Bahamas Financial Services Board

The Bahamas Financial Services Board (BFSB), launched in April 1998, represents an innovative commitment by the financial services industry and the Government of The Bahamas to promote a greater awareness of The Bahamas’ strengths as an international financial centre. The Board is a multidisciplinary body that embraces active contribution from individuals within government, banking, trust and investment advisory services, insurance and investment fund administration as well as interested legal, accounting and management professionals.

BFSB represents and promotes the development of all sectors of the industry, including: banking, private banking and trust services, mutual funds, capital markets, investment advisory services, accounting and legal services, insurance, and corporate and shipping registry. In addition to its coordinated programs to increase confidence and expand knowledge of The Bahamas among international businesses and investors, the private sector-led BFSB will continue to consult with government to develop new initiatives to meet the rapidly changing demands of international financial markets.

The Bahamas’ long-standing tradition of democracy (one of the oldest in the hemisphere), and independent stability since 1973, have been significant attributes in the development of our financial services sector. BFSB is guided by the same principles. It does not supplant existing financial services associations that continue to serve individual professional groups within the industry as they have in the past. Rather, the Board complements them, drawing much of its strength from close intra-industry participation and collaboration. The Board’s costs, including those of an experienced, active, full-time executive director, are shared by government and the private sector through membership fees. Board members are elected to two-year terms by voting member representatives.