The news comes as Saba continues to advocate for more reliable, accessible, and modern banking options for residents, entrepreneurs, and visitors. In recent years, the limited availability of financial services has presented challenges, particularly for cash access, mortgages, digital banking, and support for local economic development.
The Public Entity sees the announcement from ING as a positive and timely development that aligns with ongoing efforts to strengthen the island’s financial infrastructure and improve service equity across the Caribbean Netherlands.
Commissioner Bruce Zagers said that the availability of quality banking services on Saba has long been one of our greatest challenges. “Just last week, the Dutch National Bank (DNB) announced a positive first step, with the plans to improve access to cash by installing additional ATMs later this year. Today’s news, however, marks a truly monumental development.
As Commissioner, the improvement of banking services has been a consistent priority, especially since the quality of financial services began to significantly decline several years ago. Banking is not a luxury; it is a basic necessity for any community seeking to grow and thrive.
While solutions have proven to be complex and efforts to work with existing local partners were thoroughly explored, we never stopped advocating for better options. That’s why ING’s announcement, to not only serve the islands of Saba and Statia, but to establish physical branches, is such welcomed news.
Of course, there is still much to be done, and many questions remain. But this is undeniably a major step forward. I am deeply grateful to the decision makers of ING who agrees that our small islands also need quality banking services, and to all who worked persistently behind the scenes, across political and ministerial levels, to help bring this long-awaited progress to our islands.”
The Public Entity remains committed to working closely with all relevant stakeholders, including ING, De Nederlandsche Bank (DNB), and the Ministry of Finance, to ensure that future banking services meet the needs of the Saban community. The intention is to create a stable and customer-oriented financial ecosystem that enhances both personal banking experiences and business operations.
Further updates will be provided as discussions with stakeholders continue and additional information becomes available.
For more information, contact:
Public Entity Saba
Email: info@sabagov.nl
