Our Team

Elise Donovan is the chief executive officer of BVI Finance and brings to the role wide-ranging work experience in Asia, North America, the Caribbean and Africa. Elise has played a major role in expanding and deepening the BVI’s financial services footprint in cities around the world, specifically in the Asia Pacific region, through strategic relationship building, conducting forums and seminars on the BVI’s financial services business, including at major financial institutions.

She previously served as Director and Asia Pacific Representative at BVI House Asia, EU/UK Representative and Director of the BVI London Office, and at BVI International Affairs Secretariat, the BVI Financial Services Commission and the BVI International Finance Centre (now BVI Finance), and a member in the BVI’s Tax Information Exchange Agreement Negotiating Team with countries such as China, the United Kingdom, France, Australia and New Zealand, Canada, and the Nordic countries.

She has authored numerous articles on the role of the BVI as a leading international finance centre.

Elise also holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Carleton University in Ottawa and Columbia University in New York.

Trevaughn Smith is an experienced financial services professional with a diverse skill set spanning banking, insurance, and corporate administration. As a Senior Administrative Officer, he has a reputation for being resourceful and a problem solver, with a proven track record of delivering innovative solutions.

Recently, Trevaughn completed the Fintech Training Programme at the Robert Mathavious Institute for Financial Services at HLSCC, which has equipped him with the latest knowledge and expertise in the field of fintech. This training has positioned him to promote the British Virgin Islands as a jurisdiction ripe for digital transformation, and he is committed to supporting BVI Finance and its goals.

Trevaughn is dedicated to staying at the forefront of the latest fintech trends, ensuring that he remains an asset to his organization and the wider industry. His combination of experience, expertise, and commitment makes him an excellent candidate for roles that require a deep understanding of the financial services industry and an ability to navigate the challenges of digital transformation.

Wilma Blyden currently serves as the chief operations officer and is responsible for the operations of the company which includes Accounting, Office Administration, Information Technology and Human Resources.

Wilma is an integral member of the senior management team. She ensures that the company has resources to operate effectively and that systems and reporting procedures are in place to grow the company.

Her work includes, but is not limited to, preparing the short-term and long-term budget for the company to support the company’s strategic business goals, preparing the quarterly financial report for analysis for board meetings, supporting the Human Resources Subcommittee to ensure that all Human Resources and related functions are properly performed, creating training programmes to aid the professional development of staff and keeping the Executive Director informed of all critical issues relating to the reputation of the BVI.

Wilma has over 5 years’ experience within the financial services industry and holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Management with a concentration in Law. She is currently pursuing the STEP Diploma in International Trust Management.

Fun fact: Wilma Blyden is a Christian author.

Kareem Ottley currently serves as the junior Administrative Officer at BVI Finance and also carries out the role of Operations and Marketing. He is instrumental in assisting with the management of BVI Finance's website and social media platforms. Mr. Ottley is a graduate of the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College 2020 academic year where he obtained an Associate's Degree in General Science.

Shamahl A. Smith is an up-and-coming professional who aims to amplify the voices of Virgin Islanders while supporting the economic, social, and cultural growth of the Territory.

In his capacity as Research Analyst, Shamahl brings to the BVI Finance team well-tested qualitative and quantitative research capabilities in addition to a professional background covering years of work in the BVI financial services industry.

Shamahl is a recent graduate of the Florida International University where he received a master's degree in Global Affairs, accompanying his bachelor’s degree in international relations from the same institution. With extensive knowledge covering a wide range of areas, not limited to corporate responsibility, political science, anthropology, human rights, and data analytics, Shamahl is adept to adapting to many roles and situations.