High-level government and industry engagement positions The Virgin Islands to support India’s growing outbound investment and international finance ambitions

Hong Kong, 18 December 2025

The Government of The Virgin Islands has concluded a landmark year of engagement in India’s financial services market, reinforcing the jurisdiction’s efforts to broaden its international reach and deepen ties with high-growth economies.

India, now the world’s fourth-largest economy and the fastest-growing among the G20, represents a major centre for outbound investment, private capital, fintech innovation and international structuring. Engagement throughout 2025 focused on strengthening relationships with senior government officials, regulators and business leaders across India’s key financial centres.

Commenting on the year’s engagement, Dr Ricardo Wheatley, Director of the BVI Government Representative Office in Hong Kong, said:

“India is entering a phase of sustained outbound investment and international financial integration. Our objective is to ensure that The Virgin Islands is well positioned as a trusted, neutral and globally connected jurisdiction to support Indian institutions, entrepreneurs and investors as they expand internationally.”

At the policy level, the Government underscored that engagement with India reflects a deliberate approach to market diversification and international cooperation.

The Honourable Lorna Smith, OBE, Minister of Financial Services, added:

“Diversifying The Virgin Islands’ financial services markets is a strategic imperative. India’s economic scale, entrepreneurial depth and increasing global integration make it an important partner for the future. Our engagement is focused on ensuring that the BVI remains a well-regulated and internationally respected jurisdiction that can support legitimate cross-border investment, innovation and wealth creation.”

The programme was led by the BVI Government’s Representative Office in Hong Kong, under the mandate of the Office of the Premier and the Ministry of Financial Services. Throughout the year, the BVI delegation held meetings across major Indian financial and technology hubs, including New Delhi, Mumbai, Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City) and Bengaluru.

In addition to government and regulatory engagement, the delegation met with senior leaders from global professional services firms, financial institutions, corporate service providers, venture capital and private investment communities, as well as chambers of commerce and industry associations. Participation in leading finance, fintech and technology conferences further enhanced the BVI’s visibility within India’s financial ecosystem.

Looking ahead, the Government of The Virgin Islands will continue its engagement with Indian stakeholders in 2026 as part of its broader international outreach programme.

While demand for BVI financial services remains strong globally, the Government has emphasised the importance of sustained engagement in emerging markets to support long-term growth and ensure the jurisdiction remains relevant, trusted and globally integrated.