A weak economy combined with slightly rising inflationary pressure will enable the CBCS to keep monetary policy relatively loose, despite an increase in the pledging rate (the main policy rate) of 50 basis points, to 2%, in 2018. However, monetary transmission mechanisms are weak, and policy rate decisions have only a limited effect on economic performance.

Despite a decision in 2011 by the Staten to dissolve the CBCS and establish a central bank solely for Curaçao, reform of the currency union and the creation of an independent central bank will remain medium-term goals.

On the banking side, the IMF has urged both Sint Maarten and Curaçao to strengthen financial supervision and transparency, as well as to share tax information, given the islands' status as regional financial centres. This will help to address reputational concerns stemming from high levels of fraud, tax evasion and money laundering.