The BVI Financial Services Commission announced this week, that Mr. Robin Gaul FCCA, Chairman of its Board of Commissioners, will retire from office with effect from 30 June 2024, following a stellar and lengthy tenure with the Board. Photo: BVI FSC

The Commission as a whole says it wishes outgoing Chairman Mr Gaul a well-deserved and enjoyable retirement. Photo: Provided

The FSC in a release said that Mr. Gaul, a trained accountant, served in various private practice roles, including accountant, financial advisor, and partner, before retiring and joining the inaugural Commission Board in 2002 as Deputy Chairman under the leadership of then-Chairman Michael Riegels QC; where he was later appointed Chairman in 2006. 

The release added that despite his quiet style of leadership, Mr. Gaul was known for his meticulous command of the Board and knowledge of the Commission, the financial services industry, the Financial Services Commission Act and other financial services legislation. Board Commissioners and executive administrators over the years can each attest to his fastidious preparation for Board meetings, and balanced approach to the issues and pressures that the Commission faced over the years.

Managing Director and CEO of the Commission, Mr. Kenneth Baker, expressed that he was “grateful for the critical leadership role that Mr. Gaul played, and the major hand he had in assisting the Commission to establish a policy direction in line with its functions of maintaining stability, integrity and efficiency in the Territory’s financial system.”

The FSC said the governance framework instituted under Mr. Gaul’s leadership will undoubtedly continue to serve as an important benchmark for subsequent Chairpersons and Board Commissioners. 

“It has been an honour to serve the BVI Financial Services Commission and to preside over its Board for almost two decades.  During my tenure, the institution was flanked by a number of momentous and trying issues; however, the challenges did not seem insurmountable due to our ability to unify and focus on acceptable solutions,” Mr Gaul said.

He said he has been extremely fortunate to be able to work very closely with successive competent Boards and profoundly appreciative of the professional bonds that I have been able to forge with former Managing Director and CEO Dr. Robert Mathavious and Mr. Kenneth Baker

“I also wish to thank the executive team and staff at the Commission for their devotion to achieving internationally accepted standards in financial services regulation and for their camaraderie. I will miss my role as Chairman but also relish the idea of disengaging from active work-life and enjoying retirement,” he added.   

The Commission as a whole says it wishes outgoing Chairman Mr Gaul a well-deserved and enjoyable retirement.