The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) has recorded a net profit of EC$121.6 million for the financial year ended March 31, 2026, while foreign reserve assets climbed to EC$6 billion — underscoring the continued strength of the Eastern Caribbean dollar and the institution's overall financial position.
According to Antigua News Room, the figures were released in the ECCB's 2025-2026 Annual Report, which shows the Bank maintained solid financial performance despite a year marked by global geopolitical tensions, shifting trade policies and broader economic uncertainty that weighed on many small open economies.
The Bank's total assets rose to EC$6.68 billion, up from EC$6.14 billion the previous year. The growth was driven primarily by a EC$503.5 million increase in foreign reserve assets, with domestic assets contributing a further EC$40.8 million rise.
Although the Bank remained profitable, earnings dipped slightly compared to the prior year. The EC$121.6 million profit represented a 3.7 percent decline — or EC$4.7 million — from the EC$126.2 million recorded in the 2024-2025 financial year.
The ECCB reported that operating income increased during the period, led by stronger net interest income and higher earnings from foreign reserve assets. However, those gains were partially offset by higher operating expenses.
Foreign currency reserves grew from approximately EC$5.5 billion to EC$6 billion by March 31, 2026. The backing ratio for the EC dollar held at around 97 percent, continuing to support the currency's fixed exchange rate of EC$2.70 to US$1.
The Bank said its performance came against the backdrop of an Eastern Caribbean Currency Union economy that expanded by an estimated 2.5 percent in 2025, supported by tourism growth and infrastructure investment. Inflation 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.
Total equity also strengthened during the year, rising by EC$37.5 million, or 7.8 percent, to EC$520.5 million — up from 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.
ECCB Governor Timothy Antoine said the Bank remained focused on maintaining monetary and financial stability in the face of heightened global uncertainty. In his foreword to the annual report, Antoine noted that changing trade policies, shifting diplomatic alliances and geopolitical tensions reinforced the importance of prudent policymaking and regional cooperation across the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union.
Antoine 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, titled "The Big Push: Collective Action for Shared Prosperity in the ECCU." The plan seeks to double the size of the Currency Union's economy over the next decade through targeted investments in food security, renewable energy, connectivity, financial deepening, human capital, digital transformation and a more diversified tourism sector.
