London Daily

Focus on the big picture.
Saturday, May 31, 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

0:00
0:00
Close
Satirical Sketch Sparks Political Spouse Feud in South Korea
Indonesia Quarry Collapse Leaves Multiple Dead and Missing
South Korean Election Video Pulled Amid Misogyny Outcry
Asian Economies Shift Away from US Dollar Amid Trade Tensions
Netflix Investigates Allegations of On-Set Mistreatment in K-Drama Production
US Defence Chief Reaffirms Strong Ties with Singapore Amid Regional Tensions
Vietnam Faces Strategic Dilemma Over China's Mekong River Projects
Malaysia's First AI Preacher Sparks Debate on Islamic Principles
White House Press Secretary Criticizes Harvard Funding, Advocates for Vocational Training
France to Implement Nationwide Smoking Ban in Outdoor Spaces Frequented by Children
Meta and Anduril Collaborate on AI-Driven Military Augmented Reality Systems
Russia's Fossil Fuel Revenues Approach €900 Billion Since Ukraine Invasion
U.S. Justice Department Reduces American Bar Association's Role in Judicial Nominations
U.S. Department of Energy Unveils 'Doudna' Supercomputer to Advance AI Research
U.S. SEC Dismisses Lawsuit Against Binance Amid Regulatory Shift
Alcohol Industry Faces Increased Scrutiny Amid Health Concerns
Italy Faces Population Decline Amid Youth Emigration
U.S. Goods Imports Plunge Nearly 20% Amid Tariff Disruptions
OpenAI Faces Competition from Cheaper AI Rivals
Foreign Tax Provision in U.S. Budget Bill Alarms Investors
Trump Accuses China of Violating Trade Agreement
Gerry Adams Wins Libel Case Against BBC
Russia Accuses Serbia of Supplying Arms to Ukraine
EU Central Bank Pushes to Replace US Dollar with Euro as World’s Main Currency
Chinese Woman Dies After Being Forced to Visit Bank Despite Critical Illness
President Trump Grants Full Pardons to Reality TV Stars Todd and Julie Chrisley
Texas Enacts App Store Accountability Act Mandating Age Verification
U.S. Health Secretary Ends Select COVID-19 Vaccine Recommendations
Vatican Calls for Sustainable Tourism in 2025 Message
Trump Warns Putin Is 'Playing with Fire' Amid Escalating Ukraine Conflict
India and Pakistan Engage Trump-Linked Lobbyists to Influence U.S. Policy
U.S. Halts New Student Visa Interviews Amid Enhanced Security Measures
Trump Administration Cancels $100 Million in Federal Contracts with Harvard
SpaceX Starship Test Flight Ends in Failure, Mars Mission Timeline Uncertain
King Charles Affirms Canadian Sovereignty Amid U.S. Statehood Pressure
Trump Threatens 25% Tariff on iPhones Amid Dispute with Apple CEO
Putin's Helicopter Reportedly Targeted by Ukrainian Drones
Liverpool Car Ramming Incident Leaves Multiple Injured
Australia Faces Immigration Debate Following Labor Party Victory
Iranian Revolutionary Guard Founder Warns Against Trusting Regime in Nuclear Talks
Macron Dismisses Viral Video of Wife's Gesture as Playful Banter
Cleveland Clinic Study Questions Effectiveness of Recent Flu Vaccine
Netanyahu Accuses Starmer of Siding with Hamas
Junior Doctors Threaten Strike Over 4% Pay Offer
Labour MPs Urge Chancellor to Tax Wealthy Over Cutting Welfare
Publication of UK Child Poverty Strategy Delayed Until Autumn
France Detains UK Fishing Vessel Amid Post-Brexit Tensions
Calls Grow to Resume Syrian Asylum Claims in UK
Nigel Farage Pledges to Reinstate Winter Fuel Payments
Boris and Carrie Johnson Welcome Daughter Poppy
×