BVI FSC Announced Appointment of New Asia Representative

The British Virgin Islands Financial Services Commission has issued press release where announced the appointment of Mr. Burton Chalwell who will replace Mr. Leon Wheatley as the new Asia Representative of the Commission. Mr. Wheatley will return to the BVI headquarters of the BVI FSC and serve as a Deputy Director with supervision of the Compliance Inspection Unit.

The appointment of Mr. Chalwell was effective 9 October 2017, and previous representative is expected to assume his new post on 13 November 2017. In the role of Asia Rep at BVI FSC (HK) Ltd., Mr. Chalwell’s duty will be managing the delivery of services offered from the Commission’s office at BVI House Asia, and the Asia Pacific liaison for BVI Financial Services licensees and regulators with a presence in the region. 

Robert Mathavious, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Commission, commented on the appointment, saying: “Asia continues to be a key market for the British Virgin Islands and we are very pleased with the talent that the Commission has in the region and the services and expertise we can provide in Asia. We are confident that Mr. Chalwell will be an excellent addition to the team. We are also very excited that Mr. Wheatley will be coming back to Commission headquarters after a very successful stint in Asia and look forward to his continued service to the Commission and the industry.”

BVI Financial Services Industry Continues Functioning

According to the leaders of the British Virgin Islands financial services industry, there is no loss of confidence in the businesses, despite the severe damages done to the territory by Hurricane Irma. Head of Business Development and Marketing department in BVI Finance, Gary Hales, said: “Generally, people are still comfortable using the BVI. By way of example, there are three potential funds which are still looking at the possibility of using BVI… There is no sense of loss of confidence or business, so the BVI is definitely proving that the financial services industry is robust.”

The director of BVI House Asia in Hong Kong, Elise Donovan, confirmed that the financial services industry there is appreciative of accessibility to services; also, the Cayman Islands where all the large companies operating in the BVI are now represented, note the seamless continuation of BVI services. 

It is also important that the premises of BVI Financial Services Commission, regulating the financial industry, survived the hurricane. So, they became operational in some days, and full functionality has been restored to the online company registration portal.

Interim Executive Director at BVI Finance, Lorna Smith, said that there was a keen determination among industry partners to ensure the survival of financial services as part of the overall recovery for the British Virgin Islands.

National Bank Suspending Loan Payments

The National Bank of the Virgin Islands announced that it would put a three-month suspension on payments for all personal, residential and commercial loans, in connection with Hurricane Irma. The customers having personal loans are not required to take any action, while persons with residential mortgages and commercial loans are required to fill out and sign a form confirming the status of their property and/or business, insurance claims, and future intentions.

All payment moratorium requests are to be submitted to the Bank by October, 27, while those who wish to continue payment need only contact the bank. 

The National Bank will also host a series of community outreach sessions aimed at facilitating customers who want to take advantage of its loan concessions.