Financial services guru Dr Robert A. Mathavious was recently conferred with an Order of British Empire (OBE) from Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, in recognition of his unwavering support and services to the [British] Virgin Islands. Photo: NLBC/Facebook

Mrs Icis A. Malone, who worked for over four decades in the banking sector, has hailed the contributions of financial services guru, Dr Robert A. Mathavious. Photo: VINO

Dr Mathavious was perhaps the youngest Financial Secretary in the Virgin Islands and left that position to establish the Financial Services business in the Territory. He remained the Managing Director to this day.

Having worked in the Banking industry for 45 years, the latter eight years of my career were spent as a trained Compliance Manager. My position included training with one of the world-leading compliance training institutions, International Compliance Association (ICA), with its head office in the UK, from which I now hold a Fellow Member status.

‘Drive for excellence’

This role in the Bank provided me with the opportunity to interact with Dr Mathavious and his Senior Team at the Financial Services Commission in all aspects of his work, including the combating of Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing. His drive for excellence from the industry partners was always evident.

As a member of the JALFAC (Joint Anti- Money Laundering Terrorist Financing Committee), this also provided me with further opportunities to understand the many challenges and hard work that it takes to maintain the VI as a clean jurisdiction while growing the financial services business.

In 1971, when I joined the Bank, and during my career, I saw the need for stricter controls and management oversight of the financial services businesses operating in the Territory. This high level of oversight was provided by Dr Mathavious when he was appointed Managing Director of the Financial Services Commission.

Distinguished record

Today, the Virgin Islands is proud of a financial services management business, second to none amongst its peers. This distinguished record of achievement was done through the tireless work of Dr Robert A. Mathavious and his team.

When the [British] Virgin Islands history book is written, Dr Robert A. Mathavious, OBE, will be featured amongst its most prominent sons.

Job well done, Dr Mathavious! God’s blessings to you and your family!