THE Government of Guyana has officially launched the Collateral Registry, a key initiative aimed at enhancing financial inclusion, transparency, and security in the country’s business environment.
The registry, spearheaded by the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce (MINTIC), in collaboration with the Ministry of Legal Affairs, the Commercial Registry, and with support from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), is now fully operational under the Security Interest in Movable Property Act, No. 20 of 2024.
The system allows individuals and businesses to use movable property—such as vehicles, equipment, inventory, consumer goods, farm products, petroleum, minerals, and receivables—as collateral when seeking loans or credit. With the registry active, banks, automotive dealers, retail suppliers, and other credit-based businesses can register their security instruments directly, facilitating more efficient, transparent, and legally enforceable credit transactions.
Subject Minister Susan Rodrigues described the launch as a significant milestone in Guyana’s financial modernisation agenda.
“This initiative forms part of our broader efforts to improve access to credit, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises, women entrepreneurs, and vulnerable groups, by expanding the range of assets that can be used to secure financing,” she said.
The Collateral Registry also represents a major step forward in the government’s digital transformation agenda, reflecting its commitment to modernising financial systems, enhancing efficiency, and promoting greater accessibility to financial services nationwide.
Minister Rodrigues expressed gratitude to the IDB for its financial and technical support, as well as to consultants IOS Partners and Dr. Tom Johnson for their technical assistance.
She also thanked the teams from the Ministry of Legal Affairs—including Attorney General, Hon. Minister Anil Nandlall, S.C., Mr. Reza Manraj, Registrar of Commerce, and Ms. Ananda Dhurjon, Legislative Drafting Consultant—and the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, including Mrs. Safrana Cameron-Baird, Director of Commerce, and Ms. Alicia Robertson, Legal Officer, for their dedication and expertise in implementing the initiative.
The Collateral Registry is expected to simplify lending processes, strengthen the legal framework for credit transactions, and provide tangible benefits to citizens, businesses, and financial institutions across Guyana.