The Bahamas Institute of Financial Services (BIFS), along with other participating organizations, have been working hard behind the scenes to put together one of the banking industry’s largest forums.

“The World Conference of Banking Institutes is a biennial event that brings together officials from the financial sector and personnel from financial training institutes worldwide,” explains BIFS executive director Kim Bodie. “We are expecting around 300 delegates from all over the world, including the Middle East, Europe, Canada, China, India, the US, the Caribbean region and Africa. Over the years, the conference has attracted delegates from more than 50 countries worldwide.”

Hosted over three days at Atlantis Paradise Island in March, the event’s aim is to encourage “exciting, open forum discussions on a range of diverse topics relevant to the current financial environment.”

Following a welcome reception for delegates hosted by the Ministry of Tourism and Aviation (MOTA) on Sunday, March 20, Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham will declare the conference officially open on the Monday morning. A number of social events have also been planned for delegates and their guests, with a full day of activities organized on Blue Lagoon Island, a culture evening at Old Fort Bay and a dinner event.

“Planning this event is a major undertaking of the BIFS. Only one other country in the region, Jamaica, has hosted this event,” continues Bodie. “The Education Committee, along with a highly recognized local events planner and MOTA, are facilitating all the plans to ensure that the forum is a first-class event.”

Based on the theme “Creating a Progressive Financial Environment: Trust, Accountability, Competence and Innovation,” discussions on the Monday will address trust and accountability, whereas competence and innovation will be the focus of Tuesday’s sessions.