The Hon Victor F Banks, The Government of Anguilla’s Minister for Finance, Investment, Economic Development and Commerce, recently invited Jersey officials and financial-services practitioners to choose Anguilla as its partner in the Caribbean.
The Minister was speaking at a presentation held in Jersey recently supported by John Lawrence the Director of Financial Services and Lans Connor, Registrar of Commercial Activities from the Government of Anguilla together with Alex Richardson, President of AFSA; Harry Wiggin and Bruce Drummond of Webster Dyrud Mitchell. The Jersey community’s response was positive particularly as Anguilla offers specialist company formation services via its transparent Anguilla Commercial Online Registration Network (ACORN).
"Anguilla has already forged several successful business partnerships with Jersey-based practitioners including Sinel Trust," said Minister Banks. He added: "the support of the Jersey financial community of Anguilla’s Financial Services sector is a coup for Anguilla as we are very keen that they `savour the waters’ of Anguilla’s well-regulated and efficient, quality services."
The Minister said that the visit was the first time that such a large delegation from Anguilla has had a presence in the Channel Islands. "Ultimately it is a flag-waving exercise, however, the Anguillian brand of service and the reputation of the ACORN system is growing and it essential that we back this up by briefing and meeting in person the managers who provide our services to their clients."
Delegates who attended the presentation included senior representatives from the Jersey regulatory authority, international banks, trust-company formation companies, fund managers, law firms and leading finance corporations.
Minister Banks said that Anguilla will definitely visit the Channel Islands again to continue the dialogue that has been established by the territories.
"There is a natural synergy between the Channel Islands and Anguilla. We are island territories with experienced, quality and well-regulated, financial-services sectors; we have stable systems of Government under the protection of HMG; and have recently undergone a thorough audit by independent surveyors on behalf of the UK Government."
Alex Richardson, President of the Anguilla Financial Services Association, and the head of a leading private sector law firm hosted a business briefing in Guernsey the following day. Senior officials from the Government of Anguilla’s Financial Services department and the private sector supported Mr Richardson.
"Anguilla’s presence in Guernsey was an essential activity to rekindle existing links and prove to those who had heard of us that we are a force to be reckoned with. I am very proud of the unique services that Anguilla can provide and our visit went along way in persuading potential clients why they should do business with us," said Mr Richardson.
Trust company managers, international private banks and existing overseas agents of the ACORN system, attended the briefing.