Scott Thomson, Scotiabank’s Global president and CEO, during a recent visit to Jamaica unveiled the financial institution’s strategic focus on the Caribbean as a priority area in the bank’s global strategy.

Thomson made the remarks while addressing a special event hosted in Rose Hall, Montego Bay.

“We recently shared our new enterprise strategy and our intention to grow and scale in our priority markets—including the Caribbean, Canada, the U.S., and Mexico. We have an extremely strong team here, and we are recognized as a market leader,” said Thomson.

Speaking at the client soirée in Montego Bay, Audrey Tugwell Henry, president and CEO of Scotia Group Jamaica and SVP for Caribbean North & Central, highlighted the achievements of the financial institution last year.

“At the end of our 2023 financial year, we stood at the top of the podium! Not only in terms of our financial results but also in terms of the external accolades and achievements that we made. We hold the distinction of delivering 134 years of unbroken financial service to Jamaica. We are the only Bank with this distinguished history and such an enduring legacy,” she shared.

Thomson was accompanied by Francisco Aristeguieta, Scotiabank Group head of international banking and the chair of the Scotia Group Jamaica board – Anya Schnoor, who is also executive vice president of Scotiabank’s operations in the Caribbean and Central America region.

The global CEO also engaged with key stakeholders, including the Bank of Jamaica Governor, Richard Byles, and Minister of Finance, Nigel Clarke. These meetings provided a platform for fruitful discussions on the future of the financial sector in Jamaica and the wider Caribbean.

Additionally, Thomson participated in a staff town hall event, where he had the opportunity to engage directly with Scotiabank employees. He visited Scotia Centre, Scotiabank’s flagship branch in Kingston, where he joined the staff for their morning kick-off.

The global CEO’s visit to Jamaica underscores the relevance of the Caribbean region for Scotiabank. With a strong focus on sustainable growth, the bank aims to play a pivotal role in driving economic progress and fostering financial inclusion across the Caribbean.