Barita Expands into Digital Banking
Barita Financial Group is expanding beyond investment services as it prepares to pilot Bric by Barita, a digital-first banking platform designed to make payments and financial services easier to access. The company is transforming from a securities dealer into a broader financial group. It now operates Barita Merchant Bank and Barita Fund Manager, following its […]
Jamaica Is Ending Paper Cheques by 2028
Paper cheques are being phased out in Jamaica, with banks expected to stop issuing and accepting them by March 1, 2028. The transition begins in September 2026, when Scotiabank and First Global Bank will stop processing cheques valued at $1 million or more. The limit will fall to $500,000 in March 2027 and $100,000 in […]
Iran-US Fighting Threatens Oil Prices and Higher Costs for Consumers
Tensions between the United States and Iran are rising again as both sides fight for control of the Strait of Hormuz, a major shipping route for oil and other goods. Iran claims it has closed the strait, while US President Donald Trump says American forces are keeping it open. Shipping traffic is reportedly continuing, but […]
Jamaicans Question Whether Highway Tolls Should Continue After CHEC Land Deal
The Government has finalised the transfer of approximately 1,200 acres of land in Mammee Bay, St Ann, to China Harbour Engineering Company, better known as CHEC. The land forms part of the compensation CHEC received under the 50-year, US$700-million agreement to build and operate Jamaica’s north-south highway. CHEC reportedly plans to use the land to […]
JMMB Group Celebrates Media Partners at Appreciation Brunch
JMMB Group recently brought members of Jamaica’s media community together for an afternoon of food, music and connection at M10 Bar & Grill on Red Hills Road. The media appreciation brunch welcomed reporters, editors, presenters, media influencers and other professionals from across the journalism industry. Guests enjoyed cocktails and Jamaican dishes with a modern twist […]
Building Healthy Money Habits at Home
Children begin learning about money by watching the adults around them. Parents and guardians therefore play an important role in shaping how children think about saving, spending and financial responsibility. One of the best ways to teach good money habits is to model them. Parents can involve children in simple activities such as making a […]
SpaceX Falls Below Its IPO Price
SpaceX shares fell to an all-time low of US$145.20 before closing at US$149.29, below the company’s US$150 market debut price. The decline came despite strong analyst ratings and the company’s addition to the Nasdaq-100 Index, which would normally attract buying from major funds. The lesson is clear: positive news does not always push a stock […]
J$8.9 Billion in Crypto Moved Through Jamaican Banks
Cryptocurrency is already moving through Jamaica’s financial system, even though the country does not yet have a licensed local crypto exchange. According to the Bank of Jamaica, Jamaican banks reported approximately J$8.9 billion in cryptocurrency-related transactions between 2020 and June 2025. That money moved across 296,156 transactions over the five-year period. On paper, that number […]
Scotia’s JSE Exit Raises the J$54 Billion Question for Jamaican Investors
Scotia Group Jamaica is preparing to leave the Jamaica Stock Exchange, and this is a major moment for local investors. The important thing to understand is this: Scotia is not leaving because it is weak. In fact, the company is leaving while it is performing strongly. Scotia earned nearly J$20 billion in profit for the […]
Jamaica Stock Exchange Opens New Door for Small Businesses
The Jamaica Stock Exchange is making a bigger play for small business growth. On June 23, the JSE officially launched its new micro-market platform, designed to help micro and small enterprises raise money from investors instead of depending only on bank loans. This matters because access to capital remains one of the biggest barriers for […]