Junior Minister for Financial Services, Economic Development and Digital Transformation, Hon Lorna G. Smith, OBE (AL) (middle), led a Virgin Islands delegation to a series of high-level meetings in Brussels and Paris from October 6 to 8, 2025. Photo: Government of the Virgin Islands

Ministry of Financial Services, Economic Development and Digital Transformation in the Virgin Islands regulates and promotes the financial services industry, drives economic growth, and advances digital innovation in the Territory. Photo: Facebook

The meeting between the Virgin Islands and Germany in Brussels highlighted the importance of partnership and reaffirmed a collective commitment to advancing common goals through sustained collaboration. Photo: Internet Source

During the meetings in Paris, the Virgin Islands delegation met with representatives of the OECD’s Global Forum on Transparency and Exchange of Information for Tax Purposes. Photo: Internet Source

A delegation from the VI representing the government was involved in a series of high-level meetings in Brussels, Belgium and Paris, France, from October 6 to 8, 2025. 

The meetings formed part of ongoing efforts to strengthen engagement with the European Union and its Member States, a press release from the Ministry of Financial Services, Economic Development, and Digital Transformation on October 13, 2025, stated. 

The delegation also took the opportunity to update international partners on the Virgin Islands’ continued progress in adhering to global standards on tax cooperation and anti-money laundering/countering the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT).

Brussels & Paris Meetings 

The visit formed part of the Government’s strategic international engagement and its commitment to maintaining the Virgin Islands’ reputation as a cooperative and responsible international financial centre.

Junior Minister for Financial Services, Economic Development and Digital Transformation, Hon Lorna G. Smith, OBE (AL), led the delegation, which included Ms Ayana I. Glasgow, Director of Financial Services in the Ministry of Financial Services, Economic Development and Digital Transformation and Mr Glenford V. Malone, Deputy Managing Director- Regulation at the British Virgin Islands Financial Services Commission (FSC).

In Brussels, the delegation held constructive discussions with senior officials from the European Commission and also met with various EU Member States.

The release said these engagements highlighted the importance of partnership and reaffirmed a collective commitment to advancing common goals through sustained collaboration.

During the meetings in Paris, the delegation met with representatives of the OECD’s Global Forum on Transparency and Exchange of Information for Tax Purposes.

An excellent opportunity- Hon Lorna G. Smith, OBE

Hon Lorna Smith described the meeting as an “excellent opportunity to reaffirm and further strengthen the close relationship that has long existed between the Virgin Islands and our European partners”.

She added that discussions demonstrated that they are united in the commitment to transparency, accountability, and the fight against illicit finance and financial crime.

“We look forward to continuing this dialogue in the months ahead, working together to ensure that our financial services industry remains a force for good in the global economy.”