Global overview of experiences in fintech development and administration: interim report on the fintech regulatory environment in Aruba

This interim report assesses Aruba's potential to leverage fintech, distributed ledger technology and artificial intelligence, by examining the current state of digital regulation on the island. It provides an in-depth overview of the fintech regulatory environment in Aruba, assessing key legislative and institutional frameworks that support digital financial services. In particular, it reviews the regulatory frameworks related to telecommunications, banking, finance and competition management, highlighting the impact of these regulations on business sentiment and investment appetite. The results of the analysis underscore gaps in Aruba's existing regulations, particularly in areas such as universal service, digital inclusion and oversight of electronic commerce and privacy protections. The report includes findings from stakeholder consultations held in February 2025 that emphasize the need for a supportive environment to develop trust in digital services. Ultimately, the report calls for a more comprehensive approach to regulatory frameworks, with a focus on enhanced oversight, market incentives and strategic reforms to encourage financial innovation, and suggests that addressing regulatory gaps and fostering competition would create a more conducive environment for fintech expansion and financial sector modernization in Aruba.