Plans for the Bahamas Financial Services Board-sponsored International Business & Finance Summit (IBFS) are well underway. The event, scheduled for Feb 6-8 at the Grand Lucayan in Grand Bahama, brings together the top tier executives and management of the Bahamian financial and business community as well as senior government and regulatory representatives and officials. BFSB Chairman Prince Rahming says, “It is a unique opportunity for three days of interaction with senior decision makers who influence corporate and policy decision making within their companies and agencies and other critical matters impacting the success of international business.”
IBFS 2014, under the theme “Survival of the Fittest”, explored how The Bahamas continues to evolve as a preeminent international centre for business and finance. It looked at some of the changes on the financial horizon, and showcased the best practices and strategies for success adopted by both The Bahamas and other jurisdictions. Coming out of the 2014 Summit, it was acknowledged that successful centres must embrace the need to adopt successful strategies that exploit the competitive dimensions that make a difference in attracting and retaining business. IBFS 2015 will focus on “Creating a New Legacy”. BFSB CEO Aliya Allen points out, "In this context it will look at how IFCs are navigating the winds of change, ever in pursuit of the level playing field, examine this jurisdiction’s building blocks for a new legacy, and review how tradition can interweave with innovation for customized client solutions."
Session Topics include: “The New Legacy”, “Tax & Information Exchange: Navigating the Winds of Change”, “Immigration: Tool for Business & Economic Development”, “Cultivating Innovation”, “Cultivating Generosity: Conscious Investing”, “FSI Entrepreneurship” and, of course, a stable for the event, “Regulation & Compliance”. Other sessions will look at the Building Blocks to a successful international financial centre, focusing on products and services on offer. Some of the international speakers already confirmed to be in Freeport for IBFS include Mark Bridges, Partner, Farrer & Co. (UK); Carlos Rodriguez, CEO and Partner, Arthur J Gallagher (Colombia); David Friedman, President, Wealth-X (Headquartered in Singapore, but active on 5 Continents); Helen Hatton, Managing Director, Sator Regulatory Consulting (Jersey); Steven Wang, Partner-Wealth Planning Team, Duan & Duan (Hong Kong); Gina Pereira, Founder, Dana Philanthropy (Canada); Ronald Alsop, The Trophy Kids (US); and Daniel W. Levy, Principal, McKool Smith (US). As has become the norm, the Rt. Hon. Perry G. Christie, M.P., Prime Minister of the Bahamas, has been invited to address the pre Summit CEO Dinner on February 5. Other local speakers will include David Munoz, CEO, Deltec Bank & Trust; and Katie Booth, Principal, Katie Booth Limited.
The Bahamas Financial Services Board (BFSB), launched in April 1998, represents an innovative commitment by the financial services industry and the Government of The Bahamas to promote a greater awareness of The Bahamas' strengths as an international financial centre. The Board is a multidisciplinary body that embraces active contribution from individuals within the private sector, government, and regulators. BFSB represents and promotes the development of all sectors of the industry, including: banking, private banking and trust services, investment funds, capital markets, investment advisory services, accounting and legal services, insurance, and the corporate and shipping registries. In addition to its coordinated programs to increase confidence and expand knowledge of The Bahamas among international businesses and investors, the private sector-led BFSB continues to consult with government and stakeholders to develop new initiatives to meet the rapidly changing demands of international financial markets.
