On a night filled with anticipation and celebration, some of the BVI’s brightest stars of the financial services sector were honored at the 2024 Financial Services Awards and Cocktail Reception. Held at Prime BVI, this prestigious event brought together industry leaders, innovators, and rising talents to recognize their exceptional contributions to the BVI’s Financial Services industry.
The awards event, put on by BVI Finance, was hosted by Sherri Ortiz, Managing Director of Sterling Group BVI Ltd., and Simon Cross, Insurance Associate at Hyperion. The event blended elegance and professionalism, reflecting the high standards of the nominees and winners.
The awards were determined through a collaborative process involving both industry and public input. Professionals from across the sector nominated those they believed were most deserving in each category, while the public cast nearly 3,000 votes to decide the winners. This year’s competition was especially fierce, with tight races in many categories highlighting the exceptional caliber of talent within the BVI’s financial services sector.
In his remarks to attendees, Premier and Minister for Financial Services, Dr. Hon. Natalio D. Wheatley, stated that “The British Virgin Islands has established its presence and reputation in the global financial services industry. We have been able to hold our own not only because we have one of the most attractive and robust jurisdictions but also because we have great products. The successes we have enjoyed over the past 40 years have been 100 percent due to the people who constitute and run our industry. To the winners of awards in all 15 categories, I congratulate and thank you for your hard work, dedication and innovation. To those who did not win in their categories, I also wish to thank you for your service, and I encourage you to keep developing yourself and blazing your trail in your career.”
Reflecting on the significance of the evening, Elise Donovan, CEO of BVI Finance, stated:
"The Financial Services Awards is one of the most important events on BVI Finance’s calendar. We aim to celebrate the remarkable efforts of the professionals and firms in our industry. Their dedication and hard work are vital to maintaining the BVI’s position as the jurisdiction of choice across the world. BVI Finance congratulates all the nominees and winners and gives a heartfelt thank you to the public for their participation in recognizing the achievements of the sector. The work of the financial services industry is foundational to our economy, contributing more than 60 percent of government revenues."
From Best Corporate Social Responsibility to FinTech Service Firm of the year, this year’s categories recognised the plethora of areas in which the industry offers and provides best-in-class service.
The event also provided a platform for industry professionals to network and celebrate their shared achievements, fostering a sense of community and collaboration.
2024 Award Categories and Winners
• Accounting Firm of the Year: BDO
• Association of the Year: BVI Association of Compliance Officers and Practitioners
• Auditor of the Year: KPMG
• Bank of the Year: National Bank of the Virgin Islands
• Best Corporate Social Responsibility: BDO
• Compliance Officer of the Year: Roschelle Smith, CIBC
• Corporate Services Provider of the Year: Ogier
• Fintech Service Firm of the Year: Ogier
• Insolvency Practice of the Year: BDO
• Insurance Services Provider of the Year: Nagico Insurances
• Law Firm of the Year: Harneys
• Lawyer of the Year: Kimberly Seagojo, Harneys
• Regulator/Competent Authority of the Year: BVI Financial Services Commission
• Rising Star Award: Michelle Smith, Harneys Fiduciary
• Tech Savvy/Innovative Firm of the Year: BVI Financial Services Commission
For further information please contact:
Shamahl A. Smith
Communications and Research Officer
ssmith@bvifinance.vg |Tel: 284-852-1957