STEP Caribbean Conference: Fast Forward, Future Thinking

The STEP Caribbean Conference 2018 took place on 7-9 May at the Hilton Resort Barbados, marking the 20th anniversary of the event. This year’s event included Trust Immersion 201, a one-day conference with technical topics delivered at an introductory level, running parallel to the main conference.

Over 250 delegates attended and, while many STEP members came from Caribbean islands, the US and LatAm countries, attendees also flocked in from further afield: the UK, South Korea, India, Switzerland, and, for the first time, Canada. Delegates from STEP Toronto attended for the first time, and expressed an interest in returning in 2019.

Amanda Lashley, STEPCC2018 Conference Chairperosn said, 'This year’s conference was aptly themed “Fast Forward: Future Thinking.” All of us in the international financial services industry are aware of the internationally agreed standards of transparency and exchange of information which are likely to significantly impact small open economies. It is our hope that this conference will provide some much needed insight and thought provoking ideas on how best we as a region can move forward.'

Tara E. Frater, STEP Barbados Branch Chairperson noted, “The Caribbean Conference represents a forum for STEP members to convene and discuss issues affecting us all. It therefore offers an important opportunity for seeking consensus on issues of shared concern, as well facilitating technical development and networking opportunities in an atmosphere of camaraderie.”

Delegates provided overwhelmingly positive feedback:
'I have been a STEP Caribbean member for several years and have attended STEP conferences in various regions; I found this year’s conference to be very well-organised and enlightening in terms of content and speaker diversity. I especially enjoyed the presentations from the South African and Swiss speakers' - TEP, Anonymous STEP member.

By Amanda Lashley, STEP Caribbean Conference Committee Chairperson-2018