Centered around the theme of navigating the future and building legacies, the 2025 STEP Caribbean Conference brought together many of the region’s leading professionals in trusts, estates, and wealth management—with the British Virgin Islands (BVI) taking a prominent role in the dialogue. BVI Finance proudly returned as a sponsor of the STEP Caribbean Conference, held from May 14–16 in St. Kitts.
With a strong delegation led by Hon. Lorna Smith, OBE, Junior Minister for Financial Services and Economic Development, and supported by BVI Finance’s Communications and Research Officer, Shamahl A. Smith, along with distinguished practitioners, the BVI solidified its role as a long-standing leader and innovator in the global private wealth and trust industry.
Jurisdiction with Deep Roots in Trust and Estate Planning
For more than four decades, the BVI has earned a global reputation for legal excellence, regulatory stability, and innovation in the trusts and estate planning space. The Territory’s modern, flexible trust laws, combined with its commitment to international compliance and transparency, make it a jurisdiction of choice for wealth structuring and legacy planning.
At this year’s conference, the BVI delegation actively contributed to key conversations on legislative developments, economic substance, and the strategic future of Caribbean International Financial Centres (IFCs).
BVI Voices Leading the Conversation
The conference opened with a dynamic welcome reception and quickly set the tone for high-level engagement.
Vanessa King, Managing Partner at O’Neal Webster and Chair of the STEP Caribbean and Latin America Region, took the stage for a standout panel discussion titled “Legislative Developments Around Trust Investments for the Modern World.” Joined by Adam Cloherty KC and Chris Moorcroft TEP, the panel addressed the rapid evolution of the trust and investment landscape. King's leadership within STEP Worldwide Council further affirms the BVI’s standing as a global influencer in the wealth management sector.
Christopher Simpson, Partner at O’Neal Webster, delivered valuable insights during a breakout session alongside Roland Jones, Managing Director of The Axebridge Group. Their session on economic substance traced the historical trajectory of regional regulations and examined contemporary challenges and opportunities, including global tax reforms and geopolitical developments shaping today’s financial landscape.
Regional Resilience: A United Path Forward
The BVI's influence continued into a high-level panel discussion titled “Navigating the Future – Pressing the Reset Button.”
Moderated by renowned Caribbean Economist Marla Dukharan, the panel featured Hon. Lorna Smith, OBE, alongside Hon. Mark Brantley, Premier and Minister of Finance, Nevis Island Administration, and Cécile Civiale Vuillier TEP, Partner at Trustconsult (Suisse) SA.
Minister Smith powerfully emphasized the importance of regional unity:
“As a region, we need to stick together if we are going to be resilient and continue to succeed.”
BVI Finance is proud to have supported and participated in this pivotal event, reinforcing the Territory’s reputation as a trusted and visionary financial services centre.
The Territory’s presence at the 2025 STEP Caribbean Conference was both significant and impactful, featuring a diverse cohort of experts who exemplify the BVI’s depth of talent and experience. Among them were Vanessa King and Christopher Simpson of O’Neal Webster; Shelly Bend, Nicholas Bishop, and Claudia Waisbich of Trident Trust (BVI); Joaquín Díaz Strunz and Yexadira García of Icaza, González-Ruiz & Alemán (BVI) Trust Ltd.; Michele Hibbert of PMA Trust (BVI) Ltd.; Joan Johnson and Anneta Williams of Praxis Trust (BVI) Limited; David Jordine of Harneys Fiduciary; Helen Marquis of JTC (BVI) Ltd.; Philippa O’Sullivan of BGA Law (BVI) Ltd.; Annie Peliwan of Rawlinson & Hunter (BVI); Chidi Liburd of the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (RMI Institute for Financial Services); Ayana Glasgow of the Ministry of Financial Services, BVI; Heather Sedgwick of TMF; Janice Skelton of DR Asset Planning; Rosa Restrepo of Arifa; Sandra Vasquez of OMC Group; Sheynel Smith of Driftwood Group; and Miles Walton of Osiris International. Their collective contributions reinforced the BVI’s enduring commitment to excellence, innovation, and global collaboration in the international financial services.
About BVI Finance
BVI Finance is responsible for protecting and promoting the BVI’s financial services industry. The BVI is renowned as a leading international business and finance centre, offering a robust legal framework, a stable and business-friendly environment, and a strong reputation for regulatory compliance. With its strategic expertise in wealth management, corporate services, trusts, fund administration and digital assets, the BVI continues to attract global businesses, investors and financial professionals to use its products and services.
For further information please contact:
Shamahl A. Smith
Communications and Research Officer
ssmith@bvifinance.vg |Tel: 284-852-1957
For your International Media Enquiries Please contact:
MHP Group
Email: bvifinance@mhpgroup.com