The Tribune

Sterling Global Financial's Brandon Caruana is the latest addition to the inaugural Bahamas Blockchain and Cryptocurrency Conference line-up.

Designed to attract investors, entrepreneurs, service providers and tech companies, the three-day conference at the Grand Lucayan Resort in Grand Bahama from June 20-22 features an array of local and international speakers.

Hundreds of attendees are expected to discuss investment opportunities, developing companies and building business relationships centred upon blockchain technology - an electronic cash system of which Bitcoin is the most widely known.

"I'm excited to speak at the conference. I think there is a huge opportunity for The Bahamas to embrace this new architecture of money," said Mr Caruana, a Cayman-based digital currency expert who was a featured speaker at a recent Bahamas Financial Services Board (BFSB) seminar.

At the time, he urged The Bahamas to take the lead in blockchain technology and cryptocurrency - technological innovations expected to impact every level of commerce that currently requires a trusted third party to validate and execute transactions.

"The technology hub the government is building in Freeport is a great venue for the jurisdiction and the region given the country's proximity to the US market and its sovereignty," Mr Caruana added. A panel speaker, he will contribute to the "Why Invest" session at 3pm on June 20.

The Prime Minister, Dr Hubert Minnis, is scheduled to open the conference.

Some of the topics to be discussed include: The Technology Sector of The Bahamas is Open for Business; Why should we invest in The Bahamas; A global perspective on regulatory framework for Cryptocurrency and ICOs; and What does the future look like for Blockchain, Cryptocurrency and FinTech Solutions.

Mr. Caruana, a software developer, has more than 15 years' experience in developing and managing the roll-out of complex technology that improves operations, reduces costs and fosters employee collaboration.

He managed the development of a multi-million dollar portal that allowed clients and administrators to manage banking, brokerage and custody business-line service at Sterling Financial Group, a division of Sterling Global Financial, a Bahamas-headquartered financial firm with more than $10bn in assets under administration or management.