The Tribune

The Bahamas Financial Services Board (BFSB)-sponsored International Business & Finance Summit (IBFS) will be held from February 6-8 at the Grand Lucayan in Grand Bahama.

The event will bring together top executives in the Bahamian financial and business community, as well as senior government and regulatory officials.

BFSB chairman, Prince Rahming, said: “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 an international centre for business and finance. It looked at potential changes, and showcased the best practices and strategies for success adopted by both the Bahamas and other jurisdictions.

Now, IBFS 2015 will focus on ‘Creating a New Legacy’. It will examine how international financial centres are coping with change. Session topics include: ‘The New Legacy’; ‘Tax & Information Exchange: Navigating the Winds of Change’; ‘Immigration: Tool for Business and Economic Development’; ‘Cultivating Innovation’; ‘Cultivating Generosity: Conscious Investing’; ‘FSI Entrepreneurship’ and ‘Regulation and Compliance’.

Some of the international speakers already confirmed for IBFS include Mark Bridges, partner, Farrar & Company (UK); Carlos Rodriguez, chief executive and partner, Arthur J Gallagher (Colombia); David Friedman, president, Wealth-X (headquartered in Singapore, but active on five 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).

Prime Minister Perry Christie has been invited to address the pre-summit CEO dinner on February 5. Other local speakers will include David Munoz, chief executive, Deltec Bank & Trust, and Katie Booth, principal, Katie Booth Ltd.