News
VI strengthens counter-terrorist financing measures with updated risk assessment
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- The Government of the Virgin Islands on Friday, April 25, 2025, published its Terrorist Financing Risk Assessment 2025, reflecting the Territory’s continued efforts to safeguard the integrity of its financial system, and its commitment to evolving international standards in counter-terrorist financing.
UPDATE: Hon Smith will be Minister of State for Financial Services & Economic Dev’t- Premier
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- As first and accurately reported by our News Centre today, March 11, 2025, Opposition Member and Territorial At Large Representative Hon Lorna G. Smith, OBE has returned to the government of Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7).
Skelton-Cline warns of ‘undeclared war’ on VI'S financial services sector
BAUGHER'S BAY, Tortola, VI— Commentator Claude O. Skelton-Cline has issued a stark warning over what he perceives as the mounting global pressures on the Virgin Islands’ financial services sector, describing the situation as an "undeclared war" that could severely impact the Territory’s economy.
‘Take the diversification of our economy more seriously’- Hon Walwyn
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Opposition Member Hon Myron V. Walwyn (R6) has challenged the government of the day to lead the charge in diversifying the economy of the Virgin Islands (VI) as a safeguard against any potential losses from the financial services industry.
'If Financial Services go down, we all go down'- Premier Wheatley
HONG KONG, China- Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) and his delegation are currently on a 5-day trip to Asia, where the business of the financial services industry was one of the main focuses.
Premier Wheatley denies receiving explosive UK MPs letter
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI— Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) has confirmed that his administration has yet to receive an official copy of a letter purportedly sent by United Kingdom (UK) Members of Parliament (MPs) concerning the Territory's Open Register of Beneficial Ownership of Companies.
Premier lambasts recent misleading & malicious attacks on Financial Services
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- The Territory’s Minister for Financial Services Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) has fired back at two recent articles in the UK-based The Guardian newspaper misleading the public about the Virgin Islands’ position on financial crime.
Public registers remain a concern for FSC- CEO Kenneth B. Baker
BAUGHERS BAY, Tortola, VI—The financial services sector in the Virgin Islands (VI)– one of two key financial pillars for the Territory- is facing an estimated 20 to 30 percent decline in business following mounting pressure from the United Kingdom (UK) to increase public access to beneficial ownership information.
FSC & FIA issue guidance on effective ongoing monitoring
PASEA ESTATE, Tortola, VI - The BVI Financial Services Commission (the FSC) and BVI Financial Investigation Agency (the FIA) have issued guidance on ‘An Effective Approach to Ongoing Monitoring’.
Take Opposition Leader on Asia trip for ‘Mano-a-Mano’ dialogue—Skelton-Cline
BAUGHERS BAY, Tortola, VI – Outspoken political commentator and former government consultant Pastor Claude O. Skelton-Cline is urging the Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7), to take Opposition Leader Honourable Ronnie W. Skelton (AL) with him on his upcoming Asia-Pacific visit to facilitate an open and constructive dialogue about the future of the Virgin Islands.

