With less than two weeks to go until Fintech on the Seas 2026, anticipation is building for the second edition of BVI Finance's flagship international conference. Bringing together global regulators, fintech leaders, investors, legal experts and digital asset businesses, this year's summit examines the future of digital finance with a sharp focus on regulation and policy.
With digital assets, stablecoins and AI becoming increasingly embedded into mainstream financial systems, the three-day event will explore how emerging technologies are reshaping financial markets, institutions, investment structures and global capital flows, alongside the evolving role of regulation, governance and trust in the digital economy.
Held under the patronage of Premier of the Virgin Islands and Minister of Finance, the Honourable Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley, and Minister responsible for Financial Services and Economic Development, Honourable Lorna G. Smith, OBE, Fintech on the Seas will return to Oil Nut Bay and Necker Island, Sir Richard Branson’s 74-acre retreat, from Monday 22nd June to Wednesday 24th June. It will feature speakers from across the global financial ecosystem, including representatives from leading Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs), law firms, asset managers, blockchain infrastructure and RegTech firms.
New to this year’s agenda is the Regulatory and Policy Summit being held on day one, featuring regulators from the United States, Bermuda, the Bahamas, and the BVI. The day one conversations will explore the next generation of digital asset regulatory infrastructure, with discussions focused on practical supervision, market access, public-private partnerships and evolving compliance expectations. Sessions will look at international approaches to virtual asset regulation, global AML standards, token issuance, digital asset governance and the growing operational responsibilities facing virtual asset firms.
The second day will focus on building the new digital finance market, examining how tokenisation, blockchain infrastructure and decentralised governance models are increasingly becoming part of mainstream finance. Discussions will explore tokenised funds and digital asset structuring, DAOs
and legal wrappers, crypto investment products and the convergence between traditional finance and digital assets, while also touching on how international finance centres are adapting to support the growth of cross-border digital finance markets.
The final day will focus on intelligent finance, payments innovation and digital trust, particularly the role of AI in reshaping financial services, compliance, governance and financial decision-making. Panel sessions will dive into AI-driven asset management, decentralised finance, cybersecurity, fraud prevention and the future of global settlement infrastructure, alongside discussions analysing exchange collapses, token disputes and broader questions around market resilience and risk management.
Honourable Lorna G. Smith, OBE, Minister responsible for Financial Services and Economic Development, said: “Fintech on the Seas 2026 comes at a pivotal moment for the British Virgin Islands and the global financial services industry. As digital assets, stablecoins, tokenisation and AI become central to mainstream finance, jurisdictions must balance innovation with sound regulation, good governance and international cooperation. The BVI is proud to support this important dialogue, advancing responsible growth, strengthening market confidence and reinforcing the Territory’s position as a trusted international financial centre in the evolving digital economy.”
Elise Donovan, CEO of BVI Finance, said: “Digital assets have entered a new phase of maturity, with stablecoins, tokenisation, blockchain infrastructure and AI reshaping global finance. We are excited to return to Necker Island and Oil Nut Bay for Fintech on the Seas, providing a platform for practical discussions on the future of financial services and responsible cross-border innovation.”
About BVI Finance
BVI Finance is responsible for protecting and promoting the British Virgin Islands’ financial services industry. The BVI is recognised 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 strategic expertise across wealth management, corporate services, trusts, fund administration, and digital assets, the BVI continues to attract global businesses, investors, and financial professionals who use its products and services.