Gregory Fisher is a finance expert and philanthropist whose extraordinary support for Jamaica’s development has earned him the 2025 National Development Award. A Managing Director at Jefferies Financial Group, Fisher has spent over four decades in the securities industry, specializing in emerging markets and championing investment in the Caribbean. In his current role with Jefferies’ Private Wealth Management division, he advises on fixed income and capital market opportunities, bringing global investors into closer engagement with the Caribbean region. Over the years, he has been instrumental in raising international confidence in Jamaica’s economy, frequently highlighting the nation’s fiscal turnaround and stable outlook to global audiences. Indeed, Mr. Fisher is a familiar figure at the Jamaica Stock Exchange’s annual conferences, where his insightful analyses of Jamaica’s economic reforms have earned him recognition as a “Caribbean bond king” in financial circles.
Mr. Fisher’s relationship with Jamaica spans decades. He first began working with Jamaican financial markets in the 1990s, when the country faced economic challenges. Through consistent engagement and advisory roles, he witnessed and supported Jamaica’s transformation from a high-debt economy to a model of fiscal discipline. Speaking at forums and in media, Gregory Fisher has praised Jamaica’s reduction of its debt-to-GDP ratio and its emergence as a “glowing gem” among Caribbean economies. His advocacy has not only bolstered Jamaica’s reputation on Wall Street but also helped attract investments that contribute to the island’s development. He joined Jefferies in 2015 after senior roles at Bear Stearns and Oppenheimer & Co., where he focused on Caribbean and Central American markets. In these roles, he often bridged U.S. capital with Caribbean projects, facilitating funding for infrastructure and business expansion in the region. His deep expertise and belief in Jamaica’s potential have made him an invaluable advisor to policymakers and a respected voice on Caribbean financial matters.
Beyond finance, Gregory Fisher is also celebrated for his philanthropy and personal generosity towards Jamaican causes. Described as a “benefactor” by Jamaica’s Consul General, he has quietly supported various charitable initiatives that improve lives on the island. He has been involved in funding educational scholarships for Jamaican youth and contributing to community development programs, reflecting his heartfelt commitment to the country’s social progress. Mr. Fisher’s charitable donations in Jamaica, often given without fanfare, have aided institutions in healthcare and education, helping to bridge resource gaps in underserved communities. His approach combines financial acumen with compassion – recognizing that sustainable national development requires investing in people as much as in markets.
In recognition of his long-standing and ongoing support for Jamaica’s national development in both the financial sector and civic sphere, Gregory Fisher will receive the Independence Gala’s National Development Award. This honor underscores how his expert guidance in economic matters and his benevolence in charitable endeavors have collectively made a profound impact on Jamaica’s trajectory. Although not of Jamaican birth, Mr. Fisher exemplifies the ideal “friend of Jamaica” – someone whose dedication to the nation’s success rivals that of any native son or daughter. He often notes that Jamaica’s success story in fiscal reform is “no small accomplishment” and merits continued support and vigilance. Colleagues credit his optimism and insight as key factors that have encouraged many investors to view Jamaica as a stable and attractive destination.
Gregory Fisher’s unique blend of professional expertise, personal passion for Jamaica, and philanthropic spirit has fostered opportunities and hope. His enduring partnership with Jamaica stands as a model of international engagement, making him a deserving honoree whose work continues to empower Jamaica’s present and future.