INVEST SMART CARIBBEAN 2026-The Caribbean Investment Bridge

An in-person forum connecting Caribbean diaspora investors, financial institutions and partners to strengthen investment and regional resili
About this Event

INVEST SMART CARIBBEAN 2026: The Caribbean Investment Bridge is an in-person convening for the Caribbean diaspora, financial institutions, U.S. policymakers, development partners, and the private sector.

Event Details

Convened by the Institute of Caribbean Studies (ICS), the event takes place November 19–20, 2026, in Washington, D.C. Its focus is mobilizing diaspora investment, strengthening Caribbean finance, and building resilience.

Why Now

Reductions in U.S. development assistance, including the dismantling of USAID programs, are increasing pressure on Caribbean governments, communities, and development institutions. Needs in healthcare, education, disaster preparedness, small-business development, and social protection cannot be met through traditional public financing alone.

Caribbean people abroad contribute capital, expertise, business relationships, and social investment. Remittances demonstrate their commitment, but primarily support families and should not replace development assistance. The opportunity is to create additional, voluntary, and credible channels for diaspora investment. Correspondent banking pressures, transaction costs, regulatory complexity, limited investment products, and investor-confidence concerns remain barriers.

Mission and Objectives

The mission is to strengthen financial and institutional connections among the Caribbean diaspora, Caribbean financial institutions, U.S. policymakers, development partners, and the private sector—mobilizing investment and partnerships for economic opportunity, social development, and long-term resilience.

The objectives include strengthening U.S.–Caribbean financial cooperation on correspondent banking, cross-border payments, international taxation, and regulatory barriers.