Recommendations for fintech sector development and leveraging of artificial intelligence and blockchain technology in Aruba

Abstract

This report presents strategic recommendations for the development of Aruba's fintech sector with a focus on leveraging artificial intelligence and distributed ledger technologies. It evaluates Aruba's readiness in the information and communications technology (ICT) sector and the financial sector, comparing key indicators against counterparts in the region, including Curaçao, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago and the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The report highlights strenaths, such as stable democratic traditions, high education levels and a robust banking sector, and weaknesses, such as small market size and regulatory gaps in ICT. The report advocates regulatory modernization, including comprehensive telecommunications sector liberalization, the establishment of regulatory sandboxes and targeted government interventions to support fintech development and encourage innovation. The report also emphasizes the importance of ethical artificial intelligence use and proposes a roadmap for implementing a central bank digital currency. Appendices provide a summary of necessary preconditions and recommended actions to accelerate fintech sector development in Aruba. Ultimately, the report underscores Aruba's potential to become a digital financial hub through collaboration between policymakers, industry stakeholders and international partners.