Road Town, British Virgin Islands, 25 September 2026 – The British Virgin Islands continued to build momentum across Latin America with a strong presence at STEP LatAm Conference 2026, held from 16–18 September at the Grand Hyatt São Paulo in São Paulo, Brazil.
Coming fresh off the heels of the BVI Finance 2026 Latin America Roadshow, the conference provided another opportunity for the jurisdiction to engage directly with advisers, businesses and industry professionals from across one of its most important international markets.
BVI Finance returned to STEP LatAm as the Notebook Sponsor, joined by a strong delegation of BVI practitioners based both locally and internationally. Their participation reflected the global reach of the BVI’s financial services industry and the depth of expertise available to clients across markets and time zones.
The conference welcomed more than 400 attendees from across Latin America and the wider international market, including lawyers, accountants, bankers, trust professionals, estate planners and investment advisers. Over the course of the event, delegates exchanged perspectives on the evolving needs of internationally connected families and businesses, alongside developments in wealth structuring, succession planning, taxation and cross-border investment.
STEP LatAm forms part of the wider network of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP), an international professional body focused on the responsible stewardship of assets across generations. STEP has more than 21,000 members across 95 jurisdictions, representing professionals working across law, accounting, trusts, estates and other areas of private client advisory.
For the BVI, the conference provided an important platform to deepen relationships in a region that has played a significant role in the jurisdiction’s international financial services industry for decades.
According to BVI Finance’s Beyond Globalisation: The British Virgin Islands’ Contribution to Global Prosperity in an Uncertain World, approximately 20 per cent of the BVI’s global business is connected to Latin America, highlighting the region’s continued importance to the jurisdiction.
Throughout STEP LatAm, BVI Finance and participating practitioners engaged with advisers, businesses and industry professionals from across the region. Conversations at the BVI booth reinforced the continued relevance of the jurisdiction for Brazilian and wider Latin American clients seeking trusted, flexible and internationally recognised structures.
Elise Donovan, CEO of BVI Finance, said:
“Latin America has long been an important market for the BVI, supported by strong professional relationships that have developed over many years.
“Our presence at STEP LatAm builds on the momentum of our Latin America Roadshow and gives us another opportunity to engage directly with the advisers, families and businesses using BVI structures across the region.
“The conversations in São Paulo reflected the continued confidence in the BVI and the importance of remaining present in the market. We are committed to maintaining those relationships and ensuring that the jurisdiction continues to respond to the evolving needs of our Latin American partners.”
BVI TRUSTS PIONEER RECEIVES STEP LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
While the BVI delegation was participating in STEP LatAm in São Paulo, Christopher “Chris” McKenzie was recognised in London with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2026 STEP Private Client Awards.
The award celebrates a career closely connected to the development of the BVI’s financial services industry. Since arriving in the Virgin Islands in 1996 as the jurisdiction’s first specialist trust and estate practitioner, Chris has helped shape the BVI’s trust law and professional practice, including supporting the development of landmark legislation such as the Virgin Islands Special Trusts Act (VISTA).
As the founding Chair of STEP’s BVI Branch, Chris also played an important role in strengthening STEP’s presence in the jurisdiction and across the wider Caribbean and Latin American region, while advancing financial services education and professional development.
Through decades of leadership, mentorship and international advocacy, Chris has strengthened the BVI’s private client profession and championed its expertise on the global stage. BVI Finance joins the wider BVI community in congratulating him on this richly deserved achievement.
Strengthening Relationships in São Paulo
The first day of conference sessions concluded with a BVI Finance cocktail reception hosted in partnership with OMC Group, a longstanding partner of the BVI and member of BVI Finance.
The reception brought together new and familiar faces from across the region, providing delegates with another opportunity to connect directly with BVI practitioners while celebrating the longstanding relationship between the BVI and Latin America.
During the reception, Donovan reaffirmed BVI Finance’s commitment to the region and highlighted the BVI’s position as a trusted, stable, efficient and top-tier jurisdiction for conducting international business.
Isabelle Estripeaut, Executive Vice President at OMC Group, also addressed attendees, reflecting on OMC Group’s relationship with the BVI, which now spans decades.
Julia Espinola, Business Development Manager at OMC Brazil, shared further remarks on the strength, flexibility and continued relevance of BVI products and services for clients throughout Brazil and the wider Latin American market.
BVI Finance extends its appreciation to STEP LatAm, OMC Group, participating BVI practitioners and the many delegates, partners and industry professionals who engaged with the jurisdiction throughout the conference.
The BVI’s participation in São Paulo builds on a sustained programme of engagement with Latin America and reflects the jurisdiction’s continued commitment to strengthening relationships across one of its most important international markets.
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.
ENDS
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
Email: bvifinance@mhpgroup.com