The Bahamas Investor

...nson, for instance, was observed to be a key beneficiary of the high level of foreign direct investment in domestic investment projects through its role as an advisor to the Royal Bank of Canada, JP Morgan Chase and Royal Bank of Scotland. Graham Thompson & Co was cited as a key advisor to a number of major domestic commercial banks such as Commonwealth Bank, Scotiabank and Bank of The Bahamas International, on regulatory issues, transactions and......

...tor to others in this country,” says Robert Dunkley, senior vice-president of investments at Caledonia Corporate Management Group, based in Nassau. During the 1990s, Dunkley helped establish a regional office of RBC Dominion Securities in Nassau, and had a number of clients invested in Templeton Funds, including the Templeton Global Growth Fund, then led by Holowesko. “One thing that impressed me is how diligent he is, always studying the market,......

...o move forward with confidence, and strengthens its financial services platform for the facilitation of private wealth management on a global basis. EPR reflects the history of outstanding commitment to the financial services industry. This commitment comes in many shapes and forms, not the least of which are our sovereignty and historic political stability. Both have served the industry well in the past. As wealthy individuals, their advisors, in......

...n a challenging journey of development for Pamela Musgrove, vice president of investments for Colina Financial Advisors Ltd (CFAL), an investment and financial analyst company that manages over $800 million in assets. “When we were young, my mum told us what she wanted us to be. When it came to me she said, ‘I want you to be an accountant because you like to count money and accountants make a lot of money,’” she recalls. Her home life continued to......

...in Nassau, advancing from analyst to the position of senior vice president of investments over her 14-year tenure there. She ultimately was responsible for the investment department, encompassing portfolio management and pension administration. A chartered financial analyst (CFA) charterholder, Sweeting went on to serve as vice president of the board of directors of the International Society of Financial Analysts (ISFA), which has now merged with......

...se industries are tremendously underserved and underdeveloped. These types of investments would diversify the Bahamian economy, which relies heavily on tourism and financial services. The SBA will revitalize the entrepreneurial spirit in all islands of The Bahamas and will outline policies and initiatives that would assist in the development of SMEs–a major driving force of the economy. The SBA will increase the national economic value of SMEs in......

...rprising that the Latin American (LATAM) region is garnering the attention of offshore jurisdictions, and none more so than The Bahamas. Although new wealth generation in Brazil has been well documented, other economies in the region are also performing well, registering 6-10 per cent growth in countries such as Chile, Peru, Colombia and Argentina. According to the 14th Annual World Wealth Report 2010, produced by Merrill Lynch Wealth Management,......

...ealize gains that no one else could. Going against the flow Sir John spoke often of the competitive advantage inherent in a contrarian investment approach. He instinctively dismissed the popular, and was deeply suspicious of the obvious. “Avoid the popular,” he wrote. “When any method of selecting stocks becomes popular, then switch to unpopular methods.” Ever industrious, Sir John sought to profit from the madness of crowds by “buying when others......

...cial shipping from the confines of busy, downtown Nassau to a $70-million, state-of-the-art port facility. The relocation of the Nassau Container Port to the new 56-acre complex on nearby Arawak Cay frees over 20 acres of prime real estate for the redevelopment and revitalization of downtown. The relocation will provide members of the public with their first opportunity to invest in the shipping sector with a projected 10 per cent return on invest......

...growth. The e-government model, however, is not only for the dissemination of information and provision for online transactions at a low cost, but also to open a new channel of communication and networking with businesses, citizens, and the world.” The Bahamas e-government portal services is a government initiative aimed at making business with government easier by providing online access to a range of services. Halkitis noted that the Bahamas has......

...as prevails in The Bahamas, without conflicting or stifling higher levels of offshore oversight will facilitate the competitiveness of independent, locally domiciled banks. The keys to successful banking over time must be: conservative balance sheet management; adequate capitalization; minimal speculative risk taking; and a clear focus on client needs, combined with a clear and consistent regulatory interface with such local authorities as The Ce......

...nce to distinctive communities in the Out Islands. As an attractive locale for offshore banking and investment, the next biggest economic driver is the financial services industry, which accounts for between 15-20 per cent of GDP. The construction industry drives 10 per cent. Agriculture and fisheries comprise less than five per cent of the economy. Mineral resources are salt and aragonite. Population: Estimated at 342,000 in 2009, with annual gro......

...d is being introduced to serve the growing interests and information needs of foreign investors and wealth management practitioners worldwide. The magazine focuses on offshore wealth management strategies, opportunities for direct investment, and lifestyle options and advantages available in The Bahamas. Every issue you’ll encounter intriguing international business figures who are living their entrepreneurial dreams in The Bahamas, meet the execu......

...sting investments, and thoughtfully coordinate execution. Most importantly, they should not delay in putting these into action. Lawrence Lewis Lawrence Lewis (pictured at top) is Deloitte Bahamas’ lead partner for the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) initiative for The Bahamas and Turks & Caicos Islands. In this capacity, he works with the Deloitte US Tax Information and Reporting Practice.......

...lities to be successful as the superintendent of insurance. Q: What is the state of the insurance industry in The Bahamas? A: The insurance industry in The Bahamas is stable. The liquidation of [local insurance company] CLICO has highlighted the need for strong regulation and supervision of the industry. Q: What are the biggest challenges facing the industry? A: Insurance is based on the “law of large numbers” and having critical mass is vital for......