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'Investment in our people is critical'- Hon Lorna G. Smith OBE

- Said VI is building a pipeline of talent equipped to guide & grow specialist digital asset businesses
Jr Minister for Financial Services, Economic Development and Digital Transformation, Hon Lorna G. Smith, OBE (AL), left, said the Virgin Islands is building a pipeline of talent equipped to guide and grow specialist digital asset businesses. Photo: GIS
Jr Minister for Financial Services, Economic Development and Digital Transformation, Hon Lorna G. Smith, OBE (AL), left, at FinTech on the Seas 2025 at Necker Island on June 25, 2025. Right is Minister for Health and Social Development Hon Vincent O. Wheatley (R9). Photo: GIS
Jr Minister for Financial Services, Economic Development and Digital Transformation, Hon Lorna G. Smith, OBE (AL), left, at FinTech on the Seas 2025 at Necker Island on June 25, 2025. Right is Minister for Health and Social Development Hon Vincent O. Wheatley (R9). Photo: GIS
Some of the participants of FinTech on the Seas 2025 at Necker Island on June 25, 2025. Photo: GIS
Some of the participants of FinTech on the Seas 2025 at Necker Island on June 25, 2025. Photo: GIS
NECKER ISLAND, VI- "The BVI has developed into a financial hub that offers tested, responsive regulatory frameworks, access to financial infrastructure, and experienced service providers with the technical depth and sector fluency fintech demands."

This is according to the Jr Minister for Financial Services, Economic Development and Digital Transformation, Hon Lorna G. Smith, OBE (AL), who said this success is no accident, but reflects an intentional and collaborative approach — one that combines innovation with a steadfast commitment to integrity.

Noting that technology alone is not enough, Hon Smith, speaking at FinTech on the Seas 2025 at Necker Island on June 25, 2025, Hon Smith, said the human element remains critical in judgment, in creativity, and in building the relationships that underpin trust and progress.

"The investment in our people is critical. Through tailored educational initiatives, we are building a pipeline of talent equipped to guide and grow specialist digital asset businesses. We’re joined today by President Richard Georges of the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College, a co-sponsor of this event, as well as a representative from the Robert Mathavious Institute for Financial Services. Their presence speaks to our belief that education is the engine of innovation."

'We in the BVI embrace this change'

Technological change, according to Hon Smith, will not slow down, nor should it.

"From artificial intelligence to tokenisation, embedded finance to RegTech, the frontier continues to expand. We in the BVI embrace this change, and we are already applying these technologies to areas such as compliance and financial crime prevention."

FinTech on the Seas, Hon Smith said, is a milestone event in the VI's decisive pivot to fintech and digital asset management, expanding its well-established financial services sector to embrace a more diversified portfolio of digital and fintech offerings.

"This evolution not only strengthens our regulatory architecture, but also actively encourages the development of innovative products and services in areas such as blockchain infrastructure, digital identity, and financial technology solutions tailored for global use," Hon Smith said.

13 Responses to “'Investment in our people is critical'- Hon Lorna G. Smith OBE”

  • Roger Burnett (29/06/2025, 08:59) Like (16) Dislike (2) Reply
    And what do Virgin Islanders gain from enabling the wealth of others? Certainly not better roads and services, a pristine environment, and a pleasanter lifestyle.
  • tola boy (29/06/2025, 09:43) Like (6) Dislike (1) Reply
    What about the Bank of Asia Papers? The UK will be coming to takeover our Virgin Islanders can't be the one to benefit from its wealth.
  • Marty Probasco (29/06/2025, 09:44) Like (1) Dislike (5) Reply
    Roger please. Check your questionable life style first.
  • Rubber Duck (29/06/2025, 09:51) Like (2) Dislike (7) Reply
    Lorna remains in our corner she got my vote next election
  • @ ROGER BURNETT (29/06/2025, 10:09) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    Slavery didn't leave us it just put on a suit.
  • WEW (29/06/2025, 10:26) Like (7) Dislike (1) Reply
    Putting 5 million of taxpayer’s monies in a bankrupt bank is not investing in our people
  • Bitcoin (29/06/2025, 11:29) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    We still can’t buy Crypto from here. The banks won’t let us and you talking about this. The banks block every crypto transaction we try to do.
    Bitcoin is over 100k and we are left behind
  • Halo (29/06/2025, 12:02) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Someone is trying to polish a stained reputation.
  • She still standing (29/06/2025, 13:22) Like (0) Dislike (3) Reply
    That bank of Asia crap has lost its space no one is interested in that bull sh anymore

    Wheel and come again!!!
  • Awesome (29/06/2025, 16:22) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    You lot have given the white community here in the BVI so much power that they do what they like to locals. Now you want them to invest in locals? They will not do that.


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