Beautiful Virgin Islands

Wednesday, Aug 27, 2025

Int'l Financial Services Conference A Success

Int'l Financial Services Conference A Success

Over 100 financial services professionals in the British Virgin Islands, visiting guests and speakers from the United Kingdom, France, the United States, Dubai, Panama, Bahamas, Anguilla, St Kitts and Nevis, participated in the two-day, in-person, Global Currents financial services conference on 17-18 November.
The event honoured the legacy of now-retired BVI Financial Services Commission Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr Robert Mathavious, OBE. During the opening ceremony, Premier Hon Andrew Fahie addressed the conference as did the current MD and CEO of the FSC, Mr Kenneth Baker. Keynote speeches were given by Mr Michael Riegels QC, former Partner of Harneys and the first Chairman of the BVI FSC, and by Dr Mathavious. The conference was chaired by Miss Dawn Smith, Attorney General.

According to a press release, topics covered included global tax in an era of increased nationalism, global Britain; talent management; trends in key markets; and centres of excellence, which all looked to the future of the Territory's financial services industry.

Conference Coordinator, Mrs Lorna Smith, OBE, commented on the significance of the conference, saying: "It was fitting to have such a conference to honour Robert's monumental contribution to our largest economic sector, in keeping with who he is. We were pleased that the conference looked ahead to continue the work of our internationally renowned industry."

The conference was the first major 'in person' forum for Crown Dependencies and Overseas Territories since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic almost two years ago. Stressing the importance of this, Smith said, "It is a significant accomplishment for us to have hosted such a major conference at home in the BVI. COVID-19 has impacted all areas of our lives, but this demonstrates our industry's commitment and determination to support our economy by ensuring BVI business keeps pace with the latest news and trends from leaders in the industry.

"We must also thank the Government – specifically Hon. Carvin Malone and Dr Ronald Georges for assisting us in manoeuvring through the various protocols to ensure a successful and COVID free conference."

Considering the complexities of work in the era of a global pandemic, the conference also successfully hosted industry professionals virtually and incorporated a moderator that hosted a panel from Hong Kong. The conference also featured two panelists from the United Kingdom and the US, all participating virtually.

Conference highlights included the Global Britain panel discussion at which panelists spiritedly discussed the inflection point at which Britain stands in its relationship with the world and its Overseas Territories' financial services business. The Centres of Excellence panel discussed the growth of digital assets and how the BVI can keep pace with such new business while maintaining a robust and well-respected regulatory framework. Eli Han of King & Wood and Mallesons (US) highlighted the critical part BVI Companies play in developing variable-interest entities in both the US and Chinese markets.

The Talent Management segment presented varying views on how to successfully recruit, manage and support the talent that is needed for today's financial services industry, but also provide the creative curiosity and analytical ability to forge the new for the industry and the BVI. The issue of leadership in the industry was another critical point discussed.

Based on comments from delegates, topics selected for the conference, along with the diversity of thought from industry experts, there was every indication that the Global Currents Conference was a top-tier conference experience.

Last week also saw the renaming of H. Lavity Stoutt Community College's (HLSCC) Financial Services Institute (FSI), an initiative of Dr Mathavious, renamed the Robert Mathavious Institute (RMI). Funds raised from the conference's events will be used for scholarships for residents wishing to enter the financial services industry or up-skilling through RMI.

Smith said the sector was generous in their willingness to honour Dr Mathavious and to push forward his legacy through training the next generation.

"The generosity of companies shown through this conference is yet another sign that our industry is strong and that we are looking ahead to secure the future of BVI global business."
Newsletter

Related Articles

Beautiful Virgin Islands
0:00
0:00
Close
Spotify’s Strange Move: The Feature Nobody Asked For – Returns
Manhunt in Australia: Armed Anti-Government Suspect Kills Police Officers Sent to Arrest Him
China Launches World’s Most Powerful Neutrino Detector
How Beijing-Linked Networks Shape Elections in New York City
Ukrainian Refugee Iryna Zarutska Fled War To US, Stabbed To Death
Elon Musk Sues Apple and OpenAI Over Alleged App Store Monopoly
2 Australian Police Shot Dead In Encounter In Rural Victoria State
Vietnam Evacuates Hundreds of Thousands as Typhoon Kajiki Strikes; China’s Sanya Shuts Down
UK Government Delays Decision on China’s Proposed London Embassy Amid Concerns Over Redacted Plans
A 150-Year Tradition to Be Abolished? Uproar Over the Popular Central Park Attraction
A new faith called Robotheism claims artificial intelligence isn’t just smart but actually God itself
Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner Purchases Third Property Amid Housing Tax Reforms Debate
HSBC Switzerland Ends Relationships with Over 1,000 Clients from Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Qatar, and Egypt
Sharia Law Made Legally Binding in Austria Despite Warnings Over 'Incompatible' Values
Italian Facebook Group Sharing Intimate Images Without Consent Shut Down Amid Police Investigation
Dutch Foreign Minister Resigns Amid Deadlock Over Israel Sanctions
Trump and Allies Send Messages of Support to Ukraine on Independence Day Amid Ongoing Conflict
China Reels as Telegram Chat Group Shares Hidden-Camera Footage of Women and Children
Sam Nicoresti becomes first transgender comedian to win Edinburgh Comedy Award
Builders uncover historic human remains in Lancashire house renovation
Australia Wants to Tax Your Empty Bedrooms
MotoGP Cameraman Narrowly Avoids Pedro Acosta Crash at Hungarian Grand Prix
FBI Investigates John Bolton Over Classified Documents in High-Profile Raids
Report reveals OpenAI pitched national ChatGPT Plus subscription to UK ministers
Labour set to freeze income tax thresholds in long-term 'stealth' tax raid
Coca‑Cola explores sale of Costa coffee chain
Trial hears dog walker was chased and fatally stabbed by trio
Restaurateur resigns from government hospitality council over tax criticism
Spanish City funfair shut after serious ride injury
Suspected arson at Ilford restaurant leaves three in critical condition
Tottenham beat Manchester City to go top of Premier League
Bank holiday heatwave to hit 30°C before remnants of Hurricane Erin arrive
UK to deploy immigration advisers to West Africa to block fake visas
Nurse who raped woman continued working for a year despite police alert
Drought forces closures of England’s canal routes, canceling boat holidays
Sweet tooth scents: food-inspired perfumes surge as weight-loss drugs suppress appetites
Experts warn Britain dangerously reliant on imported food
Family of Notting Hill Carnival murder victim call event unmanageable
Bunkers, Billions and Apocalypse: The Secret Compounds of Zuckerberg and the Tech Giants
Ukraine Declares De Facto War on Hungary and Slovakia with Terror Drone Strikes on Their Gas Lifeline
Animated K-pop Musical ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ Becomes Netflix’s Most-Watched Original Animated Film
New York Appeals Court Voids Nearly $500 Million Civil Fraud Penalty Against Trump While Upholding Fraud Liability
Elon Musk tweeted, “Europe is dying”
Far-Right Activist Convicted of Incitement Changes Gender and Demands: "Send Me to a Women’s Prison" | The Storm in Germany
Hungary Criticizes Ukraine: "Violating Our Sovereignty"
Will this be the first country to return to negative interest rates?
Child-free hotels spark controversy
North Korea is where this 95-year-old wants to die. South Korea won’t let him go. Is this our ally or a human rights enemy?
Hong Kong Launches Regulatory Regime and Trials for HKD-Backed Stablecoins
China rehearses September 3 Victory Day parade as imagery points to ‘loyal wingman’ FH-97 family presence
×