Conference participation has become a proven and effective strategy for the Bahamas Financial Services Board (BFSB) to have direct interaction with decision makers, as well as presenting the overall depth of the Bahamas financial services industry. Last year was no exception, with BFSB and many of its members involved in no less than 20 events around the world.

There are hundreds of annual financial service conferences. With so many from which to choose in terms of their focus and geographic market, BFSB narrowed its participation to those dealing with wealth management, investment funds and captive insurance in The Bahamas’ traditional markets for business, and those with emerging opportunities.

The nature of BFSB’s 2010 conference participation varied by event.

The Brasil Investment Summit and Latin American Captive Insurance Summit in Mexico saw BFSB as both an exhibitor and presenter. The strong representation by the Bahamian industry at the Brasil Investment Summit gave The Bahamas the third largest contingent following Brazil and the US.

At the STEP Caribbean conference in Barbados, a STEP Singapore seminar, and the European Private Banking summit in Zurich, BFSB secured a speaking opportunity.

For other conferences, such as the Transcontinental Trust Conference in Geneva, Family Office & Wealth Management Conference in Tel Aviv, New York Bar Association Annual International Estate Planning Institute in New York, Private Banking Latin America and MFA: Network 2010 in Miami, and the STEP Asia conference in Hong Kong, BFSB was an exhibitor.

Closer to home, BFSB was a sponsor of the FT/Banker’s Caribbean Investment Conference held in Nassau; and also sponsored and exhibited at the Bahamas International Maritime Conference and Trade Show (BIMCATS) 2010 in Freeport.

BFSB also launched Bahamas Landfall in Brasil in November, an invitation only event sponsored by BFSB and many of its member firms, targeting select individuals and firms to attend presentations on why The Bahamas should be considered for their business. Bahamas Landfall events are planned for several other markets in 2011, including a return engagement in Brazil.

Partnership with other Bahamian organizations involved in developing international business opportunities which started in earnest in 2009 continued in 2010, highlighted by BFSB’s participation in the official opening of the Bahamas Maritime Authority’s (BMA) office in Hong Kong in November led by Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham.

BFSB has a full schedule planned for 2011 beginning with the International Business & Finance Summit in Freeport, January 21-23.