The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) recorded a net profit of EC$121.6 million for the financial year ended March 31, 2026, while the institution’s foreign reserve assets climbed to EC$6 billion , underscoring the continued strength of the Eastern Caribbean dollar and the financial position of the regional central bank.
The results, released in the ECCB’s 2025-2026 Annual Report, show the Bank maintained solid financial performance despite a year marked by global geopolitical tensions, changing trade policies and economic uncertainty that affected many small open economies.
The Bank’s total assets increased to EC$6.68 billion , up from EC$6.14 billion a year earlier. The increase was driven primarily by a EC$503.5 million rise in foreign reserve assets, while domestic assets grew by EC$40.8 million.
Although the Bank remained profitable, earnings were slightly lower than the previous financial year. The report said the EC$121.6 million profit represented a 3.7% decline , or EC$4.7 million , from the EC$126.2 million earned in 2024-2025.
According to the ECCB, operating income increased during the year, led by stronger net interest income and higher earnings generated from the Bank’s foreign reserve assets. However, those gains were partially offset by higher operating expenses.
The growth in reserves also strengthened the Bank’s balance sheet.
Foreign currency reserves increased from approximately EC$5.5 billion to EC$6 billion by March 31, 2026, while the backing ratio for the EC dollar remained around 97% , continuing to support the fixed exchange rate of EC$2.70 to US$1.
The ECCB said its financial performance came against the backdrop of an Eastern Caribbean Currency Union economy that expanded by an estimated 2.5% in 2025 , with growth supported by tourism and infrastructure investment. Inflation also eased during the latter part of the year, while the regional banking sector remained resilient with strong capital levels, ample liquidity and improving asset quality.
The Bank’s annual report indicates that total equity also strengthened during the year, increasing by EC$37.5 million , or 7.8% , to EC$520.5 million , compared with EC$483 million the previous year.
The increase reflected a EC$25.3 million addition to the general reserve from the year’s profit, along with a EC$12.2 million increase in other reserves, including gains related to the Bank’s defined benefit pension plan.
Governor Timothy Antoine said the ECCB remained focused on maintaining monetary and financial stability despite heightened global uncertainty.
In his foreword, Antoine said changing trade policies, shifting diplomatic alliances and geopolitical tensions reinforced the importance of prudent policymaking and regional cooperation for the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union.
He said the Bank remained committed to preserving monetary stability while advancing financial inclusion, digital transformation and long-term economic development across its eight member countries.
The annual report also outlines the ECCB’s new 2026-2031 Strategic Plan , dubbed “The Big Push: Collective Action for Shared Prosperity in the ECCU,” which seeks to double the size of the Currency Union’s economy over the next decade through investments in food security, renewable energy, connectivity, financial deepening, human capital, digital transformation and a more diversified tourism sector.
This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: Eastern Caribbean Central Bank Records EC$121.6 Million Profit.