The British Virgin Islands (BVI) has further cemented its relationship with the Latin America region following a highly successful roadshow organized by BVI Finance. The Roadshow brought a BVI delegation to São Paulo - Brazil, Montevideo - Uruguay, and Buenos Aires - Argentina for a series of dynamic and well-attended engagements with leading clients, business executives, and financial professionals across the region.
Led by The Hon. Lorna Smith, OBE, Minister for Financial Services; Elise Donovan, CEO of BVI Finance; and Kenneth Baker, Managing Director & CEO of the BVI Financial Services Commission, the roadshow underscored the BVI’s role as a trusted, innovative international financial centre and reaffirmed its nearly four-decade relationship with Latin America—one built on mutual respect, collaboration, and shared growth.
The series of events, which drew strong attendance across all three destinations, exceeded expectations. The sessions in Uruguay were oversubscribed, reflecting the depth of interest in the BVI’s financial services offering and its relevance to Latin American investors, families, and corporations seeking stable, efficient, and internationally respected solutions.
Showcasing BVI’s Strength and Innovation
Each session began with Welcome Remarks and Objectives delivered by Elise Donovan, who also moderated the discussions. Delegates and guests then heard from the Hon. Lorna Smith and Kenneth Baker, who presented:
- The BVI Advantage & Overview of the BVI – Hon. Lorna Smith, OBE
- BVI Updates & Efficiency: Regulatory Improvements, Service Timelines, and Expected Developments – Kenneth Baker, Managing Director & CEO, BVI Financial Services Commission
In São Paulo, conversations focused on Brazil’s evolving tax landscape. Bruno Peixoto of BPtax Global Advisory discussed the BVI’s continued relevance in cross-border structuring, asset protection, and succession planning, reinforcing the jurisdiction’s reputation for adaptability and regulatory excellence.
In Montevideo, the delegation engaged with a diverse audience eager to explore how the BVI can complement regional financial planning. Guest speakers included:
- The Tax Reform in Uruguay – Andres Hessdörfer, Hessdörfer Tax & Corporate
- Funds & Digital Assets: When BVI Fits – Lourdes Dendi, Untitled SLC
- The BVI as the Preferred Offshore Centre for LATAM Families – Martin Litwak, Untitled SLC
The sessions were met with enthusiastic participation and thoughtful dialogue, highlighting how the BVI’s modern, transparent, and client-focused regulatory framework continues to resonate across Latin America.
Deepening Connections in Argentina
The roadshow concluded in Buenos Aires with a STEP Argentina–supported lunch session, where Hon. Lorna Smith and Kenneth Baker delivered engaging presentations on the BVI’s forward-looking financial landscape and regulatory efficiency.
That evening, an Untitled SLC–hosted dinner brought together an intimate group of industry stakeholders to foster deeper discussions on collaboration and future opportunities for partnership between the BVI and Latin American markets.
Commitment to the Latin American Market
For nearly forty years, the British Virgin Islands has played a vital role in supporting Latin America’s international business and wealth management strategies. The 2025 Latin America Roadshow reaffirmed the jurisdiction’s unwavering commitment to nurturing these longstanding relationships and to serving as a gateway for investment, innovation, and cross-border success.
Hon. Lorna Smith, OBE, Minister for Financial Services commented: “The BVI’s relationship with Latin America spans almost four decades and remains one of the cornerstones of our international financial services strategy. Today, approximately one-fifth of all business in the BVI originates from Latin America, a testament to the strength and depth of these ties. Throughout this roadshow, we were reminded of the deep trust and mutual respect that underpin our partnerships across the region. The strong turnout and enthusiasm at every stop reaffirm the value that the BVI brings to Latin American investors, families, and businesses seeking stability, innovation, and a truly global outlook. We are proud to continue building on this shared success story.”
“Latin America remains one of our most important markets and closest partners. The strong attendance and engagement we witnessed on this tour reflect not only the region’s continued confidence in the BVI, but also our shared vision for sustainable global growth.”, noted Elise Donovan, CEO of BVI Finance
BVI Finance extends its gratitude to all partners, speakers, and participants whose collaboration made the Latin America Roadshow 2025 a milestone in strengthening the BVI’s enduring ties with the region. Special appreciation is extended to Martha Hull and the team at OMC Group, Martin Litwak and the team at Untitled SLC, STEP Argentina, Jorge Milburn of BP Tax Global Advisory, and Horacio Woycik of Harneys Fiduciary for their invaluable contributions and support throughout the roadshow.
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