
The Barbados Stock Exchange (BSE) is a significant player in the Caribbean financial market, with a rich history dating back to 1967. It was established as a private company limited by guarantee.
The BSE is the largest stock exchange in the English-speaking Caribbean, with a market capitalization of over $1 billion. Its main goal is to provide a platform for listed companies to raise capital and for investors to buy and sell securities.
The exchange offers a range of products and services, including equities, bonds, and other securities. It also provides a platform for companies to list their shares and access the capital markets.
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Listed and Formerly Listed Companies
The Barbados Stock Exchange has a long history of listed and formerly listed companies. One of the notable listed companies is Almond Resorts Inc., which can be found on the ARI site.
The exchange also lists several financial institutions, including Barbados National Bank Inc. and FirstCaribbean International Bank. Cable & Wireless Barbados Ltd. is another notable listed company.
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Some of the listed companies have their own websites, such as BHL site for Banks Holdings Ltd. and CWBL site for Cable & Wireless Barbados Ltd.
Here is a list of some of the listed companies:
- Almond Resorts Inc. -- ARI site
- Barbados National Bank Inc. -- BNB site
- Cable & Wireless Barbados Ltd. -- CWBL site
- FirstCaribbean International Bank—FCI
- Neal & Massy Holdings Ltd. -- NML site
[Listed, Formerly Listed]
I've compiled a list of listed and formerly listed companies in Barbados. Here are some key points to keep in mind:
Almond Resorts Inc. and ANSA McAL (Barbados) Ltd. are just two of the many listed companies in Barbados, with their own websites available for further information.
Almond Resorts Inc. can be found at the ARI site, while ANSA McAL (Barbados) Ltd. has its own MCAL site.
Here are some of the listed companies in Barbados:
- Almond Resorts Inc. -- ARI site
- ANSA McAL (Barbados) Ltd. -- MCAL site
- Banks Holdings Ltd. -- BHL site
- Barbados Dairy Industries Ltd. (Pine Hill Dairy) -- BDI
- Barbados Farms Ltd. -- BFL
- Barbados National Bank Inc. -- BNB site
- Barbados Shipping & Trading Co. Ltd. -- BST site
- Bico Ltd.—BCO
- Cable & Wireless Barbados Ltd. -- CWBL site
- Cave Shepherd & Co. Ltd. -- CSP site
- FirstCaribbean International Bank—FCI
- Fortress Caribbean Property Fund—CPF site
- Goddard Enterprises Ltd. -- GDE site
- Insurance Corporation of Barbados Ltd—ICBL site
- Jamaica Money Market Brokers Ltd. -- JMMB site
- Light & Power Holdings Ltd. -- LPH site
- Light & Power Holdings Ltd. 5.5% Pref—LPH55 site
- Neal & Massy Holdings Ltd. -- NML site
- One Caribbean Media Ltd. -- OCM site
- Sagicor Financial Corporation—SFC site
- Sagicor Financial Corporation 6.5% Pref—SFC65 site
- Trinidad Cement Ltd—TCL site
- The West India Biscuit Company Ltd. -- WIB site
- West Indies Rum Distillery
- Royal Fidelity TIGRS A Fund—RFTA site
- Royal Fidelity TIGRS A1 Fund—RFTA1 site
In addition to these listed companies, there are also formerly listed companies in Barbados. Some examples include:
A.S. Brydens & Sons Ltd., BWIA West Indies Ltd., and Courts (Barbados) Ltd. are just a few of the companies that were once listed but are no longer.
These companies can be found at the following websites:
- A.S. Brydens & Sons Ltd. -- ASB
- BWIA West Indies Ltd. -- BWIA
- Courts (Barbados) Ltd. -- CTS
- Life of Barbados Ltd—LOB: Now Sagicor Financial Corporation
- RBTT Financial Holdings Ltd. -- RBTT
- GraceKennedy Ltd—GKC
- Sunbeach Communications Inc. -- SBH
No. 6
Cable and Wireless Barbados Limited is a subsidiary of Cable and Wireless (West Indies) Limited, which has a parent company called Cable and Wireless Communications plc. This parent company was acquired by Liberty Global plc in May 2016.
Cable and Wireless Barbados Limited is an integrated telecommunications service provider offering mobile, broadband, TV, data, domestic, and international fixed line service to residential and business customers.
The company was formed in 2002 through the amalgamation of several other companies. It has a significant presence in the telecommunications market in Barbados.
As of June 7, 2018, the market capitalization of Cable and Wireless Barbados Limited was calculated to be $BDS 324,870,726.34, which is equivalent to approximately $US 162,435,363.17.
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Key Features and Partnerships
The Barbados Stock Exchange has made significant strides in embracing technology to enhance operational efficiency and market competitiveness. The exchange is fully electronic, with brokers trading remotely using a secure VPN connection.
The BSE's core trading platform, provided by Estonian firm Percival, consists of two integrated systems: DEPEND and REVENUE. DEPEND manages registrant and shareholder records.
These systems are tightly coupled, allowing for seamless trading and the seamless transfer of securities from the seller to the buyer. This tight integration has significantly improved settlement efficiency.
The BSE has also explored blockchain technology as a potential tool for trading security tokens. However, the regulatory complexities involved have led the exchange to take a cautious approach.
The exchange has been able to prioritize settlement efficiency thanks to platforms like DEPEND and REVENUE. This has allowed them to shorten the settlement cycle from T+5 to T+1.
The BSE has a supportive regulator that works closely with the exchange to ensure regulatory compliance. They let the exchange take the lead on matters under their purview.
Securities listed on the BSE are treated as if they were listed in the UK, providing tax advantages for companies listed on the exchange. This makes it an attractive option for foreign investors.
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Market Reach and Growth
The Barbados Stock Exchange (BSE) is actively working to attract small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to list on the Innovation and Growth Market (IGM) of the BSE.
The BSE is collaborating with the Ministry of Energy and Business (MEB), the Small Business Association (SBA), and the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) to educate and prepare SMEs for listing.
By listing on the IGM, SMEs can access capital to expand their operations and contribute to economic development.
The BSE aims to bring at least 20 SMEs to market and strengthen Barbados' economic landscape by diversifying the exchange's offerings.
The BSE is also championing efforts to integrate the Caribbean's capital markets, recognizing that small individual markets may struggle to attract significant foreign investment.
By fostering collaboration between the major stock exchanges of Barbados, Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago, and the Eastern Caribbean, the region could enhance its global appeal and attract greater levels of direct investment.
The BSE's leadership succession planning will ensure that the next generation of financial professionals is prepared to uphold the BSE's mission and drive future growth.
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Expanding Market Reach and Future Growth

The Barbados Stock Exchange (BSE) is taking steps to attract small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to list on the Innovation and Growth Market (IGM) of the BSE.
The BSE is working with the Ministry of Energy and Business (MEB), the Small Business Association (SBA), and the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) to educate and prepare SMEs for listing.
By listing on the IGM, SMEs can access capital to expand their operations and contribute to economic development in Barbados.
The BSE aims to bring at least 20 SMEs to market through this initiative.
This effort is structured in three phases: an initial awareness campaign, a diagnostic and capacity-building stage, and a final phase focused on raising capital and listing.
The goal is to diversify the exchange's offerings and strengthen Barbados' economic landscape.
The BSE is also championing efforts to integrate the Caribbean's capital markets.
By fostering collaboration between major stock exchanges in the region, the Caribbean can present itself as a cohesive investment destination.
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The BSE is focusing on long-term sustainability by preparing the next generation of financial professionals through leadership succession planning.
The exchange is committed to driving financial innovation, supporting economic growth, and ensuring Barbados remains a competitive player in the global financial landscape.
The BSE is solidifying its role as a leader in the Caribbean's capital markets by embracing technology, strengthening regulatory oversight, and expanding market access.
Top 10
The Barbados Stock Exchange has its fair share of big players, with some companies boasting impressive market capitalization figures.
West Indian Biscuit Company Limited is a 66% subsidiary of the Bermudez Group Limited, a Trinidadian based company.
Caribbean Value Investor calculated BHL's market capitalisation to be $BDS 315,059,686.00, which is equivalent to $US 157,529,843.00 as of June 07 2018.
The Insurance Corporation of Barbados Limited (ICBL) is the largest General Insurance provider in Barbados, offering a range of insurance products including accident, liability, and motor vehicle insurance.
ICBL has over 2300 Barbadian Shareholders representing 30% in equity, with the Barbadian Government owning a further 10%.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to buy shares in Barbados?
To buy shares in Barbados, you must contact a Registered Broker who is authorized to facilitate trades on the Barbados Stock Exchange. Find a Registered Broker to start buying shares today.
What is the name of the Barbados Stock Exchange?
The Barbados Stock Exchange is commonly known as the BSE. It was previously known as the Securities Exchange of Barbados.
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