CBCS Starts Implementation of Sint Maarten Deposit Guarantee Scheme
PHILIPSBURG/WILLEMSTAD – The Centrale Bank van Curaçao en Sint Maarten (CBCS) is implementing the Deposit Guarantee Scheme (DGS) for Sint Maarten following the publication of the national decree on August 14, 2026 (AB 2026, no. 29). On the same date, the Minister of Finance of Sint Maarten signed a ministerial regulation further elaborating the DGS (AB 2026, no.31).
The DGS for Sint Maarten will enter into effect on September 28, 2026. With the introduction, depositors throughout the monetary union will be covered by a deposit guarantee scheme, further strengthening confidence in the financial system and the stability of the monetary union.
The DGS legislation applies to credit institutions licensed by the CBCS to conduct the business of a credit institution in Sint Maarten. The DGS protects depositors if a credit institution can no longer meet its obligations. Deposits are protected up to Cg 50,000 per account holder per bank and up to Cg 25,000 per account holder per credit union.
The DGS ensures that affected account holders receive the protected portion of their deposits within 20 business days. Funding for this purpose is provided by the Deposit Guarantee Fund (DGF), which will be managed by the Deposit Guarantee Fund Foundation Sint Maarten, established by the CBCS. Credit institutions are required to make regular annual contributions to the DGF based on the volume of guaranteed deposits held at each institution. The CBCS and the DGF Foundation will be jointly responsible for carrying out the tasks and activities related to the DGS.
The CBCS will continue to work closely with relevant stakeholders to inform the public about the functioning and benefits of the DGS. To support this effort, the CBCS has launched a dedicated DGS website, which provides detailed information. For more details, please visit www.dgs.sx or contact the DGS helpdesk via DGS@centralbank.sx. To further enhance public understanding, the CBCS will launch a public awareness campaign later this year.
