Telecommunications Services of Trinidad and Tobago (TSTT) has taken a bold step in shaping the future of financial services by partnering with the Co-operative Credit Union League of Trinidad and Tobago (CCULTT). This collaboration is set to accelerate financial inclusion through cutting-edge digital payment solutions, ensuring that all citizens—especially the unbanked and underbanked—have access to secure, modern, and convenient financial services.

At the heart of this partnership is PAYPR, TSTT’s soon-to-launch mobile wallet platform, designed to simplify financial transactions, bridge the digital divide, and transform the way credit unions serve their members. This initiative builds on the success of e-PAY, which enables digital payments for public services, and e-Cashbook, a financial tool for public institutions. With PAYPR, TSTT is bringing financial empowerment directly to consumers and merchants, making transactions seamless, cyber-secure, and accessible with just a smartphone.

A Historic Partnership for the Digital Age

The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), signed on January 22, cements the partnership between TSTT and CCULTT, setting the stage for a financial revolution within Trinidad and Tobago’s Credit Union sector.
Mr. Keino Cox, TSTT’s Assistant Vice-President of Emerging Services and Innovation, underscored the significance of this alliance, calling it “a transformational step toward equipping credit unions with the tools needed to thrive in a digital-first world.” He noted, “Credit Unions are more than financial service providers—they are trusted partners, they foster stability, they build communities, and they create opportunities for many, especially those who have been traditionally underserved. With this partnership, we are not just navigating a digital-first world—we are shaping it.”

Mr. Cox also highlighted that TSTT is the first and only telecommunications provider in Trinidad and Tobago to be awarded a full Electronic Money Institution (EMI) licence, reaffirming its leadership in fintech and commitment to financial inclusion.

“Through PAYPR, we are providing the fintech tools Credit Unions need to enhance their services, create new revenue streams, and appeal to younger generations while remaining sustainable and competitive in an evolving financial landscape.”

Credit Unions: Pillars of Economic Stability

Minister of Youth Development and National Service, The Honourable Foster Cummings, praised the Credit Union movement for its role in fostering financial independence and economic resilience across communities, stating, “Credit Unions have long been a bedrock of economic stability, spanning urban centres, rural villages, and underserved communities. These institutions are not merely financial cooperatives; they are pillars of our social fabric.”

The Minister noted that many citizens face barriers when opening accounts at commercial banks, while credit unions provide a more inclusive and supportive financial environment.

He noted, “Unlike traditional banks, credit unions offer lower interest rates and make it easier for members to access loans. They enable countless citizens to achieve financial stability, acquire homes, pursue education, and even launch businesses that contribute to national productivity.”

Modernising the Credit Union Sector

Mr. Joseph Remy, President of CCULTT, welcomed the collaboration, recognizing its potential to modernise credit unions and ensure their relevance in the digital age.

“This MOU represents a bold step forward in modernising the Credit Union sector. With TSTT’s technology and expertise, we can enhance our ability to serve members, strengthen financial inclusion, and remain competitive in a rapidly evolving financial landscape” stated Remy.

With 129 credit unions and over 763,000 members, this partnership is set to revolutionize the industry by providing a seamless digital experience that aligns with global financial innovation trends.

Empowering Communities, Transforming Financial Access

As TSTT continues to lead the charge in digital transformation, fintech innovation, and financial inclusion, this partnership reinforces its mission to empower communities and build a more inclusive economy for all citizens.

“TSTT is committed to leveraging our technology, resources, and ecosystem to build on the foundation credit unions have set,” Mr. Cox stated. “Together, we will ensure that the next generation of credit union members has access to modern, seamless financial services that empower them to thrive in a digital economy.”

This partnership is not just about technology—it’s about ensuring that financial access is a right, not a privilege. Through PAYPR, TSTT and the Credit Union League are paving the way for a financially inclusive Trinidad and Tobago, where digital solutions are accessible to all.