Dr. The Hon. Natalio D. Wheatley, a distinguished political figure in the British Virgin Islands, currently serves as the Premier and holds multiple vital ministerial portfolios. Dr. Wheatley represents the Seventh District and is a dedicated member of the Virgin Islands Party (VIP). He was first appointed to the British Virgin Islands Parliament in 2019 as the Minister for Education, Culture, Youth Affairs, Fisheries and Agriculture and Representative for the Seventh District. 

Dr. Wheatley’s educational background is marked by his 2016 Ph.D. in Languages and Cultures of Africa from the University of London. He also holds a Master of Arts in Literary Studies from Purdue University and an undergraduate degree in English from Clark Atlanta University.  

In his current capacity as Premier, Dr. Wheatley simultaneously serves as the Minister of Finance, the Minister for Environment, Natural Resources, and Climate Change, the Minister for Tourism, Culture, and Sustainable Development. His diverse portfolio highlights his commitment to driving economic development, environmental sustainability, and cultural enrichment in the British Virgin Islands. 

Dr. The Hon. Natalio D. Wheatley’s multifaceted background and his unwavering dedication to the betterment of the British Virgin Islands establish him as a respected and highly capable leader in the region, entrusted with multiple critical ministerial responsibilities. 

Lorna Smith, OBE, MA, TEP, FCIS, is a distinguished public servant and business leader with decades of experience shaping the British Virgin Islands’ financial services and tourism sectors. She played a pivotal role in establishing BVI Finance and has been instrumental in promoting the BVI as a leading international finance centre and premier tourism destination.

Elected to the House of Assembly in 2023, Lorna served as Deputy Premier and Minister for Financial Services, Labour and Trade. Throughout her career, she has built strong relationships across government, business, and non-profit sectors, providing strategic leadership on economic development and international engagement.

Lorna also played a key role in the BVI’s recovery following Hurricanes Irma and Maria, supporting both government-led and community recovery initiatives. She was awarded an OBE by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II for her outstanding contribution to public service in the British Virgin Islands.

Sir Richard Branson is the Founder of the Virgin Group, one of the world’s most recognized and admired brands, with businesses spanning travel, telecommunications, health, banking, leisure, and space tourism. He launched Virgin in 1970 as a mail-order record retailer before building Virgin Records into the world’s largest independent record label.

A lifelong entrepreneur and innovator, Richard has spent more than five decades using business as a force for positive change. In 2004, he established Virgin Unite, the Virgin Group’s non-profit foundation dedicated to tackling global challenges and creating opportunities for a better world.

In 2021, Richard fulfilled a lifelong dream by becoming an astronaut, flying aboard Virgin Galactic’s Unity 22 mission. He is also a bestselling author, speaker, and advocate for entrepreneurship, innovation, and purpose-driven leadership.

Knighted in 1999 for services to entrepreneurship, Richard lives in the British Virgin Islands and remains one of the world’s most influential business leaders.

Mr Glenford Malone was appointed Deputy Managing Director, Regulation in January 2022 and is responsible for implementing the Commission’s overall regulatory strategy. Mr Malone has over two decades of experience within the regulatory environment, having served many roles, such as Senior Regulator, Deputy Director, Investment Business and prior to 2002, assistant Registrar of Mutual Funds with the former Financial Services Department, now BVI Financial Services Commission. Mr Malone is a Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist and is a trained Financial Examiner in the FATF Methodology of Assessing Compliance with the FATF 40 Recommendations. 

Professional Qualifications 

• Master of Laws (Distinction) in Law and Finance, 2005 

• Bachelor of Business Administration (Economics and International Business), 1997

Kishelle Cameron is the Deputy Director of the Specialised Supervision Unit of the Financial Services Commission. She is responsible for the oversight of high-risk licensees, and those of systemic importance in the jurisdiction. This includes all banks, systemically important TCSPs, Insurance Companies and all high-risk Investment Businesses and Virtual Asset Service Providers. Kishelle leads the Commission’s FinTech Working Group and serves as the Deputy Chair of the Risk Monitoring Committee. She is also the former Deputy Director of the Investment Business Division. In her previous capacity as the Deputy Director of the Investment Business Division, Kishelle gained significant experience in supervising high-risk financial entities and has been instrumental in shaping policies and strategies within the financial regulatory framework. Kishelle is a certified member of several prestigious institutions and has completed various specialised training programs, demonstrating her commitment to continuous learning and expertise in her field. 

Professional Qualifications 

• Master’s degree in Corporate Finance from the EADA Business School, Spain 

• Bachelor’s degree in Economics, University of Maryland 

• International Studies certification, Shanghai University 

• Diploma in Compliance and Risk Management, International Compliance Association 

Claire Abrehart is a Managing Director of the BVI office and is also globally responsible for the directors, trusts and liquidation product service lines.

She is a professional director and serves on the boards of companies including private equity investment entities, real estate investment companies and, more recently, companies involved in the virtual asset and DeFi industry. She also sits on the board of regulated entities, including approved managers and fund structures.

Claire has many years of experience acting as a trustee and working closely with families to ensure their wealth is passed from generation to generation.

She has lived and worked in the British Virgin Islands for over 25 years. Prior to joining the company, she worked for other trust companies, large and small, and has held senior management roles for the last 18 years.

Claire holds a degree in business and is a member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners, having gained her TEP designation in 2006. She is also a full member of the Chartered Institute of Marketing.

Elise Donovan is the Chief Executive Officer of BVI Finance, the organisation that promotes the British Virgin Islands as a premier international finance centre (IFC). She leads global outreach for a jurisdiction that facilitates roughly US $1.4 trillion in cross-border trade and investment, working closely with industry practitioners and policymakers on emerging trends.

Her career includes senior posts at the BVI Government, the BVI Financial Services Commission, and representative offices in London and Hong Kong—experience that gives her a broad perspective on policy, regulation and market development. Donovan’s work routinely takes her to major financial hubs in Asia, Europe, the Americas and Africa, where she strengthens relationships and advances dialogue on fintech, sustainable finance, global trade and evolving regulation.

A frequent contributor to industry forums and journals, she writes and speaks widely on IFCs and the BVI’s role in the global economy.

Mark Mariampillai is a Web3 entrepreneur and capital markets specialist focused on the tokenisation of real-world assets. He is the founder of Tokuti, a UAE blockchain and Web3 consultancy advising Tier-1 investment banks, hedge funds, and digital asset firms globally. Tokuti also develops platforms exploring the tokenisation of assets including private companies, real estate, commodities, music royalties & sports talent. 
 
With over two decades of experience across financial services and emerging technologies, Mark has advised leading institutions including Credit Suisse, UBS, Royal Bank of Scotland, Santander, hedge funds such as Citadel & Gibraltar Stock Exchange. He has also worked with digital asset and blockchain companies including Valereum Plc, Damex, and DigiShares. 

Combining a background in traditional finance with early experience in the music industry, Mark focuses on how blockchain infrastructure can reshape capital formation, ownership, and liquidity across global markets. 

Lodewijk van Setten is Chief Risk Officer at DLT Solutions and General Counsel at Trilitech, a leading organization within the Tezos ecosystem focused on blockchain innovation and protocol development. With extensive experience across traditional finance and digital assets, he advises on financial services, blockchain products, regulatory matters, fundraising, and corporate structuring. Prior to his current roles, Lodewijk held senior legal positions with State Street and Morgan Stanley, supporting asset management, investment funds, structured products, securities financing, and cross-border transactions across Europe, the Americas, Asia, and the Middle East. He holds advanced law degrees from Utrecht University and Duke University School of Law.

Michael Killourhy is a Partner at Ogier and a leading adviser on British Virgin Islands corporate, finance, and regulatory matters. He has extensive experience advising on mergers and acquisitions, capital markets transactions, private equity investments, corporate restructurings, and financial services regulation. Michael is particularly recognized for his expertise in fintech, digital assets, Web3 businesses, and innovative financial services, and has played a significant role in supporting the development of the BVI as a leading international financial centre. He regularly advises multinational corporations, investment funds, financial institutions, and technology companies on complex cross-border transactions and regulatory issues.

Christopher Simpson is Head Partner of the Commercial Department at O’Neal Webster, where he advises leading financial institutions, corporations, and law firms on corporate and commercial law, banking and finance, investment funds, fintech, and digital assets. His practice encompasses mergers and acquisitions, capital markets transactions, corporate restructurings, project finance, private placements, and investment funds, including crypto-focused structures.

With extensive experience in complex cross-border transactions, Christopher has advised on numerous IPOs listed on major international exchanges, including NASDAQ, AIM, TSX, SGX, and the London Stock Exchange. Prior to joining O’Neal Webster, he practised with Harneys in both the British Virgin Islands and Hong Kong. A graduate of the University of the West Indies, the Norman Manley Law School, and the University of London, where he earned an LL.M. in International Business Law, Christopher is also a former Treasurer of the BVI Bar Association and a Notary Public.

David Mathews is a Partner in Harneys’ Digital Assets & Blockchain practice in the Cayman Islands. He advises clients across the blockchain and digital asset ecosystem, including token issuances, DAOs, DeFi platforms, exchanges, NFT projects, GameFi ventures, and other Web3 initiatives. Prior to joining Harneys, David was Counsel in Ogier’s BVI transactional team, where he advised leading fintech and virtual asset businesses, including regulated VASP entities and prominent blockchain projects. Recognized by Chambers FinTech and named among Citywealth’s Top 50 Fintech, TMT & AI Lawyers, David is widely regarded for his expertise in crypto, DeFi, and emerging digital asset regulation.

Ashley Wright is a digital assets strategist, entrepreneur, and global speaker with over 8 years of experience in blockchain, fintech, and emerging technologies. She is the founder of The Wright Success and FemT3ch, organizations focused on advancing financial literacy, innovation, and opportunities in the digital economy.

Ashley has collaborated with leading organizations including CoinDesk, Chainlink, Stellar, Polkadot, and Near Protocol, and has spoken at major conferences across North America, the Caribbean, Asia, and the Middle East. Her work focuses on the future of payments, digital assets, AI, and building more inclusive pathways into technology and entrepreneurship.

Ashley is currently building a new venture at the intersection of blockchain and AI data infrastructure.

Laura Birrell is an Independent Director at Leeward and a recognized leader in the Cayman Islands digital asset industry. A pioneering founder, she established one of the first Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs) registered under the Cayman Islands regulatory framework, helping develop regulated solutions that bridge digital and real-world assets. With a background spanning legal, compliance, and governance leadership roles, including serving as General Counsel for a FTSE 250 company, Laura brings extensive expertise in regulatory compliance, risk management, and corporate governance. She is widely respected for her practical insights into navigating the evolving digital asset and regulatory landscape.

Robert is a Partner at Loeb Smith in the Cayman Islands, advising clients on corporate and commercial transactions, banking and finance, investment funds, and crypto and digital asset matters. Prior to relocating to the Cayman Islands in 2021, he practiced as a Banking & Finance lawyer in the UK for 12 years.

Robert has extensive experience in cross-border M&A, private equity, fund formation, international finance transactions, and Web3 regulatory matters, including advising on VASP licensing and digital asset funds. He also holds qualifications in Real Estate Economics and Finance from the London School of Economics & Political Science, enabling him to provide commercially focused legal advice grounded in financial analysis.

Ronan Kuczaj is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of DLT Solutions, a blockchain advisory firm he established in 2021 to support digital asset and Web3 projects looking to establish operations in the Caribbean. With a background in international financial services and experience in the blockchain sector since 2018, Ronan advises entrepreneurs, investors, and innovative businesses on strategic growth and market entry. A Chartered Director with qualifications in International Relations, South East European Studies, and International Trust Management, he is recognized for his pragmatic approach, extensive regional network, and expertise in navigating the evolving digital asset landscape.

Alex Golubitsky is an international tax and crypto attorney. After many years practicing tax law in the US Virgin Islands, he pivoted to working in crypto and digital assets full time in 2021. He is presently general counsel for Baton Corporation, the development company develops and maintains the pump.fun token launching platform.

Ethan is a financial services executive with 15 years’ experience across traditional finance and digital assets. He has led initiatives in trading infrastructure, institutional partnerships, and regulatory engagement, working with regulators in HK, SG, the US, UAE, and BVI. As CEO of LTP’s Hong Kong office, he drives APAC expansion and policy dialogue, positioning LTP as a globally regulated leader in institutional digital assets.

Jackson is the Executive Producer at TheStreet Roundtable. He graduated from Lipscomb University in Nashville, TN in 2023 with a degree in Political Science.

He leads all video content for Roundtable and TheStreet Crypto, one of the largest outlets for retail investors in the United States and has spoken to CEOs, regulators, public servants, developers, and others globally. A deep understanding of capital markets combined with a keen sense of storytelling allows him to consistently deliver content that resonates with both seasoned investors and newcomers.

Jackson is driven by a desire to make cryptocurrency and traditional markets understandable for the masses. He hopes his discussions will help people increase their financial literacy and achieve financial independence.

Dr. Richard W. Georges is the President of H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC) in the British Virgin Islands, where he made history as the institution’s first alumnus to assume its highest office. Appointed in October 2020, Dr. Georges previously served as Senior Lecturer, Head of Humanities, Director of Institutional Advancement, and Vice President for Academic Affairs.

A distinguished literary figure, Dr. Georges is the territory’s first Poet Laureate and an award-winning author. His poetry collection Epiphaneia earned the 2020 OCM Bocas Prize for Caribbean Literature. He is also a founding editor of MOKO: Caribbean Arts & Letters, a journal dedicated to Caribbean arts and culture .

Dr. Georges holds a BA in English from Texas Christian University, an MA in Creative Writing from Aberystwyth University, and a PhD in Critical and Creative Writing from the University of Sussex. His leadership at HLSCC emphasizes operational and academic innovation, community engagement, and the integration of the arts into education.

Jonathan Sy is a Partner at KPMG specializing in asset management, with extensive experience advising hedge funds and alternative investment managers. He has played a key role in the firm’s pivot into digital assets, working with emerging and established crypto fund managers and digital asset businesses on financial reporting, governance and regulatory considerations. Jonathan combines his asset management background with an extensive understanding of the evolving digital asset ecosystem, and brings strong familiarity with offshore financial structures and cross-border fund operations.

Saraid is Counsel in the firm’s BVI Corporate, Investment Funds and Regulatory practice.

Saraid has significant experience advising on corporate transactions, including restructurings, mergers and acquisitions and equity capital markets, and also advises on a range of regulatory matters in connection with corporate structures, investment funds and regulated entities across various sectors.

Saraid’s experience includes advising clients on anti-money laundering, beneficial ownership, economic substance, licensing applications, virtual assets, and the establishment of investment funds and managers.

Prior to joining Mourant in 2018, Saraid practised Jersey law at another leading offshore law firm and trained at Nabarro Nathanson (now CMS Cameron McKenna Nabarro Olswang LLP) in London.

Chris Buchan is a Counsel in the Corporate Practice Group of Appleby’s British Virgin Islands office. He previously worked in the firm’s Cayman Islands office before relocating to the BVI.

Christopher advises on public and private M&A, capital markets, finance, investment funds, private equity, fintech, digital assets, and a broad range of corporate transactions. He has extensive experience advising clients on the laws and regulations of both the British Virgin Islands and the Cayman Islands.

Prior to joining Appleby, Christopher practiced at leading offshore law firms in the Cayman Islands and Bermuda. He also served as Partner and Head of the Funds Group and Co-Head of the Private Equity Group at Baker McKenzie in Hong Kong.

His experience includes advising fund managers, investment funds, financial institutions, private equity sponsors, and multinational corporations on complex cross-border transactions, regulatory matters, listings, restructurings, and digital asset projects.

Kingsley Advani is Chairman of Advani Family Office and CEO of Allocations, where he oversees $2BN+ in assets. An active investor since 2013, he has completed over 200 investments including SpaceX, Anthropic, Coinbase and Robinhood. Kingsley is a prominent voice in finance and technology, appearing regularly on CNBC and featured in Bloomberg, TechCrunch, VentureBeat, The Wall Street Journal, and Yahoo Finance. 

Amardeep Thandi, Head of Digital Assets at JTC Special Situations and based in Dubai, has over 10 years of experience across blockchain, digital assets and the web3 ecosystem. He leads the firm’s global digital asset strategy, driving the integration of blockchain and digital asset capabilities across new and established markets. Before joining JTC, he was Head of Regulation and Compliance for Chainalysis in EMEA, where he advised VASPs, regulators and financial institutions on digital asset strategy, regulatory matters and market growth. His expertise spans digital financial infrastructure, licensing, regulatory compliance, onboarding, KYC and AML/CFT frameworks, as well as launching compliant digital asset solutions using blockchain analytics for risk management. He also specialises in fraud prevention, financial crime investigations, cross-border regulatory reviews, insider trading and retrospective investigations, and is a certified ACAMS member and founding member of the Crypto Fraud and Asset Recovery Middle East Group.

Ayana Hull is a Partner and Head of the Regulatory & Financial Services practice at the Maples Group in the British Virgin Islands. With more than 20 years of experience in BVI commercial and regulatory law, she advises clients on investment funds, regulatory compliance, licensing, digital assets, and financial services regulation. Widely recognized as a leading regulatory lawyer, Ayana serves on several industry and government advisory bodies, including the BVI FSC’s Virtual Assets Service Providers Act Advisory Committee and the Fintech on the Seas Steering Committee. In 2026, she was awarded Gold as Caribbean Woman of the Year at the Citywealth Powerwomen Awards USA, reflecting her significant contributions to the financial services industry and public service in the Virgin Islands.

James Knox is the Regional Managing Director of Aon’s Blockchain and Technology Practice, leading growth across the technology and digital asset sectors. He advises many of the world’s leading blockchain and technology companies and has supported over 100 firms with insurance strategies for IPOs on U.S. and international exchanges.

A trained attorney, James previously served as CEO of Nasdaq’s international insurance division, Carpenter Moore PLC, and as an Assistant District Attorney in New York City. He is also a recognized speaker and moderator on blockchain, digital assets, and regulatory trends across global markets.

Alejandra has extensive experience working with over 300 global, Latin American, and Hispanic brands. This experience has allowed her to develop the ability to guide clients in implementing best-in-class branding and communication solutions. Her client portfolio includes notable companies such as Amerant, Itaú Private Bank, BCP Global, Insigneo, FlexFunds, Semantix, BlackRock, and The ETF Think Tank.

George Alayon is the Deputy Director, Supervision (FinTech) at the Bermuda Monetary Authority, where he leads initiatives supporting the supervision of Bermuda’s fintech sector, including the regulatory sandbox and innovation hub. He also serves on the Authority’s Insurance and FinTech Assessment and Licensing Committees, overseeing licensing for InsurTech and FinTech entities.

Before joining the Authority in 2015, George held senior roles at CTC Insurance Management, Caceis (Bermuda) Limited, and Ernst & Young Philippines. He is a Certified Public Accountant in both the Philippines and Bermuda, a Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter, and holds certifications in cyber risk, compliance, data analytics, blockchain, and AI.

Sara Galletly is a Partner at Mourant in the Cayman Islands and a member of the firm’s global financial services and regulatory team. She advises on Cayman Islands and British Virgin Islands regulatory matters, including anti-money laundering, economic substance, sanctions, data protection, virtual assets, licensing, and investment fund regulation. Sara previously practiced in investment funds, corporate law, and structured finance, and has over a decade of offshore legal experience. She also serves as Secretary and Executive Committee member of AIMA Cayman and is a Director of the IFC Forum.