How long have you been the chairman and CEO of Global Bank of Commerce and how have you influenced its direction?
In 2002 I negotiated a management buy-out of the bank and took control of
its destiny. The bank was formed in 1982, and had traditionally focused
on international banking and wealth management services to the global
market. As a local owner and operator I am naturally proud of our
Caribbean heritage and have strengthened the banking services we
provide within the region, expanded the role we play in Antigua’s
development, and made investments and strategic partnerships in
technology to support payment platforms for ecommerce services to the
region and international clients.

What is the biggest challenge you face in the work place?
To ensure that my bank keeps ahead of the curve in respect of all the
regulatory and compliance issues related to a financial institution. In
this jurisdiction we have a very comprehensive Money Laundering
Prevention Act and the Prevention of Terrorism Act, but we must also
certify under the USA PATRIOT Act for our US correspondent relations
and are examined to verify we meet the Basle banking standards.
Balancing an effective risk-management structure with superior customer
service is always a challenge, but we have achieved a strong compliance
culture without sacrificing service to and for our customers. Our
investment in anti-money laundering software also assists to monitor
our on-going client relationships. As a bank chairman and CEO, I try to
take a top-down approach to demonstrate the importance of compliance
training and controls, and am certified under the Association of
Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialists (ACAMS) in 2003.

How has the modernisation of financial services changed the service you offer?
Banking, like any other business sector, has seen modern technology make
significant changes to its operations and delivery systems. The advent
of secure internet banking has moved us beyond the teller, the branch
and even the country. Today, providing all aspects of due diligence and
compliance requirements are met, our clients have 24/7 access to their
accounts regardless of their geographic location. Clients may also
access their funds via our Visa branded credit and prepaid cards at
merchants and ATMs worldwide. Business customers can establish merchant
accounts and conduct global e-commerce services, with online review of
customer transactions. Our modern payment services will support
e-government initiatives for payroll and commerce, and we have an
attractive prepaid card product that is convenient for crews on yachts,
cruise ships and other international work forces. Our bank has also
been a leader in the use of branded cards for remittances and has more
than two years experience in remitting funds via card to card
transactions in over 100 countries. The potential for prepaid card
usage is wide-ranging, including gifts, business T&E, travel, and
government disbursements – and they address consumer, government, and
corporate needs.

How do you think Antigua’s prominence as a tourism destination makes it suitable as a financial destination too?
Antigua is well established as a destination for the more discriminating
tourist. In 1946, some wealthy US families became attracted to the
island while seeking a vacation haven free of the commercialisation
that spoiled many other destinations. They formed the Mill Reef Club,
and the members developed 1,300 acres into a community of private homes
with a hotel, clubhouse, tennis courts, and expansive golf course.
Since then, our twin island nation has continued to build a friendly
infrastructure for visitors, and when its natural beauty is combined
with a peaceful and democratic government system, strong communication
services and a supporting financial and professional community, it also
becomes a desirable location to shelter from the chill of volatile
economies existing elsewhere. Antigua and Barbuda is a perfect
opportunity to mix business and pleasure.

What do you think 2007 holds for you as a person and for GBC as a company?
I expect to be further involved in the growth of some related companies
involved in the payments sector. One company provides core-banking and
technology support to banks, and is working with partners to establish
a network of regional ATMs and terminals to be processed in Antigua. I
am also an investor in a brand new financial institution, Caribbean
Union Bank, and am its current Chairman. In this regard, I am involved
with the leaders of other Eastern Caribbean indigenous banks to promote
the growth of syndicated banking opportunities, products and services
that enhance the Caribbean financial sector. With respect to Global
Bank of Commerce, in 2007 we intend to expand its wealth management
services and establish investment fund relationships that will benefit
our customers. We also expect to embrace technology that will further
modernise the payments industry and allow the cell phone to become a
wallet and be used for remittances and bill payments. It will be a
challenging year.

What do you like to do in your free time?
What free time? I have been blessed with a great family, been married for 30
years with a son and daughter, so any free time is really spent with my
wife and family. I also pray I can safely guide the growth of our
business team and in some small way contribute to making Antigua and
Barbuda a global ecommerce and payment centre.