Date: Monday, May 27, 2024
Venue: Shanghai Marriott Marquis City Centre
Event Objectives
Recognised as an internationally respected financial centre, the BVI plays a pivotal role in connecting markets, facilitating inbound and outbound investment, trade, and capital flows. With a rich history of cultivating strong relationships with Asian businesses since the 1980s, the BVI stands uniquely poised to navigate through these disruptions and continue driving economic prosperity across the region.
The BVI’s financial services sector relies heavily on Asia, with 57 percent of its business coming from the region, including 44 percent from China’s Mainland, Hong Kong and Macau. The recent political tensions between China and Western countries make this mission particularly important for maintaining the BVI’s position as a trusted partner in the Asian market.
Experience first hand the convergence of visionary leadership and industry expertise as leaders from the highest echelons of the BVI Government, BVI Finance, BVI Hong Kong Office, and esteemed practitioners and experts from Asia engage in candid, high-level conversations. Together, we will explore the critical issues and innovative strategies shaping the future of financial services both in the BVI and across the Asian market.
About Us
Major respected companies worldwide use BVI Business Companies to manage their cross-border activities. Over 140 major businesses listed on the London, New York, and Hong Kong main stock exchanges use BVI vehicles to support their international investment activities.
Companies, institutions, and private individuals use them for holding companies for various assets corporate group structuring; investment business, joint ventures, listings, real estate; family, trust, estate, and succession planning; and vessel or aircraft registration.
Agenda
Topic
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Speaker
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Registration
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Welcome Remarks
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Dr. Ricardo Wheatley, Director, BVI Hong Kong Office
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Keynote Speech- BVI: Jurisdiction of Choice
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Deputy Premier and Minister for Financial Services, Labour and Trade, Hon. Lorna Smith, OBE
Description: Deputy Premier Smith will explore recent advancements in the BVI, shedding light on how the jurisdiction takes a proactive stance in assisting millions of Asians in achieving their financial objectives. Moreover, the Deputy Premier will explain the pivotal role played by the BVI in facilitating foreign direct investment in China and the Asia Pacific region, and on a global scale. Additionally, Deputy Premier Smith will tackle recent international developments and elaborate on the strategies adopted by the BVI to address these developments. |
Panel - Going for Global Growth Why Choose the BVI?
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Moderator: Elise Donovan, CEO, BVI Finance Panellists: Carson Wen, Founder, Bank of Asia
David Chong, Founder and President, Portcullis GroupDescription:For four decades, BVI Business Companies have proven instrumental for Chinese business leaders, state-owned enterprises, and individuals. What factors have led Chinese business leaders to consistently select the BVI as their preferred jurisdiction? What distinctive advantages does this jurisdiction provide to the Chinese market, and to what extent are these capabilities fully understood by stakeholders? A panel of experts will delve into recent BVI developments in the context of prevailing trends in Asia. |
Panel- Charting a Course through the International Landscape
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Moderator: Ms. Ayana Glasgow, Director of International Business (Regulations), Ministry of Financial Services, Labour and TradePanellists:Shane Baptiste, Asia Representative, BVI Financial Services CommissionTiger Zhang, Director, ICS Corporate ServicesDeon Vanterpool, VP, Bank of AsiaDescription:The global regulatory landscape of transparency and taxation, propelled by entities such as the OECD, the EU, FATF, NGOs, and EU parliamentarians, is dynamic and complex. In light of these diverse regimes fuelling the anti-offshore agenda, what strategies does the BVI employ to align with and meet the requirements set forth? How does the BVI navigate the delicate balance between compliance obligations and sustaining competitiveness within the market? Furthermore, will the BVI uphold the "privacy and confidentiality of its structures," a principle highly esteemed in Asian jurisdictions?Key topics of discussion will include an overview of BVI's legal framework for international businesses and financial services, insights into the latest regulatory updates and compliance requirements, and practical advice for navigating the complexities of doing business in a jurisdiction renowned for its offshore financial services. The panel will also delve into the global impact of BVI regulations, discussing how international standards and cross-border cooperation affect local practices and vice versa.
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Panel- BVI the Ideal Vehicle for Structuring on the Belt and Road
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Moderator: Matthew Sumner, Managing Director, Outbound Investment GrouPanellists:Carson Wen, Founder, Bank of AsiaDavid Lin, Counsel, OgierLilian Huang, Head of Mailand China and Taiwan Market, TMF GroupDescription:The BVI remains at the forefront of international corporate structuring for cross-border transactions and investing worldwide. The BVI’s attributes, such as a familiar legal system based on English common law, internationally compliant regulations and tax neutrality, make it an especially attractive jurisdiction for pooling capital globally and investing it in markets where legal Page 20 of 54 barriers or political risks would otherwise deter investment..
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Coffee Break
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Presentation- – Asian Prosperity Anchored in BVI: Unveiling Trusts and Family Office
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Speaker: David Chong, Founder and President, Portcullis Group
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A Conversation on Dispute Resolution, Arbitration, Shareholder Disputes, Litigatio
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Speakers: Ms. Ayana Glasgow, Director of International Business (Regulations), Ministry of Financial Services, Labour and TradeShan Greer, CEO, BVI International Arbitration Centre
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Presentation Navigating AML Requirements: Ensuring Compliance for BVI Managers
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Speaker: Tiger Zhang, Director, ICS Corporate Services
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A Conversation on Digital Assets
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Moderator: Elise Donovan, CEO, BVI Finance Speakers: Deon Vanterpool, VP, Bank of AsiaShane Baptiste, Asia Representative, BVI Financial Services CommissionDescription:Explore the world of digital assets with an expert as we discuss the latest trends and challenges. Gain insights into the BVI’s Virtual Assets Legislation and its impact on the digital economy. Uncover valuable strategies for navigating this dynamic landscape.
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Presentation – Competitive Advantages of BVI Fund Structures
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Speakers: Jerome Rubin-Delanchy, CEO of ATU Advisory Services AG
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Presentation – BVI: The Future
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Description: Delve into the future of the BVI business. Building upon exploration of recent advancements, the presentation will illuminate the trajectory ahead for the jurisdiction. Discover how the BVI continues to proactively support millions of Asians and Chinese individuals in realising their financial goals. Gain insights into the evolving role of the BVI as a key facilitator of foreign direct investment. Explore the possibilities and opportunities that lie ahead as the BVI charts its course towards a dynamic and prosperous
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Q&A
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Brief Closing Remarks:
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Siobhan Flax, Deputy Director, BVI Hong Kong Office
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Reception
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Executive Director of International Business Regulations
Ministry of Financial Services, Labour and Trade