BVI House Asia

BVI House Asia is the British Virgin Islands government office in Asia Pacific. In order to be more responsive to the financial markets in Asia Pacific, BVI House Asia was launched in September 2013 as the Asia Pacific Regional Office based in Hong Kong to strengthen and further develop the BVI’s deep relationship with the region. BVI House Asia is responsive in real time, answering any questions about BVI business and working with industry practitioners to increase knowledge about the use of BVI structures and economic business opportunities.

Dr Ricardo Luis Wheatley

Director
ricardo.wheatley@bvihouseasia.com.hk

Dr Ricardo Luis Wheatley is the Director of the Hong Kong-based BVI House Asia, the representative office of the Government of the British Virgin Islands in the Asia Pacific Region.

Dr. Wheatley brings a wealth of knowledge and international experience to the post having lived and worked in the Asia-Pacific region for 4 years in addition to living and working in both the United States and Europe. Within the region he has served as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Political Science and Sociology, at North South University in Dhaka, Bangladesh from 2014 - 2015. He also served as an Assistant Professor in the Graduate School of International Studies at Ajou University in Suwon, South Korea from 2011 - 2013.

Dr. Wheatley will serve dually as the Director of the Hong Kong Office and Asia-Pacific Region Representative. He will act as the BVI Government’s official spokesperson in the region strengthening relationships between the BVI and region through meetings with Government representatives, businesses, regulators, chambers, media and other key stakeholders.

Dr. Wheatley will assume responsibility for the management of the daily functions of the Hong Kong Office, establishing and executing an annual programme of activities consistent with the objectives of the International Affairs Secretariat and international business development goals of the Premier’s Office. He will be responsible for developing and implementing strategic and business development plans for the BVI’s engagement with the Asia Pacific Region, and for advising the Premier through the Permanent Secretary on matters of implementation regarding concerned ministries, International Agencies, the private sector, and other agencies as appropriate. The Director’s responsibilities further include undertaking marketing and business development activities to promote the Financial Services Industry in partnership with BVI Finance.

Dr. Wheatley holds a Doctoral degree in Political Science from Clark Atlanta University (Atlanta, Georgia, USA) with specialisations in International Relations and International Political Economy. He also holds both a Masters of Public Administration in Economics and Governance (Regulation of Small IFCs) from Leiden University (The Hague, Netherlands), and a Masters of Political Science from Clark Atlanta University with specialisations in Comparative Politics and African Politics. Dr. Wheatley received his Bachelors of Arts in History from Oakwood College (Alabama, USA). Prior to his time in Asia Dr. Wheatley served as an Adjunct Lecturer in the USA (Clark Atlanta University, 2008 - 2010), and Sessional Tutor in the United Kingdom (On campus London, University London Birbeck College Campus, 2018-2019)

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BVI Financial Services Commission

The BVI Financial Services Commission, the principal regulator and supervisor for all the BVI’s financial services, has also appointed an Asia Representative based in Hong Kong to serve the regulatory interests of the BVI throughout the Asia Pacific region. The Commission’s role is to help ensure the BVI’s commitment to playing its part in the fight against cross-border financial crime while safeguarding the privacy and confidentiality of legitimate business transactions.

Burton Chalwell Jr.

Asia Representative

chalwellb@bvifsc.vg

Burton Chalwell Jr. is a Director of BVI Financial Services Commission (HK) Ltd. and is the Asia Representative for the BVI Financial Services Commission.

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Team BVI Asia

BVI House Asia works with a group of outstanding, experienced and trusted BVI practitioners who make up Team BVI Asia. Team BVI Asia’s practitioners come from the world’s leading corporate firms, trust companies, law firms and accounting firms, as well as others involved in the financial services sector. Having helped clients do business in the BVI for over 25 years, they are market experts when it comes to understanding the BVI and the wealth needs of clients in Asia. Based in Hong Kong, Singapore, China, Indonesia and other countries, they are able to answer questions in real-time and provide tailored, customised services to help clients manage and preserve their globally diversified assets.

Robust Network of Practitioners

In addition to the members of Team BVI Asia, the BVI is proud to have a robust network of experienced, trusted advisors based around the world. They offer a sophisticated array of corporate services, in addition to diverse wealth management solutions in trust and estate planning, funds and investment business, captive insurance and ship registration services.

Leading industry practitioners have based their operations in the BVI because of the foundations underpinning the BVI’s success: a mature regulatory infrastructure, a well-developed financial services industry, and a flexible, creditor-friendly jurisdiction.