The International Monetary Fund has welcomed the launch of the regional credit bureau in Antigua and Barbuda, describing it as an important step toward improving access to finance and strengthening financial intermediation.

In a concluding statement following its Article IV consultation mission, IMF staff said the rollout of the credit bureau for commercial banks , with plans to expand coverage to credit unions , will help reduce information gaps between lenders and borrowers that have long constrained credit growth.

The Fund noted that limited access to finance continues to be cited by businesses as a key obstacle, while banks report a shortage of bankable projects and hold a significant share of assets abroad. By improving the availability and quality of credit information, the IMF said the credit bureau should support better risk assessment and broaden lending opportunities, particularly for underserved borrowers.

IMF staff welcomed the ongoing efforts to extend the bureau’s coverage to credit unions , saying wider participation would further strengthen the financial system and improve consistency in credit assessment across institutions.

The IMF said enhanced credit information sharing, alongside stronger supervision and financial literacy initiatives, could help unlock private-sector lending while maintaining financial stability, supporting more inclusive and sustainable economic growth in Antigua and Barbuda.