In the future, entrepreneurs in Suriname should be able to gain easier access to business financing by using movable assets, such as vehicles, machinery and inventory, as collateral.
The Ministry of Economic Affairs, Entrepreneurship and Technological Innovation (EZOTI) is working with the World Bank on reforms intended to improve the business and investment climate.
In this context, EZOTI and the World Bank organised a stakeholder workshop on Tuesday, November 10, 2026. The meeting focused on the proposed Movable Securities Act and the establishment of a Register for Movable Securities. Both reforms are intended to contribute to a more modern financing system, under which more entrepreneurs may qualify for business loans.
Machinery and vehicles also as collateral
Within the existing financing system, entrepreneurs seeking credit are largely dependent on immovable property, such as land and buildings, which can serve as security with banks and other lenders. This particularly poses an obstacle for start-up entrepreneurs and small businesses, as they do not always own immovable property.
The proposed legislation is intended to change this. Entrepreneurs would henceforth also be able to offer movable assets, including machinery, vehicles, commercial inventory and outstanding receivables, as security when applying for financing. This could enable companies that have business assets but do not own land or buildings to gain easier access to credit.
Digital register intended to provide certainty
An important part of the reforms is the introduction of a digital and publicly accessible Register for Movable Securities. Through this register, lenders can determine whether certain goods have already been registered as collateral and whether existing security interests apply to them. The system is therefore intended to provide greater transparency and legal certainty. It should also make it clearer which lender has priority when multiple parties claim the same goods. In addition, the legal framework should clarify the handling of payment arrears and the distribution of proceeds when collateral must be sold.
Better access to existing financing
According to the principles of the reform, the aim is not necessarily to increase the amount of capital available in Suriname, but rather to make existing financing options more accessible. By accepting more types of assets as collateral, lenders may be able to serve a broader group of entrepreneurs.
Small and start-up businesses in particular may benefit from this, as they generally have fewer opportunities to offer traditional forms of security.
Stakeholders involved in further development
During the workshop, the parties involved discussed possible bottlenecks and points for attention in implementing the new regulations. Recommendations were also collected to contribute to the further development and implementation of the reforms. EZOTI intends to use this input to further finalise the proposed legal arrangements and prepare their practical application. It is not yet known when the new legislation will actually enter into force and when the digital register will become operational.
