Junior Minister for Financial Services, Economic Development and Digital Transformation Hon Lorna G. Smith, OBE, at the Official Celebration of Life for the late Dr Robert A. Mathavious, OBE, at Multi-Purpose Sports Complex on Wednesday, October 15, 2025. Photo: GIS

Dr Robert A. Mathavious, OBE, the first Managing Director and former Chief Executive Officer of the BVI Financial Services Commission, passed away on Sunday, September 14, 2025, in the United States. Photo: GIS/File

Many colleagues in the financial services sector, including those from overseas, paid tribute to the late Dr Robert A. Mathavious, OBE, who passed away on Sunday, September 14, 2025, in the United States. Photo: GIS

Speaking during the Official Celebration of Life for the late Dr Mathavious at Multi-Purpose Sports Complex on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, Hon Smith- due to limited time- chose to focus on Mr Mathavious’ work in Asia.

“Since 1984, over one million companies have been incorporated here. More than 40 percent from China alone. The BVI today mediates around 638 billion dollars in investment related to Mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau. Our presence there underpins 1.16 million jobs across that region and contributes nearly 3 billion dollars in tax revenues in that part of the world.

“That is the measure of the man whose life we celebrate today,” Hon Smith stated of the late first Managing Director and former Chief Executive Officer of the BVI Financial Services Commission.

‘It all began with Robert’s foresight’

The Junior Minister, who travelled with Mr Mathavious on many occasions to promote the VI as a safe and well-regulated financial services jurisdiction, said even in Hong Kong, they refer to forming a company as “setting up a BVI.”

“That’s how deeply Robert embedded this Territory’s name into global business vocabulary. The BVI has now been operating in Asia for more than 40 years. It all began with Robert’s foresight, building on our IBC Act passed in 1984,” Hon Smith emphasised.

The celebration for the late Mr Mathavious was held under the theme ‘Revered at Home • Respected Abroad • Remembered Forever’.

Many colleagues in the financial services sector, including those from overseas, paid tribute to the late Dr Mathavious, who passed away on Sunday, September 14, 2025, in the United States.