From accounting, to insurance, to legal and wealth management professionals, the government and private sector participated in a 2-day “Vision Day 2013: 2020 Vision” meeting on October 18-19, 2013. Participants were welcomed by Mr. Perin Bradley, Compliance Manager, Government of Anguilla, and Mr. Steve Garlick, CEO of Anguilla Finance, Ltd.
Governor Christina Scott spoke first and expressed her commitment to the success of the Anguilla Financial Services industry and the importance of its 20% contribution to the GDP. Honourable Chief Minister Hubert Hughes, and then Ms. Pam Webster, Managing Partner of WEBSTER and Chair of Anguilla Finance, likewise spoke of the industry’s role in Anguilla’s economy and the need for a 7-year strategy to ensure industry growth and sustainability.
The keynote presentation was given by Bruce Zagaris, Partner of Berliner, Corcoran & Rowe, with internationally renowned experience and expertise in tax and investment law. Mr. Zagaris addressed emerging trends in the US and G8/G20 tax laws and noted opportunities for Anguilla, such as ensuring global market access through STEP (Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners) and to continue to build its reputation as a well-regulated jurisdiction through governmental agreements and probity.
In August and September, the industry participated in a comprehensive Anguilla Financial Services Jurisdiction Assessment. At least 80% of the firms were reportedly represented in the research. Current infrastructure and financial services were evaluated. The assessment also ranked future opportunities, as well as infrastructure, legislative, human resources and governmental support needs. Addressing these will shape the foundation for the next 7 years of industry development and delivering value to clients in managing their investments, intellectual property and real estate. The research was conducted on behalf of the Government of Anguilla and Anguilla Finance Limited by Melinda Goddard, Principal of ClienTell Consulting, LLC.
Ms. Goddard presented the findings and preliminary recommendations, followed by market and services presentations to build on key areas highlighted in the research. Mr. Gerry Riskin, Founder of Edge International, facilitated the rest of the meeting, as participants also discussed various industry career opportunities and the need to engage the community.
Mr. Garlick, who is responsible for marketing the jurisdiction said, “We need to take pride in being part of not only a spectacularly beautiful tourism destination, but also a jurisdiction providing vital financial services to many of the same people who would choose to relax in Anguilla when they travel.”
– Contributed
(Published without editing by The Anguillian newspaper.)
