisory to be cautious about entering into these ventures.
Pyramid schemes are being marketed in Trinidad and Tobago, and the public is urged to be aware of them.
The regulators are advising the public to be cautious about entering into ventures commonly referred to as "pyramid schemes".
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List of Authorised Forex Dealers
The Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago (CBTT) has a list of authorised forex dealers that you can check if you need to conduct foreign exchange transactions.
In accordance with the Exchange Control Act (Chapter 79.50, Section 6[1]), transactions involving the buying, selling, borrowing or lending of foreign currency should only be conducted through authorised dealers.
The CBTT has listed the following institutions as licensed as authorised foreign exchange dealers in Trinidad and Tobago: ANSA Bank Limited, Citibank (Trinidad & Tobago) Limited, First Citizens Bank Limited, CIBC Caribbean Bank (Trinidad & Tobago) Limited, JMMB Bank (T&T) Limited, RBC Royal Bank (Trinidad & Tobago) Limited, Republic Bank Limited, Scotiabank Trinidad & Tobago Limited, ANSA Merchant Bank Limited, Development Finance Limited, Massy Finance GFC Limited, NCB Merchant Bank (Trinidad and Tobago) Limited, and Export-Import Bank of Trinidad and Tobago (EXIMBANK).
Additionally, the following Bureaux de Change operators are authorised to buy and sell foreign currency notes and coins, as well as purchase travellers' cheques: Global Exchange Trinidad and Tobago Limited, GraceKennedy (Trinidad & Tobago) Limited, Massy Remittance Services (Trinidad) Limited, and Millennium Finance and Leasing Company Limited.
EXIMBANK holds a limited-scope authorised dealer license to conduct specific foreign exchange transactions.
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Innovations and Developments
T&T became the first country in the Caribbean Region to adopt the UPI Digital Platform on September 26.
The UPI platform is expected to bring several benefits, including reducing dependence on cash, bringing down the cost of payments, and supporting financial inclusion of the population.
A nationwide fast payments system is missing in T&T, with the Central Bank noting that while there are various options for payments, including cash, online transfers, debit and credit cards, a system for easy, secure, and almost instantaneous transfer of funds using cellphones is lacking.
The Ministry of Digital Transformation and Central Bank are discussing the mechanics of the UPI arrangement with counterparts from India, with the aim of tailoring the implementation to T&T's specific country circumstances.
A pilot is being scheduled for the first half of 2025 to test the system in Trinidad and Tobago and work out details.
Using the UPI-based system in Trinidad and Tobago will be very simple, requiring just a working cellphone, the UPI app downloaded on your phone, and money in your account.
The system is expected to be fully functioning by the end of 2025, allowing for easy, secure, and almost instantaneous transfer of funds using cellphones.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who owns Trinidad central bank?
The Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago is owned by the Government of Trinidad and Tobago, but operates independently. Its autonomy is guaranteed by the 1964 Act of Parliament.
Who makes Trinidad money?
The Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago is responsible for issuing and redeeming the country's currency. It makes decisions on the design and characteristics of notes and coins with the approval of the Ministry of Finance.
Sources
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_Bank_of_Trinidad_and_Tobago
- https://www.centralbanking.com/organisations/central-bank-of-trinidad-and-tobago
- http://tt.loopnews.com/content/central-bank-upi-will-be-game-changer-tt
- https://www.finance.gov.tt/tag/central-bank_tag/
- https://tt.loopnews.com/content/central-bank-publishes-list-authorised-forex-dealers
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