Financial Services, Economic Development & Digital Transformation - VI

Seeking an Apprenticeship? Looking for a chance to learn, grow and step into new opportunities?

The RATED Programme is here to help Virgin Islanders gain valuable hands-on experience, develop new skills, prepare for the world of work and build a stronger path forward.

Don’t just wait for opportunity. Get RATED!

Registration Form:https://gov.vg/sites/default/files/2026-04/fillable_rated_programme_registration_form_2026.pdf

Take Control of Your Future!

FREE Men's Career Success Session
Hosted by the Department of Labour & Workforce Development

If you’ve faced challenges like substance abuse, jail time, or trouble staying employed, this session is for you.

Date: Friday 3rd, July, 2026
Time: 2:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Location: Labour Department Training Room, 1st Floor

Opening Remarks by Honourable Lorna Smith, Minister with responsibility for Financial Services, Trade and Economic Development at Fintech on the Seas 2026

Our event last year was outstanding, and the 2026 version starting today promises to be no different. My thanks go to BVI Finance and especially to CEO Elise Donovan. It has been no easy feat this year - and Elise knows what I mean! So, thank you to the staff of BVI Finance and to all the planning team who have worked so hard to create this excellent programme.

I also want to thank our supporters especially technology leaders, DLT Solutions, our headline sponsor. Without our corporate sponsors, Fintech on the Seas would quite simply not be possible. It is becoming firmly established as 'the' annual event to attend - and of course to sponsor

Read more… https://gov.vg/news/opening-remarks-honourable-lorna-smith-minister-responsibility-financial-services-trade-and

Spouses of Belongers are now able to transition to a new employer through a seamless process. This helps families to remain stable when new job opportunities arise.

This amendment supports a more efficient immigration system that better reflects the needs of families living and working in the Virgin Islands.

You can read the Immigration and Passport Act and all amendments here: https://laws.gov.vg/laws/immigration-and-passport-act

Working Towards A Fair and Efficient Immigration System.

A fair and efficient immigration system depends on everyone following the same rules.

Enhanced enforcement measures and updated penalties support greater compliance across the immigration system. This includes a more streamlined enforcement process and stronger consequences for violations of the law.

By promoting accountability and consistency, these measures help protect the integrity of the system and support fairness for all who live, work and do business in The Virgin Islands.

You can read the Immigration and Passport Act and all amendments here: https://laws.gov.vg/laws/immigration-and-passport-act
Working Towards A Fair and Efficient Immigration System.

Premier and Minister of Financial Services, Economic Development and Digital Transformation Dr. the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley has reaffirmed Government's commitment to protecting the Territory's financial services industry while expanding economic opportunities for Virgin Islanders.

Delivering the 2026 State of the Territory Address on June 9 at the Noel Lloyd Positive Action Movement Park under the theme, "Keep Moving Forward", Premier Wheatley provided an update on the Territory's progress and said the financial services industry remains central to the Territory's prosperity and long-term development.

Read more... https://gov.vg/news/state-territory-address-highlights-financial-services

Confidence in any system comes from knowing there is a fair process across the board.

Once the implementation of amendments is complete, an Immigration Appeals Board will be in place to review certain immigration decisions. This means that persons will have the opportunity to submit appeals that are eligible to be considered independently.

This amendment builds more trust and confidence in the immigration system for everyone by ensuring fairness.

You can read the Immigration and Passport Act and all amendments here: https://laws.gov.vg/laws/immigration-and-passport-act

Working Towards A Fair and Efficient Immigration System.

The future of financial services is being shaped by innovation and responsible regulation.

As Minister responsible for Financial Services and Economic Development, Honourable Lorna Smith, OBE highlighted, The Virgin Islands is committed to supporting the growth of emerging technologies while maintaining its reputation as a trusted international financial centre.

Read more about FinTech on the Seas 2026: https://bvifinance.vg/Newsroom/All-News/ArticleID/1693/BVI-Finance-unveils-packed-agenda-for-Fintech-on-the-Seas-2026

We look forward to FinTech on the Seas 2026, where industry leaders will explore developments in digital finance, AI, virtual assets, tokenization and payments.

Minister responsible for Financial Services and Economic Development, Honourable Lorna Smith, OBE, also shared her thoughts on the importance of this event and noted that The Virgin Islands remains committed to supporting innovation while maintaining strong regulation, and good governance.

Click here to learn more: https://bvifinance.vg/Newsroom/All-News/ArticleID/1693/BVI-Finance-unveils-packed-agenda-for-Fintech-on-the-Seas-2026

In less than two weeks, FinTech on the Seas 2026 will return to Necker Island and Oil Nut Bay for three days of discussions on the issues shaping the next chapter of digital finance and today we are excited to unveil the first look at this year’s agenda.

From virtual asset regulation and tokenization to stablecoins, AI and the future of payments, the conference arrives at a pivotal moment as stablecoins, blockchain infrastructure and AI become increasingly central to mainstream financial systems and global capital flows

We look forward to welcoming leading voices from across the industry to discuss the next phase of growth for the industry.

Click here to learn more: https://bvifinance.vg/Newsroom/All-News/ArticleID/1693/BVI-Finance-unveils-packed-agenda-for-Fintech-on-the-Seas-2026