Maldives’ Minister of Finance and Planning Moosa Zameer called for the development of a well-functioning domestic capital market with broad participation, arguing it would strengthen the economy and enhance financial security for the public. Speaking at the Maldives Finance Forum 2025, he highlighted the financial system’s continued heavy reliance on banks despite year-on-year economic growth. He said banks alone cannot meet the country’s financing needs across infrastructure, trade, housing, tourism and the emerging blue economy, and that public finance is insufficient to cover development project costs. The minister also stressed strengthening domestic revenue systems and reducing reliance on foreign aid and loans, and urged the introduction of more diverse investment products including bonds, sukuk, and green and blue bonds aligned with sustainability goals, alongside improved capital market access for small and medium enterprises and women-led businesses.

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