Local banks are being urged to draw the attention of non-traditional markets as the country awaits the settlement of the corresponding banks issue.
The call by JMMB Merchant Bank CEO Jerome Smalling follows reports that international banks are reportedly withdrawing their services to regional institutions due to heightened fears about money laundering.
Responding to questions from journalists during Wednesday’s Meet the Press segment of the JSE’s 11th Regional Investor’s Conference, Smalling said there is a need to approach non-traditional markets such as China.
Meanwhile, President and CEO of Scotia Group, Jacqueline Sharp says there is a need to prove to corresponding banks that domestic banks are in control of the issue.
She says, like Scotiabank, there is a need to implement strict regulations to govern the movement of funds.
The move by the corresponding banks is expected to significantly reduce the nearly US 10 billion dollars the Caribbean receives in annual remittances. BM