The Association of International Banks and Trust Companies of The Bahamas (AIBT) has announced Founding Sponsorship of The Nassau Conference, which takes place February 7 and 8, 2005.

In announcing The Nassau Conference, Andrew Law Conference Chairman said, "By creating an opportunity for professionals to gather together with some of the world’s best minds, AIBT hopes to promote more global thinking within our local industry, and provide a window to the world for Bahamian financial service professionals."

Bahamian students at the College of the Bahamas (COB) will also benefit from the Conference. A number of speakers from The Nassau Conference will also make a presentation to COB students to help broaden their understanding of an industry which is so vital to the Bahamian economy and which is expected to provide increasing employment opportunities for young Bahamians as the country’s financial services sector continues its pace of development.

AIBT Chairman Robert Lotmore said The Nassau Conference is a natural extension of the organisation's commitment to professional development. "One of our key mandates is to develop professional development initiatives for our member firms. We believe The Nassau Conference will help today’s generation of Bahamian professionals expand their understanding of the broad and complex issues which impact our industry and our ability to continue to compete effectively in a global marketplace.

"Furthermore our partnership with the College of The Bahamas will plant the seeds of excellence in tomorrow’s generation of professionals."

The Hon. Allyson Maynard-Gibson, Minister of Financial Services & Investments, said The Nassau Conference demonstrates the banking industry’s commitment to the long term health of the country's financial services sector. "Banks and trust companies are significant contributors to our nation’s economy, especially in terms of creating management and highly skilled employment opportunities for Bahamians.

"The Nassau Conference recognises that professional development is a joint responsibility of both the private and public sectors. On behalf of the Government, I would like to thank and commend AIBT and other sponsors for creating and supporting such an important event."

While The Nassau Conference expects to draw heavily from the local financial services industry, international delegates will likely be attracted to the event which will feature a broad range of topical presentations and dynamic international and local speakers. These currently include:

  • Mark Bridges, Farrer & Co. addressing Industry Ethics;
  • Richard Hay, Stikeman Elliott LLP addressing Tax issues;
  • Katie Booth, Rothschild Trust Corporation who will discuss Client Lifecycles;
  • Philip Marcovici, Baker & McKenzie, addressing Jurisdiction Models;
  • Barry Rider, Beachcroft Wansbroughs who will address Risk Management;
  • Jeffrey Everett, Templeton Global Advisors Ltd., who will discuss Investment Strategies;
  • Michael Foot, Central Bank of The Bahamas, who will address Regulation;
  • Robert Lawrence, Cadwalader Wickersham & Taft LLP, who will discuss Client Structures;
  • Sean McWeeney, Graham Thompson & Co., who will provide a conference wrap-up.

Conference and registration information can be accessed on-line.

The Central Bank of The Bahamas is the Presenting Sponsor for the Conference, and Pictet Bank & Trust Limited is the Platinum Sponsor.

Silver sponsors include: The Bank of Nova Scotia Trust Company (Bahamas) Limited, Butterfield Bank (Bahamas) Limited, Cable Bahamas Ltd., Lombard Odier Darier Hentsch Private Bank & Trust Limited, Lynx Wealth Management Systems and The Private Trust Corporation Limited.

Association sponsors include the Bahamas Financial Services Board (BFSB) and the Society of Trust & Estate Practitioners ( Bahamas Branch). Other sponsorship opportunities are available.

The AIBT was established in 1976 to represent the International Banks and Trust Companies operating from The Bahamas. The Association is funded by its members and works with them to promote professional standards in the industry and continued success and understanding of the banking sector.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.