CIS25 shaping the future of citizenship by investment

Hot on the heels of Antigua’s successful hosting of the Fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS4) last year, the island is further cementing its reputation as a hub for global and regional events. With its gleaming new conference facilities at the American University of Antigua (AUA), Antigua will welcome the Caribbean Investment Summit ‘25 (CIS25) from 22nd to 26th April – an event dedicated to discussing the evolution of citizenship by investment programmes (CIP) and their role in economic sustainability.

Under the tagline “Integrity. Stability. Sustainability”, CIS25 is set to bring together key stakeholders, including government leaders, CBI executives, due diligence firms, investment migration experts, and financial professionals. With an industry that’s constantly evolving, CIS25 promises to be more than just another talk shop; it’s a place where key decisions will be made about the future of CBI in the Caribbean and beyond. With CIPs having become a lifeline for many small island economies, the conversations at CIS25 will centre on how these initiatives can continue to fuel national development, finance critical infrastructure, and create economic resilience. But it’s not all smooth sailing. These programmes have come under increased global scrutiny, and ensuring their longevity will require an unwavering commitment to best practices, transparency, and sound governance.

One of the hottest topics on the agenda is the push for regional standardisation. While each Caribbean nation has its own distinct identity and appeal, the region’s industry leaders believe that adopting common standards could strengthen the industry’s credibility and influence on the global stage. Charmaine Quinland-Donovan, CEO of Antigua & Barbuda’s Citizenship by Investment Unit, has stressed that standardisation doesn’t mean uniformity but rather a way to transform competition into collective strength. Drawing comparisons to the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union’s uniform Banking Act, she argues that shared regulatory frameworks have long proven their ability to bolster financial institutions while still allowing for healthy competition. Applying the same approach to CIPs, Caribbean nations are now working to align due diligence measures, share intelligence on potential risks, and even explore the idea of a regional regulatory body to ensure that high standards are upheld across the board. With integrity as one of the conference’s central themes, discussions will focus on what this looks like in practice, particularly within a regional context. The idea of harmonising due diligence processes is gaining traction, ensuring background checks across the region are aligned and meet the highest international standards. Integrity remains a major talking point, with discussions expected to cut straight to the heart of what this means in practice. With the industry facing increasing scrutiny, Caribbean nations must not only talk the talk but prove to international partners that their programmes are built on solid ethical foundations.

Like all conferences that Antigua hosts, CIS25 is also expected to generate immediate economic benefits for the country, with an influx of high-level delegates driving demand for accommodation, dining, and transportation. The hospitality sector, including hotels, restaurants, and tourism operators, will see direct gains, reinforcing the island’s reputation as a premier location for business and investment-related events.

The conference agenda is packed with high-level panel discussions and keynote speeches from leading voices in investment migration, governance, and financial compliance. From due diligence innovations to evolving regulatory frameworks and emerging investment opportunities, CIS25 will tackle the most pressing issues shaping the future of investment migration. Attendees will include representatives from Caribbean citizenship by investment units, global financial institutions, compliance experts, and legal professionals - key players in steering the industry forward.

CIS25 also shines a spotlight on how CIPs have played a role in helping small island states diversify their economies. With tourism often the dominant industry, these programmes have provided an essential alternative revenue stream, helping to fund projects in healthcare, education, and climate resilience. As economic storms continue to brew globally, the question of how CIPs can be refined to provide even greater long-term benefits will be front and centre at this year’s summit.

With its breathtaking beaches, rich history, and vibrant culture, Antigua offers the perfect setting for deep discussions by day and unforgettable experiences by night. Against this backdrop, CIS25 will bring together decisionmakers to shape the future of investment migration, ensuring CIPs remain credible and continue to drive prosperity for the nations that rely on them.

For more information, visit www.CIS25.com