ECCU Citizens Can Lend Money to SKN Government and Earn 4.5% Per Annum

The Regional Government Securities Market has partnered with the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank to launch a fresh investment opportunity for citizens of Antigua and Barbuda and the rest of the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union.

Individuals can now invest in the Government of St Kitts and Nevis Retail Bond Programme, with as low as XCD$500.

The money is used to purchase government bonds on the Regional Government Securities Market, meaning it is being lent to the Government of St Kitts and Nevis at an interest rate of 4.5% per annum.

This is more than double the minimum savings rate of 2 per cent on bank deposits.

The term is for two years on the bond, meaning interest is paid periodically and the principal is repaid in full at maturity.

The St Kitts and Nevis Retail Bond Programme was launched on Tuesday at the ECCB’s headquarters in Basseterre, following the launch of the first such programme in Grenada in 2025.

Close to a million dollars in capital was raised in the first two hours, as the auction opened with the symbolic ringing of a bell.

The new initiative seeks to place investment opportunities directly within the reach of households across the ECCU, helping them to build wealth, instead of a singular focus on saving.

Investors can participate through any of the licensed brokers on the RGSM, including ACB Invest in Antigua and Barbuda.

Governor of the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank and Chairman of the Eastern Caribbean Securities Exchange, Timothy Antoine, expects Antigua and Barbuda will also launch a similar programme.