In a rapidly evolving global wealth landscape, BVI Finance highlighted the British Virgin Islands’ (BVI) role as a trusted enabler of cross-border investment and fiduciary innovation at STEP Asia 2025 in Hong Kong from November 6–7.The conference brought together the region’s foremost private client practitioners, wealth managers, and legal experts to discuss the trends shaping the future of international wealth planning, succession, and cross-border structuring.
Elise Donovan, CEO of BVI Finance, participated in the two-day event, engaging with senior professionals and thought leaders across Asia’s wealth management community along with Shane Baptiste, Asia Representative for the BVI Financial Services Commission.
The BVI is no stranger to the Asia region. For nearly four decades, it has served as a trusted platform for cross-border investment, family wealth management, and international business expansion. Today, more than 50% of the beneficial owners of BVI structures are from the Asia region—a clear reflection of the enduring and strategic partnership between the two markets. Entrepreneurs and families across Asia continue to choose the BVI for its efficiency, flexibility, and global credibility, qualities that have made it one of the world’s most respected international financial centres.
Events like STEP Asia play a vital role in shaping the global dialogue on wealth preservation, asset protection, and fiduciary innovation. By convening leading advisors, fiduciaries, and policymakers, the event fosters collaboration and reinforces the foundations of responsible global finance.
BVI Finance’s participation at STEP Asia 2025 reaffirmed the jurisdiction’s ongoing commitment to transparency, integrity, and innovation. Through direct engagement with key stakeholders, BVI Finance underscored the BVI’s role as a strategic partner for professionals navigating the evolving landscape of international wealth management and cross-border regulation.
“STEP Asia continues to be a cornerstone of global thought leadership and professional advancement in our industry,” said Elise Donovan, CEO of BVI Finance. “The BVI remains deeply engaged in these discussions, championing the principles of adaptability, collaboration, and innovation that define our jurisdiction’s global success.”
Throughout the event, the BVI Finance booth served as a hub for engagement and industry exchange, manned by Shane. He met with practitioners and advisors from across the region, sharing BVI regulatory expertise and answering a number of questions regarding BVI regulatory updates.
The BVI’s relationship with China and the broader Asia region is built on mutual respect, shared ambition, and decades of partnership. BVI structures have long supported Asian enterprises in their global expansion and have facilitated intergenerational wealth transfer for families across the region.
BVI Finance’s engagement at STEP Asia 2025 forms part of its wider mission to connect, collaborate, and engage stakeholders across key financial markets. As Asia continues to lead global economic growth, the BVI remains a trusted, forward-looking partner—supporting responsible investment, sustainable finance, and the continued success of the region’s wealth management community.
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