On September 28th and 29th The Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP) held its annual STEP Latin America (LATAM) conference in Cartagena, Colombia. It was held under the theme “Where Common Law and Civil Law Converge: The Cross Roads of The Future.”

STEP is a unique professional body providing members with a local, national and international learning and business network focusing on the responsible stewardship of assets today and across the generations.

Topics discussed at the 2018 STEP LATAM conference included the Common Reporting Standard, Corruption, Bitcoin, the New World Order and Tax Amnesty among others. “The Latin American market is a key target for our service providers. STEP LATAM continues to be a great opportunity for the Bahamas to not only network, but to maintain and make new connections with a market key to our jurisdiction. Moreover, we are able to confidently market the Bahamas as a compliant jurisdiction of choice in an ever-changing global landscape. .” stated BFSB’s CEO Tanya McCartney.

The conference was well attended with over 300 delegates. There were over 25 Bahamian attendees. The delegation was led by the Minister of Financial Services, Trade & Industry and Immigration, the Hon. Brent Symonette. The Ministry of Financial Services along with the Bahamas Financial Services Board were both sponsors of this event.

Minister Symonette in bringing remarks as the presenting sponsor of the event stated “…The Bahamas has taken the initiative to rebrand itself as the “Clear Choice” for financial professionals delivering services around the world to HNW clients. Tailoring products and services to the needs of targeted clients, will aid in the deliverance of the best possible result…We are committed to supporting the efforts of the financial services providers in our country. We will provide the platform and enable the necessary policies, processes, legislation and administrative services to allow these providers to operate more efficiently, and grow the financial services sector…”

BFSB continues to invest in ensuring that there is a greater awareness of The Bahamas as an international financial center committed to international best practices.

Reference: STEP LATAM Conference

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