Barita Investments Limited (BIL) lead by Chief Executive Officer Ramon Small-Ferguson, has completed the acquisition of 100 per cent of the issued share capital of JN Fund Managers Limited (JNFM), marking a significant strategic step in the Group’s long-term plan to expand and strengthen its asset management capabilities across Jamaica and the wider Caribbean.
The transaction, which received regulatory non-objection from the Financial Services Commission, results in JN Fund Managers Limited becoming a wholly owned subsidiary of Barita Investments Limited. The acquisition reinforces Barita’s commitment to building scale in investment management, diversifying recurring revenue streams, and enhancing value for clients under the Cornerstone Group framework.
Strengthening Core Investment Management Capabilities
According to Barita, the acquisition is aligned with its enterprise strategy to broaden product offerings, deepen institutional asset management capacity, and strengthen fee-based income. The integration of JNFM into Barita’s enterprise-wide infrastructure is expected to enhance operational scale while allowing the subsidiary to benefit from Barita’s established risk management and governance frameworks.
Importantly, Barita noted that these frameworks will be extended in a manner that complements and supports the continued authority and oversight of the JNFM Board, signalling an approach focused on stability and continuity rather than disruption.
Leadership Appointment to Support Seamless Integration
Mr. Richardo Williams as Interim Chief Executive Officer of JN Fund Managers Limited,
In connection with the change of control, Barita announced the appointment of Mr. Richardo Williams as Interim Chief Executive Officer of JN Fund Managers Limited, effective January 19, 2026. Mr. Williams will continue to serve as Senior Vice President, Asset Management & Research at Barita Investments Limited, providing a direct operational link between the parent company and its newly acquired subsidiary.
In his interim role, Mr. Williams will report to the Board of Directors of JN Fund Managers Limited as well as to Mr. Ramon Small-Ferguson, Chief Executive Officer of Barita Investments Limited and Managing Director of Barita Unit Trusts Management Company Limited.
Mr. Williams brings nearly 15 years of experience in economic research and financial services, with expertise spanning portfolio management, investment strategy, sales, and financial advisory. He has held several progressively senior roles within the Barita Group, most recently as Vice President, Asset Management & Research. His academic background includes a Bachelor of Science in Economics and Statistics and a Master of Science in Economic Development Policy, both from The University of the West Indies.
Barita indicated that the appointment is intended to support continuity, operational stability, and a structured integration process as JNFM is incorporated into the wider Barita Group.
Focus on Clients, Stability, and Long-Term Value
Barita emphasized that the integration of JNFM will be carried out in a structured and orderly manner, with a clear focus on maintaining service continuity and positive engagement with clients, employees, and counterparties. Clients of JNFM are expected to benefit from access to a broader investment platform and enhanced institutional capabilities as part of the combined entity.
Chief Executive Officer Ramon Small-Ferguson reaffirmed Barita’s commitment to ensuring that the acquisition strengthens the Group’s overall value proposition while maintaining operational discipline and governance standards.
A Strategic Milestone in Barita’s Growth Path
The completion of the JN Fund Managers acquisition represents a meaningful milestone in Barita’s evolution as a diversified financial services group with expanding asset management scale. By bringing JNFM fully into the Group, Barita continues to execute on its strategy of building durable, fee-based revenue streams and enhancing long-term client outcomes across regional markets.
As the integration progresses, the transaction positions Barita to further consolidate its role as a key participant in Jamaica’s investment management landscape, while laying the foundation for broader regional growth.
