BVI Finance is pleased to announce the return of the Tomorrow’s Leaders Internship Programme, successfully placing 32 students across 26 local firms.
Now in its third year, the programme has become an important platform for connecting students and recent graduates with leading financial services firms across the British Virgin Islands (BVI). Designed to complement academic learning with real-world exposure, the Tomorrow’s Leaders Internship Programme provides structured opportunities for professional development, mentorship, and skills-building within one of the BVI’s most important economic sectors.
This year’s programme attracted significant interest, with an extremely competitive application process reflecting both the strength of the Territory’s emerging talent and the growing reputation of the initiative. The programme targets college and university students, as well as recent college and university graduates, pursuing studies or careers in areas including accounting, banking, compliance, international relations, fintech, economics, law, marketing and communications, insurance, and other related fields.
Through the programme, participants gain practical insight into the financial services industry while developing the confidence, competence, and professional networks needed to become the next generation of leaders and decision-makers in the BVI’s financial services sector.
To formally welcome the 2026 cohort, an orientation session was held on Friday, May 1, bringing interns together for a morning of learning, professional development, and networking.
The programme opened with remarks from Hon. Lorna Smith, OBE, Minister responsible for Financial Services and Economic Development. In her remarks, Hon. Smith said “Today brings together ambitious young minds and 26 firms willing to invest time, insight and trust in shaping what will come. Thirty-two students and 26 firms are stepping into a shared space of learning, contribution and development that will actively strengthen the financial services sector on which we rely so much. This programme is not just about capability for today, but about building confidence and capacity for the future of this vital industry”.
An overview of the financial services industry was delivered by Leon Wheatley, Director, Specialised Supervision at the Financial Services Commission. His presentation provided students with valuable insight into the world-class products and services that continue to support the Territory’s position as a leading international financial centre.
Recognising that many participants are at a pivotal stage in their academic and professional journeys, the orientation also included a session on Career Planning and Careers in Financial Services, presented by Policia Clyne, Human Resources Manager at the Financial Investigation Agency. The session helped students consider the range of career pathways available within the industry and the skills required to successfully navigate their professional development.
To further support students as they prepare to enter the workplace, Shanique Creque, Managing Director at Otto Corporate Services (BVI), delivered a presentation on Workplace Etiquette and Employer Expectations. The session provided practical guidance to help interns approach their placements with confidence, professionalism, and a clear understanding of workplace standards.
The morning concluded with a panel discussion featuring young professionals in the financial services industry, who shared their experiences, career journeys, and practical advice with the internship cohort. The panelists included Akeya Herbert of Appleby, Dwight Donovan of Clermont Trust BVI, Esteban Smith of the Financial Services Commission, and Jhenique Guishard of the Financial Investigation Agency. The discussion was moderated by Shea Alexander, Principal Consultant at OA Consulting Group Ltd.
BVI Finance extends sincere thanks to the 2026 partner firms whose continued support makes the programme possible. This year’s partner firms are: Alphonso Warner; Appleby (BVI) Limited; ATU General Trust (BVI) Limited; BDO; Bolder Corporate Services (BVI) Limited; BVI Finance; Carey Olsen; CIBC Caribbean; Clermont Corporate Services Limited; Collas Crill; Ernst & Young Ltd.; Financial Investigation Agency; Harneys; HLB Trinity; Hudsun Trust Company Limited; Interpath; KPMG (BVI) Limited; Loeb Smith (BVI) Ltd.; MKS Law; Ogier; Overseas Management Company Trust (B.V.I.) Ltd.; Praxis Trust (BVI) Limited; Republic Bank; Sterling Compliance & Sterling Griffin Law; Teneo; and Walkers.
The 2026 cohort includes: Rachel Archer, Jada Barrett, Leeah Baronvillie-Augustin, Natasha Bradford, Kayla Brathwaite, Malakai Brewley, Malik Brewley, Brea Brodie, Cheyanne Catello, Stacy Denis, Micah Frett, Gavriel Glasgow, Amelia Grant, Bridgette Grant, Tishauni Hall, Skylah Hodge, Aaliyah Imran, Kimora-Lee Issacs, Kylah Jones, Kaliska Maduro, Jadyn Mathavious, Arison Penn, Kari Peters, Zouraya Prince, Zarea Richards, Victoria Rowlette, Yaribel Samuel, DiaMonae Thomas, Deonte Vanterpool, Nickeya Vanterpool, Rayana Winter and Tyara Winter.
Elise Donovan, CEO of BVI Finance, said:
“The Tomorrow’s Leaders Internship Programme was created to support the long-term development of human resource capacity within the BVI’s financial services industry. As the programme enters its third year, its continued growth reflects the importance of building a strong, skilled talent pipeline to support the continued success and competitiveness of the Territory.”
Shamahl A. Smith, Communications and Research Officer and Programme Lead, said:
“This programme gives students and recent graduates meaningful opportunities to gain hands-on experience, build their professional networks, and better understand the financial services industry. We are grateful to our partner firms, whose support makes it possible to create these important pathways for young talent across the Territory.”
As the Tomorrow’s Leaders Internship Programme enters its third year, BVI Finance remains committed to strengthening the bridge between education and employment, supporting the development of local talent, and ensuring that young people are equipped to contribute meaningfully to the continued success of the BVI’s financial services 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
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MHP Group
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