St. Kitts and Nevis to Host the 2025 STEP Caribbean Conference

The announcement of Nevis as the host of the 2025 STEP Caribbean Conference marks a significant milestone for the island’s burgeoning financial services sector. Premier Mark Brantley lauded the successful bid as a testament to the sector’s vibrancy and recent growth, reaffirming his ambitious goal of a 50% expansion within the next three years. This aspiration is underpinned by Nevis’s commitment to providing a supportive legislative environment that balances transparency with respect for client confidentiality, making it an attractive and profitable jurisdiction for financial service providers. The island’s competitive pricing, skilled workforce, and modern, streamlined regulations further enhance its appeal, positioning Nevis as a welcoming hub for businesses seeking diversification and expansion.

Premier Brantley emphasized Nevis’s proactive stance of being “open for business,” extending an invitation to financial service providers worldwide. He underscored the enduring strength of the Nevis International Exempt Trust Ordinance (NIETO), a cornerstone of the island’s financial legislation. Widely regarded as containing some of the most effective asset protection provisions globally, NIETO has been instrumental in Nevis’s financial services success over the past two decades and remains a central pillar of its legislative framework. This commitment to maintaining robust and effective legislation provides a stable and predictable environment for investors and businesses.

The STEP Caribbean Conference, scheduled for May 14th to 16th, 2025, at the Marriott Resort in Saint Kitts, is poised to be a major event, drawing approximately 250 professionals in trust and estate law and financial services. Participants from the Caribbean, the UK, the USA, Latin America, and Europe will converge to engage in insightful discussions on the latest legislative developments and technological advancements shaping their industry. The conference will not only provide a platform for knowledge sharing and networking but also serve as a showcase for Nevis’s capabilities and attractions. The closing evening of the conference will feature a special event in Nevis, offering delegates an immersive experience of Nevisian culture and hospitality at the Malcolm Guishard Recreational Park. This cultural immersion will further enhance the conference experience and introduce attendees to the unique charm of Nevis.

The return of the STEP Caribbean Conference to Nevis after its previous hosting in 2012 signifies the island’s growing prominence in the international financial services arena. The conference’s significance is amplified by the leadership of Hélène Anne Lewis, Chair of STEP Nevis and Legal Advisor to the Nevis Island Administration (NIA) Cabinet. Having previously served as Chair of STEP Worldwide and STEP BVI, Mrs. Lewis brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her role as Chair of the 2025 conference. Her involvement underscores the commitment of both STEP and the Nevisian government to the success of the conference and the continued growth of the financial services sector.

The establishment of STEP Nevis in 2010, under the leadership of Shawna Lake and with the support of Hélène Anne Lewis, laid the groundwork for Nevis’s increasing recognition as a key player in the Caribbean financial services landscape. The 2025 conference represents a culmination of years of effort and a strategic opportunity to further elevate Nevis’s profile on the global stage. Mrs. Lewis expressed her enthusiasm for chairing the conference during this period of significant growth for Nevis’s financial services sector, emphasizing the anticipated positive impact the conference will have on the island’s visibility and attractiveness to investors and businesses.

The convergence of several factors – a robust and supportive legislative framework, competitive pricing, a skilled workforce, and the proactive engagement of key individuals like Hélène Anne Lewis – positions Nevis for continued success in the financial services sector. The 2025 STEP Caribbean Conference serves as both a celebration of this progress and a catalyst for future growth, reinforcing Nevis’s commitment to providing a stable, transparent, and welcoming environment for international business. The conference is expected to generate significant interest in Nevis, attracting new investments and further solidifying its position as a leading financial services jurisdiction in the Caribbean.