By Belize Live News Staff: The IMF is calling on Belize to introduce a fully market-based auction system for Treasury Notes—arguing that the country’s current setup is limiting access to domestic private sector finance and leaving too much cash idle.
Under the proposed reform, Treasury Notes would be auctioned off in an open, competitive environment—letting market forces set prices and yields. This shift would help absorb excess liquidity in the financial system, give the government more efficient access to local financing, and strengthen the country’s ability to build up much-needed international reserves.
It would also open the door for institutional investors like the Social Security Board to diversify beyond cash-heavy holdings. Instead of sitting on cash, the SSB could put its funds to work in safer, higher-yield government instruments—boosting the long-term viability of the General Social Security Scheme.
Belize has the liquidity. Now it needs the mechanism. A market-based auction system isn’t just a financial upgrade—it’s a step toward long-term fiscal strength and smarter investment.
