High costs, low demand slow JAM-DEX adoption, says Bankers Association

The Jamaica Bankers Association (JBA) has cited high implementation costs and low customer uptake among factors that have slowed adoption of the central bank’s digital currency, JAM-DEX, by deposit-taking institutions. Bank of Jamaica (BOJ) Governor Richard Byles on Tuesday criticised banks for their slow rollout, noting that Jamaica is pursuing a modern, less cash-dependent society. JAM-DEX was introduced in 2021 and rolled out in phases from 2022, but uptake has been limited.