High-Level Discussion
The Financial Services Commission of Belize is hosting a free webinar Navigating Compliance Standards: Strategies for Caribbean Nations in Response to FATF and EU Designations on the 23rd of April 2024 at 10:00 am Belize time (CST/ GMT-6).
Through expert presentations and discussions, participants will explore the following topics:
- Belize’s removal from EU Annex 1 listing
- Belize’s Efforts – Meeting CFATF Recommendations Related to Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing
- Strategies and Tools for a Sustainable and Effective Beneficial Ownership Framework
- Connecting the Dots: The Power of Technology for Ultimate Beneficiaries Data Management
- Technical Assistance in Implementing Beneficial Ownership Transparency
Background
The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and the European Union (EU) exert significant influence over global financial regulations, notably through their identification of high-risk jurisdictions. Recent developments, including the EU’s designation of several Caribbean nations as non-cooperative tax jurisdictions, underscore the urgency for affected nations to address regulatory deficiencies. Belize’s successful removal from the EU’s list serves as a beacon of hope, emphasizing the importance of strategic diplomacy and regulatory compliance.
This webinar serves as a platform for high-level government representatives and stakeholders from the Caribbean region to address challenges posed by FATF and EU AML/CFT/Tax standards.
Join us for insightful discussions, expert presentations, and valuable networking opportunities as we navigate the complex terrain of regulatory compliance in the Caribbean. Don’t miss this chance to learn from industry leaders and contribute to shaping the future of financial governance in our region.
To secure your participation:
We look forward to your participation.
Information about speakers:
Topic: Keynote Address
Claude B.F. Haylock
Director General and Deputy Chairman of the Financial Services Commission (FSC) of Belize since September 1, 2017, oversees regulation and supervision of the “non-bank” financial services sector. He also serves as the Registrar of Companies, Registrar of Merchant Shipping, and the Registrar of numerous other legal entities including NGOs/NPOs, Foundations, and Trusts.
Topic: Belize’s removal from EU Annex 1 listing
La Donna John
Director of Legal and Enforcement at the Financial Services Commission of Belize, ensures regulatory compliance in the financial sector. She’s a founding member of the Belize Companies and Corporate Affairs Registry’s Project Steering Committee, with a background as a Magistrate for the Government of Belize. Additionally, she is a practicing Attorney-at-Law and Notary Public.
Topic: Belize’s Efforts – Meeting CFATF Recommendations Related to Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing
Leni Ysaguirre McGann
Director of the Financial Intelligence Unit of Belize. Mrs. Leni Ysaguirre McGann is an Attorney-at-Law and the Director of the Financial Intelligence Unit of Belize (FIU) since 2013, driving change within the organization. She leads national efforts on AML/CFT compliance and serves as Chair of Belize’s National Anti-Money Laundering and Combatting the Financing of Terrorism Committee (NAMLC).
Topic: Strategies and Tools for a Sustainable and Effective Beneficial Ownership Framework
Alexandre Taymans
Alexandre Taymans is the Global Facility’s Key Expert on Beneficial Ownership, responsible for designing and implementing various activities offered to partner jurisdictions and the global community on Beneficial Ownership.
Topic: Connecting the Dots: The Power of Technology for Ultimate Beneficiaries Data Management
Mindaugas Glodas
Mindaugas Glodas is the CEO of NRD Companies, a seasoned professional in the ICT industry with 20+ years of experience at IBM and Microsoft Lithuania. He currently serves as the Vice President of INFOBALT, and a board member of various other organizations.
Topic: Technical Assistance in Implementing Beneficial Ownership Transparency
Stephen Abbott Pugh
Stephen Abbott Pugh is the head of technology for Open Ownership, an NGO focused on beneficial ownership transparency. He leads the work on the Beneficial Ownership Data Standard and the Open Ownership Register, along with a range of other technical products.
Moderator
Nilda Sosa
Nilda Sosa has been the Director of Operations and Corporate Services at the FSC since 2018. In this role, she is responsible for supporting strategy, policy, communications, public relations, administration, and overall operations of the FSC. Additionally, she serves as an active member and Director of the Foundation’s Board of Directors (2024-2026) at the Rotary Club Belmopan and is a member of Caribbean Women in Leadership.