This interim report explores the transformative impact of fintech on global financial markets. It delves into the evolution of fintech from its early stages to the present day, highlighting key innovations such as digital banking, cryptocurrencies and artificial intelligence-driven financial services. The report provides an in-depth analysis of international best practices, regulatory frameworks and the role of government and private sector partnerships in fostering a thriving fintech ecosystem. In particular, the report underscores the importance of regulatory frameworks addressing foreign exchange control, consumer protection, data privacy, cybersecurity and competition management. 

With case studies from countries including Estonia, Luxembourg, Mexico and the United Kingdom, the report offers valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities in fintech development. It also discusses the Caribbean experience with fintech and distributed ledger technologies, emphasizing the importance of regulatory sandboxes and digital asset frameworks. Ultimately, the report concludes that a balanced regulatory approach fosters financial innovation while mitigating risks, and that effective collaboration between the public and private sectors is crucial for sustainable fintech development.