The British Virgin Islands’ financial services industry gains a new competitive advantage with the launch of TEAM BVI Europe on 6 July.
The event, which was hosted at the BVI London Office, included a pinning ceremony of TEAM BVI Europe members and discussions on a variety of topics such as the Panama Papers and Brexit.
TEAM BVI Europe comprises of private sector professionals representing every aspect of the industry. Members include; Chinyin Johnston and Michael Williams of Mourant Ozannes, Joanna Russell and Matthew Gilbert of Maples and Calder, Christopher McKenzie and Sukru Evrengun of AMS, Simon Schilder of Ogier, William Hare of Forbes Hare, Peter Tarn of Harneys, Kevin Murphy of CVR, Claire McConway of Carey Olsen, Christopher McKenzie of O’Neal Webster and Neil McDonald of Walkers.
TEAM BVI Europe will be headed by Derek Adler, Director of International Financial Administration Group Ltd, a multi-jurisdictional group of companies, providing investment fund formation, administration & valuation services.
Speaking on his appointment as team leader, Adler said, “I was delighted to have been chosen to act as team leader for this section of the ever growing family of teams around the globe that make up TEAM BVI.”
He added, “The team is comprised of seasoned professionals all of whom have worked either in the BVI or with the BVI through their international firms and they all bring an enormous amount of expertise to the table which they will share while working closely with our colleagues at BVI Finance over the next two years.
BVI Finance’s Marketing Manager, Alicia Green expressed her compliments to the team and said, “BVI Finance would like to congratulate the team on its official launch. We know that this team will represent the jurisdiction and refine our repute in the European region.”
The team’s purpose and objectives include identifying barriers and opportunities to entry in select target countries, making suggestions to enhance or changes to products and services, representing the BVI in speaking engagements in the European region, writing articles, and suggesting ideas and marketing programmes for the European market. The team will serve as BVI Finance’s point of contact for high level involvement of business generation and as the territory’s resident experts for engaging with Europe.
TEAM BVI is a voluntary initiative, however, members are urged to offer their services for a minimum of 24 months. Members are required to attend quarterly reviews and planning sessions or adhoc meetings as necessary. Membership carries many benefits which include recognition and branding of representative firms and experts in the industry.