About this event
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.
Agenda
10:00 - 10:15 Welcome
Mr. Claude B.F. Haylock, Director General and Deputy Chairman of the Financial Services Commission of Belize
10:15 - 10:45 Belize's Removal from EU Annex 1 Listing
Ms. La Donna John, Director of Legal and Enforcement at the Financial Services Commission of Belize
10:45 – 11:05 Belize’s Efforts - Meeting CFATF Recommendations Related to Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing
Mrs. Leni Ysaguirre McGann, Director of the Financial Intelligence Unit of Belize (FIU)
11:05 - 11:25 Strategies and Tools for a Sustainable and Effective Beneficial Ownership Framework
Mr. Alexandre Taymans, Key Expert Beneficial Ownership at the European Union AML/CFT Global Facility
11:25 - 11:45 Connecting the Dots: The Power of Technology for Ultimate Beneficiaries Data Management
Mr. Mindaugas Glodas, CEO at NRD Companies
11:45 - 12:05 Technical Assistance in Implementing Beneficial Ownership Transparency
Mr. Stephen Abbott Pugh, Head of Technology at Open Ownership (UK)
12:05 – 12:20 Q&A session
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.
Hosted by
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Guest speaker
La Donna John Director of Legal and Enforcement @ Financial Services CommissionG
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.
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Guest speaker
Mindaugas Glodas CEO @ NRD CompaniesG
Mindaugas Glodas, 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, CEO of NRD Companies – a global information technology and consulting group of companies, and a board member of various other organizations.
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Guest speaker
Alexandre Taymans Key Expert on Beneficial Ownership @ European Union AML/CFT Global FacilityG
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.
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Guest speaker
Nilda Sosa Director of Operations and Corporate Services @ Financial Services Comission (FSC)G
Nilda Sosa has been the Director of Operations and Corporate Services at the Financial Services Commission (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.
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Guest speaker
Claude B.F. Haylock Director General and Deputy Chairman @ Financial Services CommissionG
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.
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Guest speaker
Stephen Abbott Pugh Head of Technology @ Open OwnershipG
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.
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Guest speaker
Leni Ysaguirre McGann Director @ Financial Intelligence UnitG
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).
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Team member
Financial Services Commission (FSC) BelizeT
Financial Services Commission (FSC) of Belize
The Financial Services Commission (FSC) regulates the securities industry and manages key registries. Committed to integrity, accountability, adaptability, service orientation, and reliability, the FSC aims to foster economic growth, investor protection, and a competitive financial environment.
