Knight Alanbu gestured for the servant to bring chilled wine, speaking slowly, "Jose, you probably don’t understand what a fund is. It’s been popular over in Europe for more than ten years now.

"The Indians are buying it in large numbers, which is a great benefit for us. That will drive up the fund’s yield...

"What is yield?

"Ah, just remember, the more people buy into the fund, the more dividends we can get."

What he didn’t know was that the wealth and trade fund of New Granada, announced by the Spanish Government, with a principal of as much as 2.2 million Escudos, only existed and would continue to exist on the books of the Madrid Ministry of Finance.

According to Joseph’s arrangements, all the propaganda machines in the colonies would soon launch a large-scale campaign touting the fund’s profitability.

Since it’s something that all the noble Peninsula People would hold, it would definitely be snatched up by Creoles and even Caboclos once it’s publicly offered.

Well, in the first year, there will be a purchase limit, with each person able to hold up to 10 shares, valued at about 50 Escudos, or roughly 550 francs.

As the fund invests capital into the plantations, workshops, and ports of Venezuela and Colombia, it will generate massive profits—

After the Madrid Government lifts various restrictions on the colonies, the long-suppressed lower classes will show immense enthusiasm, trying every method to make money, and an explosive economic growth is almost certain to occur.

Those prepared to capitalize on this developmental dividend include not only the New Granada Fund but also the Spanish Royal Family and the San Carlos National Bank, as well as three local banks they control, and the New Granada Stock Exchange.

The banks operate on a purely commercial model, with absolutely no monopoly in operation.

However, due to the colossal scale of the former suzerain, local banks in New Granada find it hard to compete with them, ensuring that most of the premium loans will be claimed by these three banks.

Moreover, the three banks differ greatly in name and field of expertise, and they compete fiercely with each other, even undermining one another, making it impossible to associate them with a monopoly.

As for the Stock Exchange, it is itself a joint-stock company, initially invested by the New Granada Wealth and Trade Fund and the three major banks.

Of course, some shares will be allocated to major cities.

People are generous only when they’re fed. As long as cities like Bogota, Quito, and Cartagena support it, the status of the Stock Exchange is firm.

Moreover, throughout New Granada, from the Peninsula People to the Creoles, there are hardly any talents familiar with the operation of the Stock Exchange.

For at least a decade, they will have to rely on the executives sent from Madrid to maintain daily operations.

Hmm, actually, Madrid’s skill level in the securities field is like that of an "elementary school student".

Currently, the best in this field in Europe are France, England, and the Netherlands. Spain would definitely not trust the latter two to meddle in its own exchange, so at least 60% of the executives will be French people.

If, after managing the Stock Exchange for over a decade, these European executives still can’t grasp the rules of action behind it, they truly deserve to be sent to Nauru to dig "Phosphate Rock".

The financial system and the securities system; these are the "golden geese of finance" Joseph has planned for the Madrid Government.

Baron Monsalve reviewed the fund’s dividend rules attached at the end, and calculating in his mind, found that the dividends his family would receive from the fund were less than 10% of his usual grey income.

For ordinary Peninsula People, the fund dividends were already very generous, but a high-ranking official like him wouldn’t care for such small money.

He immediately pulled a long face, "Money isn’t the issue, the problem is with that so-called ’Executive Officer’, to be elected according to the population of each city. In the future, won’t we be at the beck and call of the Creoles?"

The royal decree mentioned, "The Governor should respect the proposals determined by the Executive Officer to the greatest extent possible," which means that in the future, the Executive Officer’s status and power would be very significant.

Alanbu sighed, swirling his wine glass at his old friend, "Jose, perhaps you could try returning to the homeland.

"You see, you’re not that old, hmm... 46 years old, right?

"While Madrid or Seville may have many restrictions, the newly established provinces of Extremadura, Douro, and Minho offer many opportunities."

He leaned forward and lowered his voice, "I’ve heard that quite a few people are planning to return, at which point everyone can help each other."

He was talking about Extremadura, Douro, and Minho, which were newly acquired Portuguese territories by Spain. Additionally, there were Alentejo, Algarve, and Bella, making a total of 5 new provinces.

The second fallback Joseph prepared for the Peninsula People of New Granada is to have Charles IV permit them to return to Spanish mainland. If they are officials, they can be given equivalent positions domestically.

It’s worth noting, the current South America is not a good place. Poverty and backwardness are the baseline, extreme heat and torrential rains are the norm, mosquitos, leeches, poisonous spiders, and various infectious diseases are the most deadly things.

By comparison, affluent and comfortable Europe is the paradise most desired by all Peninsula People.

However, after being mixed in the colony for so long, most people are reluctant to part with the foundation they built here.

Just recently, the addition of 5 new provinces on the Iberian Peninsula provided these returned Peninsula People with a vast space for development.

Especially for the large number of officials originating from New Granada, they can band together for mutual support here.

As for Portuguese people being possibly difficult to manage?

For colonial officials who deal daily with Creoles, mulatos, and even free blacks, it’s all small issues.

Seeing Baron Monsalve still looking conflicted, Alanbu smiled and said, "At least, after returning, you wouldn’t have to worry about Urban getting involved with that Creole woman."

Urban is Monsalve’s youngest son, who fell in love with a Creole girl last year, causing quite a stir at home.

Baron Monsalve couldn’t help but be moved, "Alright, I will seriously consider it."

After the banquet, Alanbu watched as his old friend left in the carriage. A young noble who had been listening in on their conversation came over, "Uncle, what about us? Should we also return to the homeland?"

"Return to the homeland?" Knight Alanbu chuckled, "Only those with stagnant minds would choose to flee.

"You’ll see, while the Creoles may take away some rights, there will be more opportunities here than ever. I’m planning to make arrangements to get you a position at Janos Bank."

"Banking? What future could that hold?"

"I’ve heard some news that it will soon become very large. Trust me, this will be the best opportunity of your life."

A cheer from the street interrupted their conversation.

Alanbu frowned, "What’s going on over there?"

His nephew immediately replied, "Oh, it’s just those Creoles. This time His Majesty the King rewarded them with a gold mountain."