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.
Speaking with Business Insight, she reflects on balancing professional demands with personal life, her passion for shaping the future of the jurisdiction, and how she continues to pave the way for the next generation of female leaders in professional services.
Vanessa’s journey in law and finance started over two decades ago when she joined O’Neal Webster fresh from law school. Since then, she has risen to become the firm’s Managing Partner, a role in which she is responsible for leading the practice in strategic vision, growth, and client satisfaction. Reflecting on those early days, she recalls being surrounded by experienced legal minds who allowed her to explore her interests. “I was fortunate to work at a firm that didn’t box me in,” she says. “There was room for me to get involved in everything from company formations to working with international bodies.” Her practice now spans the world’s major financial centres, where she regularly works on the establishment and amendment of BVI trusts, as well as various forms of corporate finance.
In addition to her work at O’Neal Webster, Vanessa holds prominent positions within the financial services industry. She serves as the deputy chair of the BVI Financial Services Commission Appeals Board, chairs the Caribbean and Latin America Region of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP) and sits on the STEP Caribbean Conference Steering Committee, and is a STEP Worldwide Council representative. STEP is a global professional body, comprising lawyers, accountants, financial advisors and other practitioners, founded to set and uphold standards, train and educate members, to enable families planning for their futures to do so in a safe, trustworthy environment. There are more than 22,000 STEP members worldwide.
Her involvement with STEP was a pivotal moment in her career. “Chris McKenzie, who is regarded as the godfather of the BVI trust sector, pushed me to get my STEP qualifications. From there, I started getting involved in executive committees both locally and regionally. It’s been an honour to represent the BVI on the global stage and raise issues that matter to our jurisdiction.”
Her involvement with the BVI’s legislative development has also allowed her to advocate for the jurisdiction on an international stage. “As we celebrate 40 years of the IBC Act this year, it’s important to recognise the collaborative effort between the government, regulators, and practitioners like myself to keep the BVI at the forefront of international finance.”
INNOVATION ON ISLAND
King emphasises the importance of continuous innovation and adaptation since the first IBC Act. “The world of financial services is constantly evolving, and the BVI has been successful because we’ve been able to keep pace with these changes. We’ve maintained strong regulatory standards while offering solutions that meet the needs of global businesses.”
Vanessa King speaks passionately about the evolution of the BVI’s trusts sector and the crucial role it plays in global financial markets. “What sets BVI apart is our ability to innovate,” she begins. One of the key examples she highlights is the creation of the VISTA Trust, which revolutionised the traditional trust model by giving clients, particularly business owners, greater control over their trust assets. “The VISTA Trust allows settlors to maintain control of the underlying business while enjoying the benefits of a trust structure,” King explains. “This was something that really resonated with business owners who didn’t want to relinquish control, and it’s been one of the ways we’ve tailored our offerings to meet the specific needs of international markets.”
She points out that the BVI’s approach, particularly in trust products, has set a high standard, leading other jurisdictions to adopt similar structures. “We’ve seen other offshore jurisdictions follow our lead, but the difference is that we remain agile and responsive to client needs,” she says. King attributes this to the close relationship between the BVI government, the regulator, and STEP, which has created an environment of collaboration and trust. “Our ability to adapt quickly and introduce userfriendly, cost-effective solutions makes us a preferred choice for international clients.”
A SECTOR SET FOR GROWTH AS INTERNATIONAL DEMAND STRENGTHENS
Ms King sees a positive outlook for the growth of the BVI’s trust sector as it meets the growing needs of international clients, in particular the increasing demand for intergenerational wealth transfer and succession planning. “Globally, there is a significant need for succession planning,” she notes. “Wealthy individuals and families, particularly in uncertain times, are looking for structures that offer both stability and flexibility.” She mentions that this has accelerated since the pandemic, when there was a notable surge in interest in trust structures. “The pandemic really made people think about the future—about protecting their assets and ensuring smooth succession planning. We saw a real uptick in inquiries and new trust structures being set up during that time.”
Another key factor driving the success of the BVI’s trust sector is the jurisdiction’s regulatory framework. King emphasises that the BVI strikes the right balance between regulation and flexibility, offering clients both security and efficiency. “Our clients value the fact that we are a well-regulated jurisdiction,” she explains. “There is a comfort in knowing that there’s oversight, particularly over corporate trustees, which adds an additional layer of protection for the underlying assets.” At the same time, the BVI’s Commercial Court (Commercial Division of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court), which handles trust disputes, is highly regarded. “We have a top-notch commercial court with judges who understand the complexities of trust law, and that’s a huge benefit for clients.”
King’s perspective on the future of the BVI’s trust sector is optimistic. As global uncertainty continues, she believes that the demand for secure, confidential trust structures will only increase. “In times of uncertainty, people seek stability, and that’s what we offer here in the BVI,” she concludes.
BALANCING LEADERSHIP AND FAMILY LIFE
While Vanessa King’s professional accomplishments are impressive, she is equally committed to her role as a mother. Balancing these two worlds, she admits, is no easy feat. “It’s a constant balancing act,” she shares. “When you’re passionate about your work, it can be hard to switch off. But I’ve learned that making time for yourself and your family is essential.” King reflects on the early days of her career when the demands of work often spilled over into her personal life. “There were late nights at the office, missed family events, and weekends lost to work. But as I’ve progressed in my career, I’ve realised the importance of setting boundaries.” For her, that means carving out time for her son and family, which she sees as essential to maintaining her energy and focus at work. “Being a mother gives you perspective. It forces you to think about what’s really important, and that mindset definitely influences how I approach challenges in my career.”
King is also a firm believer in encouraging the next generation of professionals, especially women, to prioritise their well-being. “Success doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice everything. I tell young professionals that it’s important to achieve your goals but not at the expense of your personal life. Setting boundaries early on is crucial.”
In her downtime, King enjoys travelling, reading, and simply unwinding with loved ones. “It’s not all about work,” she says. “Taking time to recharge allows me to return to work with a fresh perspective. It’s something I encourage others to do as well.”
SHAPING THE FUTURE FOR BVI WOMEN
King’s legacy extends beyond her personal career; she is deeply invested in shaping the future of the BVI’s financial services sector, particularly by fostering opportunities for women. “There’s so much talent here,” she says. “I want to make sure that women in the BVI see that there’s a place for them at the top, whether in law, finance, or any other sector.”
Her work with various organisations, including her leadership role in industry associations, is aimed at creating more inclusive environments for women and local professionals. “It’s about making sure that everyone has a seat at the table. We’ve made progress, but there’s still a long way to go. I want to be a part of that change.”
Vanessa is also quick to acknowledge the gender gap that existed when she first entered the industry. “When I started, there weren’t many women in leadership roles within law or financial services. It was very much a male-dominated space.” Today, King advocates for greater diversity and actively supports the next generation of female leaders. “It’s important that young women see people like them in these positions. I’m passionate about mentoring and helping them navigate the challenges of balancing career aspirations with personal commitments.”
Looking to the future, King is optimistic about the BVI’s continued success as an international financial centre, and is committed to advocating for it, as well as the next generation of female leaders. “I want to continue being a voice for the BVI, ensuring that our interests are represented on the global stage. But equally, I want to be there for the next generation of women, helping them to see that they can do it all, without having to sacrifice their personal lives.”