BVI shines at global finance crime conference
The BVI made a strong showing at OffshoreAlert Miami 2026, a major global conference focused on financial crime, fraud and asset recovery.
Held from April 26 to 28, the event brought together experts from around the world, including investigators, lawyers, regulators and journalists to discuss challenges in international finance. A total of 26 representatives from the BVI attended, coming from areas such as law, financial services, investigations and the public sector.
BVI Finance said the turnout highlights the territory’s continued role in global discussions on tackling financial crime and improving cooperation between countries. A key moment at the conference was a session led by BVI-based lawyer Martin Kenney, who heads MKS Law. The session focused on how complex fraud cases are funded, especially when stolen money is moved across different countries.
Kenney explained that recovering stolen assets is not simple, as funds are often hidden through multiple systems and jurisdictions. He said success depends on careful planning, strong legal teams and the right financial backing.
“In cross-border fraud, stolen value rarely sits still,” Kenney said, noting that asset recovery requires strategy, experience and the ability to manage complex cases.
CEO of BVI Finance Elise Donovan said the conference remains one of the most important global gatherings in the fight against financial crime. She added that the BVI’s presence shows its commitment to transparency and accountability.
Donovan also stressed that fighting financial crime is key to protecting the reputation of the BVI’s financial services industry and ensuring trust in international business. According to BVI Finance, attending events like OffshoreAlert is part of a wider effort to keep the territory involved in global conversations and maintain its role as a responsible financial centre.
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Given that a total of 26 representatives from the BVI attended the conference from areas such as law, financial services, investigations and the public sector, it is worth noting that:
The registration fee per person for attending the conference, ranged from free to $1,995.00.
The organisers invited participants to “join the world’s intelligence and investigative elite.” and added that the conference that attracts 250 attendees from dozens of countries who combine business with pleasure, with several private dinners, parties, and other social events held in addition to our official functions.
The event was held at The Ritz-Carlton Hotel, South Beach, Miami. Discounting the arrival and departure days, the core programming was for just ONE FULL DAY.
The above begs the question: how many of the 26 BVI participants were financed out of the public purse.
Would also be worth knowing who attended or at least the job titles. So many pictures I’ve seen of the event show very few if any professionals and a large number of what I assume to be government staff. Would be good to know what value each of them adds for us paying for them to be there. I suspect for many of particularly the more junior staff it’s just a free holiday to Miami.
Actually, that assumption would be incorrect.
Of the 26 BVI attendees, the vast majority were from the private sector, including law firms, insolvency, investigations, asset recovery and financial services professionals, who attended at their own expense or through their firms.
The remaining attendees included representatives of the BVI Financial Services Commission, which is an independent statutory body and not a government department. This was therefore not a publicly funded delegation, but primarily private-sector participation at a conference directly relevant to the BVI’s financial services industry.
Actually, that assumption would be incorrect.
Of the 26 BVI attendees, the vast majority were from the private sector, including law firms, insolvency, investigations, asset recovery and financial services professionals, who attended at their own expense or through their firms.
The remaining attendees included representatives of the BVI Financial Services Commission, which is an independent statutory body and not a government department. This was therefore not a publicly funded delegation, but primarily private-sector participation at a conference directly relevant to the BVI’s financial services industry.