The Tribune

The Association of International Banks and Trust Companies (AIBT) recalled a productive year during its June 22 annual general meeting (AGM).

Bruno Roberts, its co-chairman, highlighted professional development efforts that included the 11th annual Nassau Conference, which achieved record attendance in 2016. Other initiatives included the Financial Services Bootcamp's launch, and the third annual AIBT Regulators Forum earlier this month.

The AIBT also continued to build on partnerships with other industry bodies. It partnered with the Bahamas Financial Services Board (BFSB) on the International Business & Finance Summit in January 2017; collaborated with BFSB and others on delivering the first Financial Services Bootcamp; and was involved in the hiring of Deloitte & Touche to study the Bahamas' tax system.

AIBT also announced that it has made nearly $60,000 in sponsorships and contributions to various industry initiatives, including the Common Reporting Standard (CRS) legislation drafting; Spanish language Immersion scholarships; the 2017 International Business & Finance Summit; the 2017 STEP Caribbean Conference; Toward a Bilingual Bahamas programme; the BFSB Awards to Student of the Year and the tax study.

AIBT executives also held regular meetings with government and regulators, including the Central Bank of the Bahamas' governor; the Inspector of Banks and Trust Companies; the Central Bank of the Bahamas; Securities Commission of the Bahamas; the Ministry of Financial Services, Trade & Industry and Immigration; the Ministry of Finance; the Ministry of Labour; the Financial Intelligence Unit and Attorney General's Office.

Brent Symonette, minister of financial services, trade and industry, and immigration delivered remarks during the AGM. Mr Roberts, of The Private Trust Corporation, and Ivan Hooper, Winterbotham Trust Company, will continue as co-chairmen of the Board.

Other directors include Jan Mezulanik, Pictet Bank & Trust, as deputy chairman; Jean-Marc Fellay, Julius Baer Bank & Trust (Bahamas), as treasurer; and Anastacia Johnson, executive administrator of AIBT, continues as Board secretary. Directors ratified to serve during the 2017-2019 term include: David Thain, Amber Bank; Amando Martin, Andbank (Bahamas); Christine Russell, Corner Bank (Overseas); Antoinette Russell, Credit Suisse Trust; Ian Comins, EFG Bank & Trust (Bahamas); Shira Newbold, Intertrust (Bahamas); Daniel-Marc Brunner, Syz Bank & Trust; and Bernard Sechaud, UBS (Bahamas).