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GFIA celebrates 20th Anniversary
The Gibraltar Funds & Investments Association (GFIA) celebrated its 20th Anniversary with a Gala Dinner at the Five Star Sunborn Hotel in April.
The event which was hosted by GFIA chairman, James Lasry (pictured left) and GFIA members, was attended by the Chief Minister, Fabian Picardo, Minister for Finance, Albert Isola, the Gibraltar Governor, Edward Davis, and senior members of the Gibraltar Financial Services Commission.
James Lasry addressed the 180 strong audience, citing several of GFIA’s achievements over the years, including contributions to legislation and codes of conduct. With regard to Brexit he commented: “We did not cause this, but if this is the situation we have been given, this will be how we succeed. The brain power in our industry and government, and the strong triumvirate relationship of government, regulator and industry will give Gibraltar the opportunity to make the best of whatever situation it is presented.”
First Digital Assets Group granted DLT licence by GFSC
In March, the Gibraltar Financial Services Commission (GFSC) awarded a full Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) licence to First Digital Assets Group, also known as First.
After completing the rigorous application process and demonstrating strict adherence to the nine core principles underpinning Gibraltar’s DLT regulatory framework, First can now store and transmit value belonging to others using blockchain technology.
Ran Goldi, Founder and CEO of First commented: “First is happy and proud to receive the DLT licence, which will allow us to better serve our clients, providing them with the regulatory framework in the evolving digital asset economy space.”
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Gibraltar and UK Brexit talks
In April there were a number of meetings held between the United Kingdom and Gibraltar governments to discuss the Brexit issues.
Early in the month, a team of senior officials from the UK visited Gibraltar in order to continue the close cooperation between the two countries. The two day meetings centred on details of the Brexit contingency planning and the future relationship between the UK, Gibraltar and EU.
Chief Minister, Fabian Picardo, received a phone call the following day from the British Prime Minister, Theresa May. The lengthy conversation that ensued was friendly and positive in both tone and substance.
Later in the month both governments met in London and agreed to continue with the structure of Joint Ministerial Council (JMC) meetings for intergovernmental business going forward into the future.
Tourist board launch trade initiative
The Gibraltar Tourist Board has launched Gibraltar 2020, its biggest trade initiative in over a decade.
Working closely with UK tour operators, airlines, local hoteliers, and tourist attractions, the campaign will be running monthly familiarisation trips with the aim to bring 200 agents from the UK to Gibraltar over the next two years.
Chief Executive, Nicky Guerrero commented: “The British public have long held an affection with Gibraltar, often through its historic legacy to the armed forces. Today the destination is appealing to a younger, more youthful generation driven by our great range of events. Vibrant new products are capturing the imagination of the Instagram generation”.