NOVEMBER 19, 2024
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SYGNUS CHAMPIONS ACCESS TO FINANCE FOR CARIBBEAN GROWTH AT UK CARIBBEAN TRADE AND INVESTMENT FORUM
(Central London, United Kingdom) – Sygnus, the Caribbean’s leading alternative investments firm, participated in the UK Caribbean Trade and Investment Forum, where the firm spotlighted its commitment to expanding access to capital for medium-sized businesses across the region. This two-day event (November 6 & 7) focused on pivotal issues such as Sustainable Infrastructure, Renewable Energy and Core Infrastructure Development, and included a notable session on A Spotlight On The Jamaican Opportunity with Senator the Honourable Aubyn Hill, Jamaica’s Minister of Industry, Investment, and Commerce. Sygnus President and CEO Berisford Grey, joined a panel on Access to Finance, exploring innovative solutions to bridge critical financing gaps in the Caribbean.
Grey engaged with leading figures, including Michelle Ottey, Senior Investment Officer of International Finance Corporation’s Public-Private Partnerships Transaction Advisory Services; Gregory N. Hill, Vice-President of Finance and Corporate Services at the Caribbean Development Bank; and Clarine Stenfert, Head of Trade Finance at Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA), World Bank. Together, the panel examined both traditional and emerging financing mechanisms, such as non-banking solutions and private equity, highlighting the essential role of diversified capital sources in unlocking the Caribbean’s economic potential.
Speaking at the Forum, Grey noted, “Access to financing is critical for developing both small and large projects in the Caribbean. Capital acts as the fuel for progress, and equity, though riskier, is essential to spark transformative initiatives. It’s crucial that capital flows freely across diverse sectors, from infrastructure to fast-growing companies. To achieve this, we need to break down barriers to investment, streamline access, and create structures, like funds, that pool resources and manage risks, ultimately driving sustainable growth across the region.” Grey added that, through Sygnus, the CCRF offers a distinct advantage over traditional financing while prioritising sustainable growth and resilience. “Through initiatives like the Caribbean Community Resilience Fund (CCRF), Sygnus is offering tailored capital solutions that adapt to the unique needs of businesses and economies, prioritising resilience and long-term growth.”
As part of its commitment to supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), Sygnus recently secured a US$9 million guaranty by the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation. This financing partnership will also target underserved firms, particularly those owned and managed by women. This guaranty, combined with the CCRF, demonstrates Sygnus’ dedication to fueling inclusive economic growth in the Caribbean through innovative financial solutions.
Attending alongside Grey were Sygnus’ EVP and Chief Investment Officer, Jason Morris and Senior EVP and Head of Investment Banking, Gregory Samuels, whose presence underscored Sygnus’ dedication to advocating for alternative investments and catalysing private sector engagement within the Caribbean.
This exposure at the UK Caribbean Trade and Investment Forum aligns with Sygnus’ mandate to harness alternative financing solutions that empower regional businesses and support economic development. Sygnus’ participation at the forum also aligns with its ongoing strategy to amplify access to capital and deepen relationships with public and private entities.
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About Sygnus
Sygnus is a leading alternative investment firm in the Caribbean and Latin America, dedicated to driving economic development across the region through creative and innovative financing solutions. By offering a range of investment alternatives, including private credit, real estate financing, and private equity, Sygnus addresses unmet demands, unlocking capital for growing enterprises and playing a pivotal role in regional economic growth. The cutting-edge alternative investment (AI) platform is fueled by transformative strategies designed to accelerate development across the Caribbean and Latin America. This platform is backed by a team of forward-thinking experts who craft tailored solutions for our clients, complemented by dedicated investment banking and wealth management services. Sygnus also provides specialised services in Puerto Rico through Sygnus Capital PR LLC, formerly known as Acrecent Financial. As of December 2023, the company expanded its offerings, reaffirming its commitment to delivering innovative and personalised financing solutions that foster the island’s economic growth.
