BVI Finance proudly sponsored and participated in the 2025 STEP LatAm Conference, held on September 4th and 5th in Mexico City. This premier event convened leading professionals across law, accounting, banking, trust and estate planning, and investment advisory, all focused on the planning, structuring, and management of wealth in Latin America.
BVI Connect: Cultivating Global Partnerships
As part of its involvement in STEP LatAm, BVI Finance hosted a special event titled "BVI Connect: Cultivating Global Partnerships," a gathering designed to deepen relationships and facilitate knowledge exchange between the BVI and its Latin American partners.
The event explored the enduring appeal of the British Virgin Islands as a premier jurisdiction for Latin American clients. Key topics included the BVI’s legal and regulatory strengths, its adaptable and innovative financial services offerings, and its proven record of balancing transparency with the protection of privacy and client confidentiality.
In her presentation titled “Cultivating Global Partnerships – BVI Leadership & Strengths”, Elise Donovan, CEO of BVI Finance, stated: “In a world defined by uncertainty, the BVI offers the stability and confidence global investors need. With our trusted legal system, consistent outcomes, deep professional expertise, and global connectivity, we are not starting from scratch, we’re building on a foundation of strength and experience. And with a clear mandate to keep innovating, we ensure your capital, your companies, and your families can move forward with confidence.”
Attendees also received key regulatory updates from Glenford Malone, Deputy Managing Director of Regulation at the BVI Financial Services Commission, and an update on the Legitimate Access to Beneficial Ownership Register, emphasising security and privacy from Ayana Glasgow, Director of Financial Services at the Ministry of Financial Services, Economic Development and Digital Transformation.
The event, chaired by Joan Johnson, Managing Director of Praxis (BVI) and Chair of STEP BVI, underscored the jurisdiction’s commitment to building long-term, value-driven partnerships with global practitioners in the trust and wealth management sectors.
BVI well-represented at STEP LatAm
The British Virgin Islands was well represented by a strong delegation of industry stakeholders. BVI Finance was also represented by Shamahl A. Smith, Communications and Research Officer, who manned the booth.
Additionally, BVI-based expert Julia Shamini Chase, Founder and CEO of Gold Leaf Consulting Limited, served as moderator for the breakout session titled “Deep Dive Audits: Where in the World Are the Ultimate Beneficiaries?”
The conference, hosted by the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP), is widely regarded as the foremost gathering of private wealth professionals serving Latin American clients. With over 21,000 members in 95 jurisdictions, STEP provides a global platform for education, professional development, and collaboration in the trust and estate planning industry.
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