No decision has been made regarding the continued issuance and subsequent demonetisation of the 5-cent coin. This is however, under consideration as a cost saving initiative for the country given the cost to produce the 5 cent coin (about 24 cents each); this is similar to the experience with the 1 cent coin, which, at the time that the Bank stopped issuing it in 2017 was costing 21 cents each to produce.
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The Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago continues to expand access to its public education resources. Through the flagship currency education initiative, Know Your Money, the Bank has launched a Spanish-language video, highlighting the security features of our local bank notes, available on the Bank’s YouTube Channel, Instagram and Facebook page.
The Central Bank’s National Financial Literacy Programme (NFLP) kicked off its three-day series on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, welcoming members of the public in-person to an engaging and educational experience. The series themed “Money Matters Made Simple” is one of several outreach activities planned for the year, all designed to deepen public engagement and strengthen financial and money management awareness among citizens of all ages.
Financial literacy is in the spotlight at the N.C.C. John Cupid Carnival Village, where the Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago is actively engaging the public through its National Financial Literacy Programme (NFLP). The NFLP, the Bank’s dedicated outreach initiative, continues its nationwide mission to strengthen financial awareness and promote sound money management among citizens.
The Insurance Act 2018, which is the law governing insurers, requires that the Central Bank take necessary action when an insurance company continues to be insolvent. BAT was unable to improve its financial position in spite of its best efforts, and in this circumstance, liquidation or winding up of the Company is the appropriate course of action to be taken.
Click here to review a list of Frequently Asked Questions related to the liquidation.
The Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago (the Central Bank) advises that it has made an Application for Leave to petition the Court for the winding up of British American Insurance Company (Trinidad) Limited (BAT/ Company). This has become necessary because of the financial position of the Company. BAT’s policyholders will continue to be serviced in the usual way during this process.
The Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago has made an Application for Leave to petition the Court for the winding up of British American Insurance Company (Trinidad) Limited (BAT). This has become necessary because of the financial position of the company. BAT’s policyholders will continue to be serviced in the usual way during this process.
The Central Bank noted the Attorney General’s comments at the sitting of Parliament on January 16, 2026, as the Government laid the Clico Commission of Enquiry Report (the Colman Report) in Parliament.
Please take note of this Update on Currency Bearing the New Coat of Arms, which details implications of the new Coat of Arms for Trinidad and Tobago currency and the introduction of the Series 2026 $100 Banknote with the new Coat of Arms.
Global economic prospects remain modest as persistent geopolitical tensions and trade policy uncertainty dampen economic activity. The International Monetary Fund, in its October 2025 World Economic Outlook, projected world output to expand by 3.2 per cent in 2025, marginally down from 3.3 per cent in 2024. Economic growth in the United States (US) has shown durability, despite challenges in the labour market and above-target inflation. On the other hand, other major economies are experiencing softer economic growth combined with stubbornly elevated inflation.
