Caribbean lenders still face challenges to growth, as shown in The Banker's Top 50 Caricom Banks ranking for 2016, but many have turned the corner in terms of profits. 

The Bahamas' ability to create investment products quickly in response to clients' specific needs gives it an advantage as an international financial centre, though greater communication efforts may be needed to convince its critics regarding the country's compliance with international regulation. The discussion was sponsored by the Bahamas Financial Services Board, Equity Bank and Trust, Deltec and the Bahamas Ministry of Financial Services and independently edited by The Banker.

Bank earnings across the Caribbean are down, as the region's lenders continue to struggle against a difficult economic backdrop. But there are still some bright spots, with a handful of banks managing to boost their asset base and retain impressive profitability.

Growing public debt, falling GDP rates and rising unemployment are casting a shadow over the Caribbean region. Banks are responding by raising capital and many are still delivering good returns.