JSE launches micro market for small firms as JN Bank profit more than triples

The Jamaica Stock Exchange has formally opened a micro market aimed at giving micro and small enterprises a structured, regulated path to raise equity capital. Owner-operated businesses may seek between J$50 million and J$100 million through the platform to support growth and expansion.

Companies listed on the micro market receive a full income tax holiday for the first five years, followed by a 50 per cent income tax concession from years six through ten. The exchange also provides built-in mentorship, operational guidance, and smaller managing committees that act much like a board of directors to guide daily operations and strategy. Further support comes through a JSE sandbox funded by the Inter-American Development Bank, with accelerators including Business Works, the Jamaica Business Development Corporation, and the Small Business Association of Jamaica forming part of the micro market incubator.

JN Bank reported a sharp rise in profitability for the financial year ended March 31, with net profit climbing to J$1.45 billion from J$439 million a year earlier. The bank said the result reflected improved operational efficiency and resilience despite ongoing local economic challenges. Total assets rose by J$286 million, customer deposits grew by J$24 billion to just under J$234 billion, and total equity reached nearly J$30 billion.

For the trading session of June 23, 2026, King Tire Holdings Jamaica Limited led activity with 13,114,984 units traded, representing 44.71 per cent of market sales. Sagicor Select Funds Limited Financial moved 2,736,343 units for 9.33 per cent of sales, while TransJamaican Highway Limited traded 2,501,391 units for 8.53 per cent. Activity remained concentrated in transportation and distribution securities.

Bank of Jamaica data for June 23 showed active foreign exchange trading across major currencies. The US dollar sold at J$158.28 and was bought at J$156.73. The Canadian dollar sold at J$111.69 and was bought at J$110.87. The British pound sold at J$211.69 and was bought at J$204.81.

Separate guidance highlighted financial recovery for people over 50 facing divorce, job loss, or business setbacks. Recovery was framed as building stability from present circumstances rather than returning to a prior position, with emphasis on knowing what you own, understanding cash flow, separating needs from preferences, preserving liquidity, and protecting retirement years. Single-parent entrepreneurs were urged to build cash reserves through paying themselves first, maintaining separate reserve accounts, reducing cash leaks, and setting a reserve target to buffer household and business shocks.