BVI Finance Articles

Blockchain technology and digital assets have evolved far beyond their original purpose as outlined in Satoshi Nakamoto’s 2008 whitepaper, which primarily envisioned a world without third-party payment intermediaries. Today, these technologies underpin a vast array of applications, spanning Web 3.0, decentralised finance, and the metaverse. Their rapid proliferation presents unprecedented opportunities to reshape financial services, though it also brings fresh challenges as policymakers and reg...

As Managing Partner at O’Neal Webster, Vanessa King is a key figure in the BVI’s legal and financial services sector, and internationally respected legal expert in BVI trusts. Her journey, spanning over two decades, has coincided with the growth of the BVI as a destination for establishing trusts, and demonstrates her deep commitment to both the BVI’s evolving financial and legal landscape and the empowerment of women in the industry.

The British Virgin Islands (BVI) has long upheld a commitment to transparency, regulatory integrity, and international cooperation, positioning itself as a trusted international financial centre. A cornerstone of these efforts is the International Tax Authority (ITA), which ensures that the BVI meets and exceeds global standards for tax compliance, bolstered by a network of over 100 international exchange agreements and a solid track record of information sharing with jurisdictions worldwide.

BVI Finance caught up with Carson Wen, Founder and Chairman of Bank of Asia (BVI), BOA Financial Group and Sancus Group, Kristian Wilson, Partner at Bedell Cristin, and Michael Gagie, Regional Managing Partner – Asia, at The Maples Group to discuss the growth of the Asian economy, benefits to investors of utilizing BVI structures, the evolving regulatory landscape and the opportunities looking forward.

INTERNATIONAL ARBITRATION CENTRE (IAC) Standing as a testament to the region’s commitment to creating a world-class framework for dispute resolution, the BVI International Arbitration Centre (IAC) has played a pivotal role in cementing the BVI’s reputation as a leading business and financial centre in the last 10 years. As a trusted forum for dispute resolution, it enhances the jurisdiction’s reputation as a secure place for international business.

The 40-year anniversary of the BVI Business Companies Act is an important legislative milestone for both the BVI and its financial services sector. Not only did it usher in a wave of innovation, it was a catalyst for establishing a whole new financial ecosystem in the BVI. And for the last twenty years, since its foundation, the Financial Investigation Agency (FIA) has played a critical role in this ecosystem, safeguarding our financial services sector - a cornerstone of the Territory’s economy.

Over the last 40 years, the British Virgin Islands (BVI) has established itself as a premier jurisdiction for company incorporation, with more than one million companies registered from around the globe.

A Q&A with Cherno Jallow, KC, Director, Policy Development and External Relations at BVI Financial Services Commission (FSC) on the success of the FSC since its inception. Prior to his current role, Cherno Jallow served as Attorney General of the British Virgin Islands from 1999 to 2007 and has been lead drafter of a number of financial services and related legislation, including the Financial Services Commission Act, 2001, which formally established the FSC.

Over the past 40 years, the British Virgin Islands (BVI) has transformed into a global financial hub, and much of this success can be traced back to the solid legal foundation laid by leaders like Dame Janice Pereira. As the first Virgin Islander appointed to His Majesty King Charles III’s Privy Council, Dame Janice has been instrumental in guiding the BVI’s legal evolution. In this interview, she reflects on her remarkable journey and the critical role the legal system has played in...

Since opening its doors for business 15 years ago, the BVI Commercial Court has played a central part in the continued growth and development of the BVI as an international financial centre.