BVI Named a Major Financial Centre by The Economist

In a special report by The Economist, a well known weekly news magazine publishing reports on politics, economics, business and finance, BVI has been recognized as a major financial centre playing a strong role in the global economy. It is stated in the report that offshore financial centres have recently been under attack but have been resilient to it, and the future of respected international finance centres like the British Virgin Islands and their staying in business is guaranteed.

The report, named “Storm survivors”, also acknowledges the importance of Asia to the BVI jurisdiction, as the BVI companies are used for initial public offerings and international investments. Among the reasons why investors are using the BVI for international arbitrage, there are highlighted the ease of raising funds, cheaper access to capital markets, speed of setting up a company (or investment vehicle) and access to reliable courts. 

The executive director of the BVI International Finance Centre Elise Donovan commented on the report, saying that “The Economist has highlighted some positive attributes about the BVI. It has shown us in a true light as a stable, well regulated and neutral jurisdiction which makes a significant contribution to the liquidity of the global economy.”

She also said some words on the role of Asian market for the BVI: “Asia is of the utmost importance to us. In less than 10 years, China will be the largest economy in the world. We have built a strong relationship with China and we must continue to build on those foundations and ensure the BVI remains an attractive proposition for Asian businesses.”