Uncorrelated Feature: A CEO’s Perspective Q & A with Sygnus CEO Beris

By Berisford Grey

Company & Vision

How was Sygnus formed, and what was the initial objective behind launching the company?

Sygnus was founded with a clear mission: to redefine access to capital in the Caribbean by pioneering alternative investments. Traditional financial institutions often have more rigid structures that limit businesses’ ability to access the capital they need for growth. Sygnus was formed to bridge this gap, providing flexible and crative financing solutions tailored to the unique needs of companies across various industries.

From the outset, our goal has been to accelerate business expansion and economic development across the region by deploying private capital where it can have the greatest impact. As a firm, we are committed to unlocking value for both businesses and investors, offering a diversified range of alternative investment opportunities that drive growth.

Sygnus has built a reputation as a leader in alternative investments in the Caribbean. What is your vision for transforming the region through alternative investments?

At Sygnus, our vision is to drive the velocity of economic growth using creative financial solutions in the Caribbean and Latin America, creating a more dynamic, resilient, and opportunity-rich financial ecosystem. We see private credit, private equity, real estate finance and impact investing as game-changers for businesses that are often overlooked.

By providing customized financial solutions, we empower businesses to scale faster, create jobs, and drive innovation, leading to a ripple effect of economic transformation. At the same time, we offer investors risk-adjusted returns, helping them diversify their portfolios beyond traditional asset classes.

Ultimately, we want to position the Caribbean as a thriving investment hub, proving that this region is not just a market for consumption and tourism but a center for global capital flow and entrepreneurial success.

What are the biggest gaps in the Caribbean financial markets that Sygnus is addressing for both investors and business partners, and how do you see the alternatives sector evolving over the next decade?

One of the biggest gaps in the Caribbean financial market is the limited access to flexible, growth-focused capital for businesses. Many companies, especially in sectors such as real estate, infrastructure, and manufacturing, require tailored financing solutions that are often inaccessible due to regulatory constraints or risk aversion at traditional institutions. Sygnus fills this gap by offering customized alternative financing solutions, helping businesses expand, innovate, and become more competitive globally.

For investors, the challenge has been a lack of diversified investment options beyond traditional equity markets and government bonds. Sygnus provides investors with access to private credit, real estate, private equity, and impact investments creating new opportunities for wealth creation.

Over the next decade, we see the alternative investment sector in the Caribbean evolving into a mainstream pillar of the financial industry. As more investors look beyond traditional asset classes and more businesses seek alternative financing, the demand for non-traditional capital solutions will continue to grow. Private credit, private equity, and other alternative investments will play an increasingly significant role in portfolio construction and asset allocation while also driving regional economic development. As these investments expand, they will create new sources of alpha in manufacturing, energy, distribution, and infrastructure, ultimately attracting greater participation from international investors.

Investment Opportunities & Market Insights

What unique investment opportunities exist in the Caribbean that global investors might be overlooking?

Many global investors still see the Caribbean primarily as a tourism destination, but the reality is that the region offers diverse and lucrative investment opportunities across multiple sectors. Beyond hospitality, we see strong potential in logistics, renewable energy, manufacturing, infrastructure development, and technology-driven enterprises. The region’s expanding trade networks and digital transformation initiatives are also opening new avenues for investment that remain largely untapped.

What role does alternative investments play in supporting economic resilience and business growth in the Caribbean?

Alternative investments are a critical driver of economic resilience in the Caribbean, particularly as businesses navigate challenges such as limited access to traditional financing, economic volatility, and climate-related risks. By offering flexible capital solutions, we empower companies to scale, innovate, and withstand external shocks more effectively.

In 2024, Sygnus took a major step toward strengthening the region’s resilience by launching the Caribbean Community Resilience Fund (CCRF) in collaboration with the CARCIOM Development Fund. This fund is specifically designed to mobilize private capital for climate adaptation and sustainable economic growth, addressing urgent challenges such as infrastructure development and renewable energy investments. Through CCRF, we are channeling capital into projects that generate financial returns while also creating long-term economic stability for Caribbean nations.

By investing in private credit, real estate finance, private equity, and impact-driven initiatives, Sygnus is helping to future-proof Caribbean businesses, ensuring they have the resources to adapt, expand, and thrive in an increasingly complex global environment. Alternative investments are no longer just an option—they are a strategic necessity for long-term growth and economic resilience in the region.

How do you assess risk in Caribbean markets, and what strategies does Sygnus use to mitigate these risks for investors?

Sygnus employs a rigorous risk assessment process, leveraging deep expertise in deal structuring across industries. We mitigate risks through robust documentation, strategic partnerships with reputable specialists, and proactive credit monitoring to protect portfolio capital. Our structured approach ensures well-managed, high-quality investment opportunities, giving investors’ confidence in the Caribbean market.

Growth & Expansion

Sygnus has expanded its presence across Jamaica, Puerto Rico, and the wider Caribbean. What’s next in terms of market expansion and growth strategy?

Sygnus has always been strategic in its expansion, ensuring that we enter markets where we can drive significant impact for businesses and investors. Having successfully built a strong presence in Jamaica, Puerto Rico, and the wider Caribbean, our next phase of growth involves deepening our footprint in key regional markets.

Puerto Rico has served as a critical gateway for our expansion into Latin America and the broader U.S. market. As we continue to scale, we are actively exploring opportunities to establish a stronger presence in the region, allowing us to connect Caribbean investment opportunities with global capital markets more seamlessly. This move will also enhance our ability to provide cross-border financing solutions, supporting businesses with operations across multiple jurisdictions.

Investor Engagement & Thought Leadership

What would you say to institutional investors and family offices looking to diversify their portfolios with alternative investments in the Caribbean?

I would say that now is the time to act. The Caribbean is undergoing significant economic transformation, and alternative investments provide an excellent avenue for uncorrelated returns and exposure to high-growth sectors. Sygnus offers investors a proven track record, deep market expertise, and a commitment to delivering long-term value.

What advice do you have for investors looking to navigate the Caribbean’s alternative investment landscape successfully?

First, work with the right partners—local expertise is key to navigating the nuances of each market. Second, think long-term—alternative investments require patience, but the rewards are substantial. Third, embrace diversification—the Caribbean offers opportunities beyond tourism, and spreading investments across sectors can enhance returns while managing risk.

At Sygnus, we’re committed to helping investors tap into the full potential of the Caribbean’s alternative investment space, and we welcome those who are ready to explore the opportunities ahead.

Berisford Grey
President & CEO
Sygnus Capital

Sygnus is a leading alternative investment firm in the Caribbean and Latin America, committed to accelerating economic growth across the region, using innovative and creative financing solutions. Alternative forms of investment such as Private Credit, Real Estate Finance and Private Equity are utilized to satisfy the unmet demands for innovative investment opportunities, unlocking capital for growing companies, and plays a critical role in economic development.

With a dynamic and interconnected ecosystem across all business units, Sygnus is defined by a purpose-driven team that delivers unrivalled regional expertise, all underpinned by a robust foundation of corporate due diligence and internal governance.