WILLEMSTAD - The sale of Banco di Caribe is a lot more difficult than expected. There would be a lot of discussion going on within the Central Bank of Curaçao and Sint Maarten (CBCS). According to sources close to the deal that there are pros and cons to selling.
According to insiders, the unrest will not remain without consequences. That would already be visible since Banco di Caribe has lost the status of 'Correspondent Bank' for a Dutch bank.
In addition, according to sources, it seems that 'a game' is being played about the selling price. Insiders from the financial sector estimate the current book value of Banco di Caribe at around 180 million, nevertheless the agreed price for Banco di Caribe would be only 120 million.
Financial experts do not understand the price difference and are now also questioning the role of CBCS. CBCS is the selling party, but nevertheless it seems as if CBCS is helping the buyer. In addition, CBCS itself has two warring groups. One group absolutely does not want to sell Banco di Caribe and certainly not at such a ridiculously low price, while the other group is actually in favor of the sale.
The financial sector wonders what 'favor' is granted after the sale.