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BAHAMAS ASIA
FORUM 2026

Date: Monday, October 19th
Time: 13:00 - 17:00
Venue: Raffles Singapore, Palm Ballroom, Level 3

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The Bahamas & Asia: Connecting Capital, Advancing Partnership, Creating Opportunity

The Bahamas Asia Forum 2026, to be held in Singapore on 19 October 2026, represents an important opportunity to deepen economic, financial and commercial relations between The Bahamas and Asia and to establish new pathways for investment, trade, innovation and long-term partnership.

As global capital increasingly moves across borders in search of stability, diversification, innovation and new opportunities, The Bahamas is strategically positioned to serve as a trusted gateway between Asian markets and the Americas. With a sophisticated and internationally recognised financial services sector, a strong common-law legal framework, a well-regulated business environment and an expanding range of investment opportunities, The Bahamas offers Asian investors, family offices, financial institutions and businesses a compelling platform from which to access opportunities in the Western Hemisphere.

Singapore, as one of the world’s leading financial and commercial centres, provides an ideal setting for this dialogue. The Forum will showcase the breadth of The Bahamas’ economic proposition, moving beyond its traditional tourism identity to highlight opportunities across financial services, private wealth and family offices, investment funds, capital markets, fintech and digital assets, real estate, sustainable investment, trade and other emerging sectors.

The Forum will bring together policymakers, regulators, investors, financial institutions, professional advisers, entrepreneurs and business leaders from The Bahamas and Asia to identify areas of mutual interest and explore opportunities for collaboration, investment and market expansion.

More than a promotional event, the Bahamas Asia Forum is intended to lay the foundation for a sustained Bahamas, Asia economic partnership, one built on shared interests, mutual opportunity and long-term value creation.

By connecting capital, advancing partnership and creating opportunity, The Bahamas seeks to build enduring relationships with Asia and position itself as a strategic partner for investors and businesses seeking to participate in the growth and opportunities of the Americas.

Event Objectives

The legacy of financial services in The Bahamas is a rich history of more than 80 years to date. The Bahamas is world renowned for its financial services industry in large part because of its inclusive and diverse financial products built on a robust and tested legislature.

The Bahamas offer investors a broad choice of financial institutions that deliver myriad services including international & private banking, trust & fiduciary services, investment fund administration, capital markets, insurance, corporate services and shipping registries. The Bahamas is a favourable jurisdiction for the establishment of family offices, which help wealthy families achieve their goals while dealing with increased regulations, complex issues of taxation, succession planning and charitable giving.

The Bahamas Landfall Events underscore the importance of collaboration and dialogue within the sector, providing valuable insights and reinforcing stakeholders’ collective resolve. Attendees would get ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities ahead.

About Us

The financial services sector remains a cornerstone of the Bahamian economy, accounting for an estimated 15-20% of GDP. In 2024, despite global regulatory pressures and subdued new licensing activities, the sector demonstrated resilience through modest expenditure growth and expanding domestic financial intermediation.

Agenda

MONDAY, 19th OCTOBER, 2026
BAHAMAS ASIA FORUM: SINGAPORE

Time
Topic
1:00PM

ARRIVAL & REGISTRATION

1:10PM

OPENING REMARKS

Senator, the Hon. Jerome Fitzgerald Minister of Economic Affairs

1:25PM

PRESENTATION

THE BAHAMAS ADVANTAGE: A GLOBAL HUB FOR WEALTH & INVESTMENT

Ms. Brandace Duncanson Director of Financial Services, Ministry of Economic Affairs

1:35PM

PANEL 1

THE BAHAMAS: NATURAL CAPITAL, CLIMATE LEADERSHIP & FINANCIAL SERVICES INNOVATION
 
MODERATOR:
Mr. Antoine Bastian CEO, Genesis Fund Services Ltd.
 
PANELISTS:
Senator, the Hon. Jerome Fitzgerald Minister of Economic Affairs
H.E. Anthony Ferguson Director, Levant Advisors Ltd. & Carbon Management Ltd.
2:15PM
BEYOND INVESTMENT: THE BAHAMAS LIFESTYLE
 
Mr. Andretti Bain Olympic Silver Medalist | Head of Sports & Performance, Champion Spirit Country Club Bahamas
2:25PM

COFFEE BREAK

2:40PM

PANEL 2

PRESERVING WEALTH ACROSS GENERATIONS: SUCCESSION, GOVERNANCE & GLOBAL FAMILIES

MODERATOR:
Mrs. Niekia Horton CEO & Executive Director, Bahamas Financial Services Board
 
PANELISTS:
Mr. Pedro Birello CEO, Premium Life Insurance,
Mr. Julien Martel Group CEO, Caystone Group,
Ms. Odecca Gibson General Legal Counsel, Insurance Commission of The Bahamas
3:20PM

PANEL 3

THE NEXT ERA OF FINANCE: DIGITAL ASSETS

MODERATOR:
Mrs. Niekia Horton CEO & Executive Director, Bahamas Financial Services Board

PANELISTS:
Mr. Michael Clare Head of Digital Assets & Fintech Operations, Liongate Bahamas Ltd.
Mr. Marvin Coleby Head of Product, Carta

4:00PM

PRIZE PRESENTATION

Sponsored by Champion Spirit Country Club Bahamas

4:05PM

CLOSING REMARKS

4:10PM

COCKTAIL RECEPTION

Sponsored by Champion Spirit Country Club Bahamas

Webinar Topics

Thursday, April 20, 2023
Venue: Zoom Conference Room
  • 9:30 AM (China Time)

  • Capital and risk management

  • Digital transformation

  • How IFCs can facilitate cross-border investments, promote trade, and help Chinese businesses navigate the evolving global landscape

  • British Virgin Islands International Finance Centre (BVI IFC) and the advantages it offers to Chinese businesses seeking to expand internationally

  • Importance of fostering collaboration and partnerships between Chinese businesses and international stakeholders

  • Measures IFCs can take to create a more conducive environment for business growth in the post-pandemic landscape
Speakers

Senator the Hon. Jerome K. Fitzgerald

Minister of Economic Affairs
Attorney-at-Law

Brandace Duncanson

Director of Financial Services
Ministry of Economic Affairs

Andretti Bain

Head Of Sports & Performance
Champion Spirit Country Club

Michael Clare

Vice President of Digital Assets and Fintech Operations
Liongate Bahamas Limited

Antoine Bastian

Founder and Principal
Genesis Fund Services Limited

Julien Martel

Group CEO
Caystone Group

Zhivargo Laing

Executive Director & Senior Policy Fellow
Government And Public Policy Institute University Of The Bahamas

Odecca Gibson

General Legal Counsel
Insurance Commission of The Bahamas

Niekia Horton

CEO and Executive Director
Bahamas Financial Services Board

Anthony Ferguson

Chairman & President
Colina Financial Advisors

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The Bahamas Ministry of Economic Affairs is the entity responsible for providing vision, strategic direction, policy, and information related to the movement of financial resources, economic diversification and growth.

Our priorities are to protect, promote and grow the Bahamian financial services sector, to expand opportunities for Bahamians to engage in international trade, improve the ease of doing business, initiate digital transformation, and promote domestic investment.

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© 2026 Copyright Ministry of Economic Affairs. All rights reserved.

Senator the Hon. Jerome K. Fitzgerald
Minister of Economic Affairs
Attorney-at-Law

Previous Appointments
• Senator (2007–2012)
• Minister of Education, Science and Technology (2012–2017)
• Senior Policy Advisor, OBice of the Prime Minister (2021–2026)

Senator the Hon. Jerome K. Fitzgerald is the Minister of Economic Affairs for the Commonwealth of The Bahamas. An accomplished attorney, businessman, and public servant, he brings more than three decades of experience spanning law, public policy, education, governance, international affairs, and the private sector.

Called to both the English and Bahamian Bars in 1991, Minister Fitzgerald earned a Master of Laws (LL.M.) from King’s College, University of London, in 1989 and a Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Shipping, Trade and Finance from City University Business School, London, in 1992. He is an established businessman from a family with deep entrepreneurial roots and longstanding ties to the Bahamian private sector.

Prior to his appointment as Minister of Economic Affairs, Minister Fitzgerald served as Senior Policy Advisor in the Office of the Prime Minister from 2021 to 2026, where he provided strategic advice on national policy, governance, and economic development initiatives, contributing to key government priorities and long-term national planning.

Minister Fitzgerald’s public service includes serving as Deputy Chairman and Council Member of the Board of Directors of The College of The Bahamas from 2002 to 2007, as well as a member of the Board of the Education Loan Authority. He was appointed to the Senate in 2007 before serving as Minister of Education, Science and Technology from 2012 to 2017.

During his tenure as Minister of Education, he led a broad programme of educational reform aimed at raising academic standards, improving student achievement and graduation rates, increasing investment in education, and expanding equitable access to quality learning opportunities throughout The Bahamas. Committed to adopting international best practices, he led official study missions to Finland, Canada, Singapore, New Zealand, and Australia to benchmark the Bahamian education system against some of the world’s highest-performing education models.

Minister Fitzgerald also provided leadership on the international stage, serving as Chairman of the Commonwealth Education Ministers and Chairman of the Inter-American Committee on Education.

In recognition of his efforts to advance technology integration in education, he received the Friend of the Industry Award from the Software and Information Industry Association (SIIA) during the Education Business Forum in New York in December 2016.

One of his most significant achievements was helping to guide the transformation of The College of The Bahamas into the University of The Bahamas. Building on his earlier service as Deputy Chairman of the College Council, he provided continuity and strategic leadership throughout the transition, culminating in the establishment of the University of The Bahamas on 10 November 2016, now celebrated annually as Charter Day.

As Minister of Economic Affairs, Minister Fitzgerald draws upon his multidisciplinary background in law, shipping, trade, finance, business, and public policy to advance The Bahamas’ economic development agenda. His leadership is focused on promoting economic diversification, attracting high-quality investment, strengthening the country’s financial services sector, advancing digital transformation, and fostering sustainable, inclusive economic growth through strategic domestic and international partnerships.

Throughout his career, Minister Fitzgerald has remained committed to strengthening national institutions, promoting innovation, and creating opportunities that enhance the long-term prosperity and global competitiveness of The Bahamas.

Minister Fitzgerald is the proud father of three children: Edward, Jared, and Zara.

Brandace Duncanson
Director of Financial Services
Ministry of Economic Affairs

Brandace B. Duncanson first joined the Ministry of Financial Services, Trade & Industry and Immigration as the Ministry’s Deputy Director of Financial Services. As of August 2022, she serves as Director of Financial Services in the recently formed Ministry of Economic Affairs. Director Duncanson has experience in a broad range of matters and possesses a sound knowledge of the practice, procedures and laws governing the financial and corporate structure in The Bahamas. Additionally, she is a trained legislative draftsperson and facilitated the preparation and drafting of a wide range of legislation on behalf of the Government of The Bahamas including, but not limited to, land reform and financial services.

She also served on the New Providence Road Improvement Committee where her duties included reviewing and advising on title to land. Additionally, when the suite of land reform legislation was introduced in 2011, she was an integral member of the team that travelled throughout the length and breadth of The Bahamas,* educating Bahamians on the implications of the proposed legislation.
Director Duncanson previously served as Senior Legal Counsel in the Ministry of Financial Services, where her duties and responsibilities included her involvement in various substantial matters on behalf of the Government of The Bahamas, notably evaluating and making recommendations with respect to regional and global financial reporting initiatives such as the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the United States Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA). She also served as a representative for The Bahamas Government on the Global Forum’s Automatic Exchange of Information Working Group and the OECD’s Peer Review Group.

In 2012, she was the youngest member appointed to The Bahamas’ Constitutional Commission, whose responsibility was to conduct a comprehensive review of the Constitution of The Bahamas and recommend changes. Later, in 2014, she was one of three (3) persons appointed to the Commission’s Education Committee, tasked with conducting private and public educational forums throughout The Bahamas, on the proposed Constitution Bills. In 2017, she was appointed to the Road Traffic Authority Board where she serves as the Board’s Deputy Chairperson.

She began her tertiary education at Bethune-Cookman University where she obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree (Hons.), in Public Relations/Marketing. She also obtained her LL. B (Upper Second Class Hons.) from the University of the West Indies at Cave Hill, Barbados and obtained her Legal Education Certificate from the Eugene Dupuch Law School, Nassau, The Bahamas and is a member of The Bahamas Bar Association. She has a diploma in Spanish (Excelente Hons.) from Alhambra Instituto Internacional, Malaga, Spain and was awarded a diploma in Legislative Drafting from The International Legislative Drafting Institute, Tulane University Law School, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA. Director Duncanson holds a Certificate of Training as an accredited Civil and Commercial Mediator from the London School of Mediation, and is also a qualified Notary Public.

Andretti Bain
Head Of Sports & Performance
Champion Spirit Country Club

Andretti Bain serves as the Head of Sports & Performance at Champion Spirit Country Club in Nassau, Bahamas.

Andretti Bain is an Olympic and Commonwealth Games Silver Medalist, Pan-American Games Gold Medalist, and two-time NCAA Division One Champion. Academically, Andretti holds a Master of Business Administration, professional certifications, and has pursued doctoral studies.

As Head of Sports and Performance at Champion Spirit Country Club, Andretti leads with strategic direction and management, combining executive leadership with internationally recognized master coaching expertise.

Andretti’s results-driven philosophy serves world-class athletes and executives alike, elevating physical and mental performance, wellness, and longevity.

Michael Clare
Vice President of Digital Assets and Fintech Operations
Liongate Bahamas Limited

Michael Clare currently serves as the Vice President of Digital Assets and Fintech Operations at Liongate Bahamas Limited, the Digital Assets affiliate entity of the Equity Group of Companies and the Founder/ President of One X Solutions Limited, a global consultancy company specializing in digital assets and blockchain technology, providing cutting-edge Web3 services. Notably, Michael Clare is a member and advisor of the Stanford University AI & Web3 Research Lab Association and also serves as the Regional Ambassador for the Bahamas within the Global Blockchain Business Council. He also serves on the Board of Directors of the Bahamas Financial Services Board, collaborating with industry experts, policymakers, and regulators to shape the future of financial technologies and digital assets in the Bahamas.

In conjunction with his financial background, Michael Clare achieved a second Master’s degree (MSc.) in Digital Currency and Blockchain technology from the University of Nicosia, becoming the first Bahamian to hold such a distinction. Having immersed himself in the Web 3.0 space since 2017, Clare is a fervent advocate for blockchain technology, tirelessly working to educate and promote its adoption on a global scale.

Antoine Bastian
Founder and Principal
Genesis Fund Services Limited

Antoine W. Bastian is the Founder and Principal of Genesis Fund Services Limited (“Genesis”), a licensed Unrestricted Investment Fund Administrator headquartered in The Bahamas. Mr. Bastian has served as Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer since the firm’s inception in 2004. Genesis maintains subsidiaries in Singapore and Indonesia and provides fund administration services to investment funds domiciled in The Bahamas, the Cayman Islands, Singapore, and the United States. Mr. Bastian holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University, United States. He commenced his professional career with Deloitte & Touche in Nassau, The Bahamas, where he qualified as a Certified Public Accountant. Prior to founding Genesis, Mr. Bastian served on the Board of Directors of The Private Trust Corporation Limited, where he led its fund services division. In addition to his executive responsibilities, Mr. Bastian has made notable contributions to the financial services industry and national development. He previously served as Deputy Chairman of the Bahamas Financial Services Board and currently holds directorships at The Nassau Cruise Port, Levant Advisors Ltd., Bank of Nassau, The YES Foundation, and Carbon Management Limited—a company he founded to develop a monetization structure for carbon credits in The Bahamas.

Julien Martel
Group CEO
Caystone Group

Julien Martel is Group CEO of Caystone Group, bringing over 30 years of international financial services experience across private banking, trust and fiduciary services, wealth management, corporate governance and multi-family office structures. Prior to Caystone, Julien held senior leadership positions across Guernsey and The Bahamas, including Managing Director of the Bahamas operations of a global banking, trust and fiduciary group. Throughout his career, he has advised international families and businesses on complex cross-border planning and served as a director of banks and trust companies. As Group CEO, Julien leads Caystone’s strategic direction and growth, supporting the Group’s commitment to delivering bespoke, client-centred solutions across jurisdictions. His leadership reflects Caystone’s relationship-led approach, combining international expertise with the agility and personal service of an independently owned company.

Zhivargo Laing
Executive Director & Senior Policy Fellow
Government And Public Policy Institute
University Of The Bahamas

Zhivargo Laing is the Executive Director of the Government and Public Policy Institute at the University of The Bahamas. He also chairs several civic initiatives that foster leadership, education, and social progress.

Throughout his distinguished career, Mr. Laing has combined public service, economic insight, and leadership in both government and academia. He previously served as Minister of State for Youth, Sports and Culture, and later as Minister of State for Education and Youth, where he led initiatives focused on national development and capacity building. Additionally, he served as Minister of Economic Development and Minister of State for Finance in the Government of the Commonweaalth of The Bahamas. Earlier in his career, he held roles at the Bahamas Investment Authority, the Embassy of The Bahamas in Washington, D.C., and the Organization of American States, representing The Bahamas on international platforms.

Mr. Laing is a published author and the host of “Off the Record with Zhivargo Laing”, a programme dedicated to public dialogue on governance and national development.

Odecca Gibson
General Legal Counsel
Insurance Commission of The Bahamas

Odecca Gibson has been in the legal space for approximately 30 years, beginning in September 1996 when she was employed in the Judicial Department as a stenographer assigned to both the magistrates and Supreme Courts of The Bahamas.  As an Attorney, she has more than 20 years of practice and combined experience in both the public and private legal sectors, having started her legal practice with the Office of the Attorney-General in November 2005 assigned to Civil Chambers and the International Legal Cooperation Unit.  She has spent the past 11 years in the legal regulatory space, first as Legal Counsel with the Securities Commission of The Bahamas from 2015 to 2021 and now as General Legal Counsel with the Insurance Commission of The Bahamas.  Her primary practice areas are financial services regulatory law, legislative drafting, and industrial relations and employment law.

Niekia Horton
MBA, CA, SPHR, C.DIR
CEO and Executive Director of The Bahamas Financial Services Board

Mrs. Niekia Horton is the CEO and Executive Director of The Bahamas Financial Services Board (the “Board”), an association dedicated to promoting the financial services industry of The Bahamas. Prior to her role with the Board, Mrs. Horton played a pivotal role in industry leadership, serving as both Director and Deputy Chairperson of the Association of International Banks and Trust Companies. Her active participation in numerous industry initiatives and working groups reflects her unwavering commitment to the advancement and evolution of the financial services sector.

With over two decades of experience in the financial services industry, Mrs. Horton has honed deep expertise in corporate governance, risk management, and accountancy. She has held senior executive roles, including C-suite positions, at one of the world’s most prestigious and long-standing private banks, establishing a proven track record of leadership excellence. Additionally, Mrs. Horton has served as a director for multiple investment and trust companies, where she led the development and execution of comprehensive corporate governance frameworks and oversaw operations across a variety of international jurisdictions.

Mrs. Horton holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a concentration in International Business from the University of Miami. She is a licensed Chartered Accountant (CA), a Chartered Director (C.Dir), and is certified as a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR). She is a member of the Bahamas Institute of Chartered Accountants.

Anthony Ferguson
Chairman & President
Colina Financial Advisors LTD. (CFAL)

Anthony Ferguson has over 30 years of experience in the financial services industry, establishing himself as one of the leading experts in sustainable finance, climate policy, and economic development in The Bahamas. Anthony is the Chairman and president of Colina Financial Advisors Ltd. (CFAL), a leading investment firm in The Bahamas with B$2.5 billion in assets under management. In addition to his role at CFAL, Anthony serves as director of Colina Holdings Bahamas Ltd, Carbon Management Ltd and Levant Advisors Ltd. Anthony holds a Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.) from Acadia University and is a graduate of the Kellogg School of Business Executive Program. He is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), a Chartered Family Wealth Advisor (CFWA), and holds various other professional designations that reflect his deep expertise in financial management and investment strategy.