For the past five years, the Bahamas Financial Services Board (BFSB), in partnership with AlixPartners and Kostelanetz, has hosted an annual Tax & Compliance Seminar that has become a trusted forum for navigating an increasingly complex regulatory landscape. As global standards shift and financial crime risks intensify, it is clear that these challenges affect the entire Caribbean region. The 2026 Symposium builds on this foundation, expanding into a regional platform that brings together professionals from across the Caribbean and the Americas.
- Day 1 examines “taxation” as a regional strategy
- Day 2 focuses on the “how,” offering tools, case studies, and execution-focused guidance.
This expanded format is designed to strengthen regional cooperation, enhance preparedness, and support a more resilient Caribbean financial services ecosystem.
Schedule
Event Details
Why Attend?
CPD/CE Hours
Schedule
| Time | Day 1 — Regional Insights |
|---|---|
| 8:00 am | Theme: Compliance as Strategy: Leveraging Tax for Development & Competitiveness.Purpose: Reframe tax compliance as a strategic tool that supports fiscal stability, reputation, and growth in IFCs. |
| 1:30 pm | Registration and Networking |
| 2:00 pm | Welcome
Niekia Horton
Bahamas Financial Services Board — Moderator
|
| 2:05 pm | Keynote Address: Tax Compliance as a Pillar of National Development
Sen. Hon. L. Ryan Pinder
Attorney General of The Bahamas
|
| 2:30 pm | Panel Discussion: “Beyond Compliance: The UN Tax Convention and the Caribbean’s Role in Global Tax Reform”As global tax governance evolves, the proposed UN Tax Convention represents a significant shift toward a more inclusive international framework. In this thought-provoking session, Dr. Marla Dukharan will explore what this transition means for Caribbean jurisdictions and how small states can position themselves as influential contributors to global tax policy.
The discussion will address:
Marla Dukharan
Caribbean Economist and Advisor
Steven A. Dean
Boston University
Hélène Anne Lewis
SimonetteLewis
Sergio Raul Chaparro Hernandez
Tax Justice Network
|
| 3:20 pm | BREAK |
| 3:35 pm | Regional Roundtable: Perspectives from The Bahamas, Cayman, Barbados, BermudaThis high-level roundtable brings together leaders from the region’s major financial centres to share insights on the evolving tax and regulatory landscape. Panelists will compare jurisdictional experiences, discuss emerging risks, and identify shared priorities as global standards continue to shift.
Key topics include:
Tonesa Munnings
BFSB (Moderator)
Patricia C. Jackson
Higgs & Johnson
Giovanni Canton
KPMG
James Rhodes
Department of Inland Revenue
Carlton Cartwright
PwC
|
| 4:15 pm | Breakout WorkshopsCollaborative Strategy Sessions
Attendees will participate in facilitated small-group discussions to develop practical, actionable recommendations for strengthening regional cooperation and institutional readiness. Each breakout focuses on a core strategic pillar of Caribbean resilience.
WORKSHOP TRACKS Each workshop will produce 2–3 recommendations that feed into the Day 1 communiqué. |
| 4:20 pm | Compliance as a Development-Finance EnablerHow strong compliance frameworks can support access to development financing, fiscal credibility, and economic stability. |
| 4:25 pm | Reputation & CompetitivenessThe role of compliance culture in strengthening international perception, investor confidence, and jurisdictional advantage. 
Clifford E. Griffin, PhD
Associate Professor, NC State University, SPIA
Niekia Horton
Bahamas Financial Services Board — Moderator
|
| 4:30 pm | Domestic Fiscal SustainabilityNavigating the fiscal implications of global tax reforms and identifying opportunities to integrate compliance into national development strategies. 
John Rolle
Governor, Central Bank of The Bahamas
Shonalee Munroe
Genesis Fund Services
|
| 5:00 pm | Day 1 ClosingThe day concludes with a brief wrap-up highlighting key insights and outcomes from the panel, roundtable, and workshops. |
| 5:45 pm | FinTalk Series: Frontier Economic Sectors & the Future of Financial Services in the CaribbeanHosted by FinGen Society 
Anthonique Hanna
Bahamian Economist
Stefen Deleveaux
FinGen President
Marla Dukharan
Caribbean Economist and Advisor
|
| 6:45 pm | Networking Mixer Hosted by FinGen Society |
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Event Details
Who Should Attend?
- Tax and compliance professionals
- Legal and regulatory experts
- Financial crime, risk, and audit practitioners
- Trust, fiduciary, and wealth management professionals
- Government and policy representatives
- Executives navigating regional regulatory change
International Travel Information
Direct Flights to Nassau
Nassau (NAS) offers direct flights from major hubs including: Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, New York, Charlotte, Atlanta, Houston, Toronto, and Panama City. The Baha Mar Convention Center is a short 10-minute drive from the airport.
Where to Stay
Grand Hyatt Baha Mar (Host Hotel)
Preferred rates available. Booking Link >
Additional Options on Property
• SLS Baha Mar
• Rosewood Baha Mar
All hotels are within walking distance of the convention center.
Extend Your Stay
For attendees planning to remain in Nassau beyond the symposium, BFSB will offer optional recreational activities on February 20th, including cultural experiences, island outings, and relaxed networking opportunities.
Why Attend?
The 2026 Tax & Compliance Symposium offers a high-level platform for regional professionals to examine the evolving tax, regulatory, and compliance environment shaping the Caribbean’s financial services landscape. This symposium provides the opportunity to:
- Gain a clear understanding of global tax, transparency, and enforcement developments through a regional lens.
- Receive practitioner-led insight from experts experienced in supporting Caribbean institutions through examinations, audits, and compliance strengthening.
- Participate in a cohesive regional dialogue on shared challenges and emerging risks.
- Build meaningful connections with regulators, policymakers, and industry leaders across the Caribbean and the Americas.
- Advance professional development and organizational readiness while earning CPD hours.
CPD/CE Hours
CPD/CE hours are approved by the respective Professional Industry Associations (PIAs).
| Association | Day 1 | Day 2 | Total CPD Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| BACO | 1 hour | 3 hours | 4 hours |
| BIA | – | 7 hours | 7 hours |
| BICA | 3 hours | 7 hours | 10 hours |
| CFA Society The Bahamas | 1.5 hour | 5.5 hours | 7 hours |
| RISA | 3 hours | 7 hours | 10 hours |
| STEP | Self-certified | Self-certified | Self-certified |
How CPD Certification Works
Attendees must select one professional association for CPD certification. CPD certificates will be issued based on verified attendance and the approved hours for the selected association.
Attendance will be tracked daily. Certificates will be issued electronically after the Symposium.
Association-Specific Requirements
- BICA: Completion of BICA’s prescribed CPD form is required.
- STEP: Members self-certify in accordance with STEP requirements.
- Other Associations: An event-issued CPD certificate will be sufficient.
CPD Contingency Note: Additional CPD approvals may be added upon confirmation and updated on a rolling basis.
Register to attend
Presenting Partners
Sponsors
