The British Virgin Islands (BVI) is reaffirming its position as a trusted global hub for cross-border investment, innovation, and sustainable economic growth, particularly across Africa’s rapidly evolving markets. This week in London, Elise Donovan, Chief Executive Officer of BVI Finance, addressed global audiences at two major events — the 2025 East African Association Lecture & Conference and AFSIC – Investing in Africa 2025, spotlighting the BVI’s pivotal role in enabling finance, digital transformation, and inclusive development.
At the East African Association Lecture & Conference, Ms. Donovan emphasised the vital role International Financial Centres (IFCs) like the BVI play in mobilising private capital to drive sustainable development, especially as traditional aid flows decline. She explained that the BVI functions as a trusted, well-regulated centre facilitating international trade, investment, and capital formation through secure jurisdictions, tax neutrality, and robust legal frameworks rooted in English common law.
“As global priorities shift toward sustainability and private-sector-led growth, International Financial Centres like the BVI serve as essential enablers,” Donovan said. “We help bridge investment gaps by providing the certainty, structure, and protections investors need to deploy capital responsibly and effectively.”
She further highlighted the BVI’s role as a global connector, noting that 44% of BVI company beneficial owners originate from China, a key driver of foreign direct investment into Africa. Through these global linkages, the BVI acts as a conduit for capital and expertise between Asia, Africa, and other emerging markets.
Committed to international best practices, the BVI continues to align with OECD, FATF, and EU global standards, reinforcing its reputation for transparency, integrity, and responsible finance — foundations that underpin its contribution to inclusive, sustainable growth worldwide.
At AFSIC – Investing in Africa 2025, BVI Finance participated as both sponsor and thought leader, strengthening engagement with policymakers, investors, and innovators shaping Africa’s economic future. Elise Donovan was joined by Shamahl A. Smith, Communications & Research Officer at BVI Finance, for discussions that advanced the dialogue around fintech, digital assets, and the future of cross-border finance.
As part of AFSIC’s two-day programme, Elise moderated a high-level panel titled “Destination Digital Africa & Global Hubs Live: Fintech C-Suite Priorities & the IFC Advantage,” featuring Jeffrey Kirk (Managing Director, Appleby BVI), Eric Flaye (Head of Conyers’ London Office), and Thomas Dugdale (Counsel, Harneys London). Drawing from insights in the Destination Digital Africa Report, the session explored how IFCs like the BVI enable fintech growth, digital connectivity, and cross-border collaboration.
“International Financial Centres have a meaningful role to play in supporting cross-border expansion and providing the legal certainty fintechs need to scale,” said Donovan.
“Digital assets and DeFi platforms are global by nature — they’re not domestic products. Any founder wants their product and tokens to reach global markets, which is why cross-border expansion is essential,” added Kirk.
Through these strategic engagements, BVI Finance continues to reinforce the British Virgin Islands’ standing as a jurisdiction of choice for international business — and as a trusted partner in advancing sustainable investment, innovation, and economic progress worldwide.
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