WILLEMSTAD – Cybercrime and artificial intelligence are emerging as major threats to financial stability in Curaçao and Sint Maarten, according to the Centrale Bank van Curaçao en Sint Maarten (CBCS).
In its Financial Stability Report 2026, the Central Bank warns that rapid technological developments, including generative AI and deepfake technology, are increasing cyber risks worldwide and exposing financial institutions to new operational and systemic threats.
The CBCS states that cybercrime is now considered one of the top financial stability risks internationally and warns that the Caribbean monetary union is not immune to these developments.
According to the report, global cybercrime costs were estimated at approximately 10.3 trillion dollars in 2025.
The Central Bank notes that geopolitical conflicts and advances in artificial intelligence are making cyberattacks more sophisticated and more difficult to detect. Financial institutions worldwide increasingly face risks ranging from operational disruptions and fraud to large-scale attacks on payment systems and digital banking infrastructure.
The report also highlights growing concerns over AI-generated deepfakes and other technologies that can be used to manipulate identities, financial transactions, and communications.
The CBCS warns that cyber incidents can threaten financial stability through several channels, including loss of public confidence, disruptions to essential services, and risks linked to the interconnectedness of the financial system.
According to the report, the operational costs of protecting financial institutions against cyber threats are also rising rapidly, creating additional pressure on banks, insurers, and pension funds.
The Central Bank says financial institutions in Curaçao and Sint Maarten must continue strengthening cybersecurity, operational resilience, and risk management systems as digitalization accelerates.
The CBCS itself is currently developing new guidance and supervisory measures related to cybersecurity, third-party technology providers, operational resilience, and artificial intelligence within the financial sector.
The report emphasizes that cyber risk is expected to continue increasing in the coming years, even if geopolitical tensions ease globally.