Due to its strategic location between the Americas, and its safe natural harbours with deep waters, Cura ao always been a centre of commerce and business. The busy free trade zone is a natural extension of the island's international trade industry. The Netherlands Antilles has a well-developed banking system which plays a vital role in both local and international business. Most of the banks have international links, while branches of well-known European and American banks are established in the Antilles. The area's desire to maintain its reputation as a clean, safe business centre is emphasised by the recent implementation of extensive anti-money laundering legislation.
Insurance companies are also well represented.
ABN-AMRO has a branch here, while the locally owned Banco di Caribe N.V. is also well represented. All of these banks have licenses to transact local business while all are also engaged in international business. In addition, there are some 30 or 40 offshore banks, which only transact international business. In addition to commercial banking services in all major international currencies, many of the banks also offer trust services, investment and portfolio management, private banking, international credit cards, insurance and captive insurance services, letters of credit, in fact, all of the banking services a local or international client might require. The Bank van de Nederlandse Antillen, or Central Bank, is responsible for control and regulation over the banking and life insurance business in the Netherlands Antilles.