BVI Finance hosted its annual Financial Services Week, bringing together government leaders, regulators, industry professionals and students for a series of events across the Territory. Held from March 2nd – 7th, the week highlighted both the strength of the Territory’s financial services industry and its commitment to developing the next generation of professionals.
A central part of the week was the BVI Financial Services Conference, held at the BVI International Arbitration Centre. Under the theme: “The Changing Face of Financial Crime: Money Laundering, AML & Transparency in an Era of Political Uncertainty,” the event brought together policymakers, regulators and industry leaders to explore how geopolitical developments, regulatory reform and emerging technologies are reshaping anti-money laundering frameworks and transparency standards worldwide.
In his remarks, Premier and Minister of Finance, the Hon. Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley, reaffirmed the Territory’s commitment to ensuring the Virgin Islands remains a responsible and trusted international financial centre.
Delivering the conference opening address, Hon. Lorna Smith, OBE, Minister for Financial Services and Economic Development, emphasized the resilience and global reputation of the BVI’s financial services sector and the importance of maintaining strong regulatory standards in an increasingly uncertain geopolitical environment.
The conference featured a keynote address by Professor Michael Levi, Professor of Criminology at Cardiff University and one of the world’s leading authorities on financial crime and anti-money laundering policy.
His keynote, titled “The Changing Face of Financial Crime: Global Instability, Evolving Threats and the Future of AML Frameworks,” examined the impact of geopolitical tensions, emerging criminal typologies and the evolving international AML architecture.
Following the keynote, Attorney General Hon. Dawn Smith joined Professor Levi in a fireside chat, exploring legislative reform, enforcement realities, global cooperation and the future of AML policy in small but globally connected jurisdictions.
The conference also featured Session : “Fraud, Corruption & Predicate Crime – Trends, Typologies and Enforcement,” delivered by Martin Kenney, Founder and Head of Firm at MKS Law, a globally recognized specialist in cross-border asset recovery.
A panel discussion titled “Illicit Finance Risks and Gatekeeper Responsibilities” explored sector-specific vulnerabilities, trends in international cooperation, beneficial ownership transparency, and opportunities to strengthen domestic collaboration among regulators and law enforcement authorities. The panel was moderated by Claire Abrehart and featured the following panelists: Errol George, Director, Financial Investigation Agency; Leon Wheatley, Director of Authorisation and Supervision, BVI Financial Services Commission; and Ayana Glasgow, Director of Financial Services, Government of the Virgin Islands.
The conference concluded with Panel II: “Professional Enablers & Gatekeeper Risk”, which examined the evolving concept of professional enablers, the responsibilities of lawyers and corporate service providers as gatekeepers to the financial system, and the importance of strong compliance cultures, thorough verification of beneficial ownership information, and continuous monitoring of complex structures. The session was moderated by Sherri Ortiz, CEO of Sterling Compliance Limited, and featured: George Weston, Partner, Harneys; Simone Martin, Founder, IGNUS Solutions; Raven Kelly, Managing Director, Ocorian; and Lesia Grazette, Head of Compliance, Praxis.
The week also featured The Great Debate, which brought together industry leaders and the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC) Debate Team to examine the question: “In today’s geopolitically fragmented world, should international finance centers continue to position themselves as neutral facilitators of cross-border trade and finance?” Moderated by Michele Hibbert, the discussion examined the practical implications of neutrality for IFC's in today's geopolitical climate. Representing the Industry Team were Gabriel Adedeji of Bedell Cristin, alongside Daire O’Herlihy and LeRon Hunte-St. Rose of Conyers.
Taking up the challenge for the student side were talented debaters from H. Lavity Stoutt Community College: Adrianne Thomas, Auri-Ana El Shabazz, and Jana Peters.
The 2026 Great Debate crown was ultimately won by the 2026 Industry team and the Best Speaker award was shared in a tie between Daire O’Herlihy and Auri-Ana El Shabazz.
Alongside industry discussions, BVI Finance continued its student engagement program, visiting several secondary schools to introduce students to career opportunities within the financial services sector. Sessions were held with 150 students from the Virgin Islands School of Technical Studies, Bregado Flax Educational Centre in Virgin Gorda and Claudia Creque Educational Centre in Anegada, focusing on the role financial services plays in the BVI economy and the growing opportunities in fintech, compliance, legal services and digital finance.
Continuing the theme of education, BVI Finance partnered with ZBVI Radio Station to sponsor its student morning quiz. Students from across the BVI answered a range of questions on the BVI’s financial services industry and competed for the top three spots by answering the most questions correctly.
The week concluded with the Financial Services Week Nature Hike at Mount Alma, organized in partnership with Hike BVI, which provided an opportunity for participants to network and explore the natural beauty of the island.
Hon. Lorna Smith, OBE, Minister responsible for Financial Services and Economic Development, remarked via social media that “the financial services industry is responsible for over half of government income and creates high-value, high-skill jobs. It funds professional training, supports businesses of all sizes, and generates the vital revenue that funds core public services and infrastructure, including education, healthcare, and social security, thereby strengthening the foundations of our economy.”
She added, “With our proud history of leadership in international financial services, we are committed to staying ahead by strengthening our frameworks, embracing innovation, and ensuring that our economy remains resilient and competitive now and into the future.”
Elise Donovan, CEO of BVI Finance, said: “Financial Services Week provides an important opportunity to bring together industry leaders, policymakers and the wider community to discuss the issues shaping the future of global finance. It is also an opportunity to engage with young people across the Territory and inspire the next generation to explore careers in the financial services sector.”
Financial Services Week forms part of BVI Finance’s ongoing efforts to support industry dialogue, promote understanding of the Territory’s financial services sector and strengthen collaboration between government, industry and the wider community.
BVI Finance extends special thanks to the week’s partners, including the BVI Association of Registered Agents, the BVI Bar Association, the BVI International Arbitration Centre, H. Lavity Stoutt Community College, the National Bank of the Virgin Islands, PROVEN Bank (St Lucia) Limited, and all who participated in this year’s events.
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
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