Deputy Director, Authorisation

The British Virgin Islands Financial Services Commission (the Commission) is seeking a highly motivated professional to join its Authorisation Unit (AU) within its Authorisation and Supervision Division. The strategic purpose of the AU is to enhance the role and credibility of the Commission as the main supervisor for the financial services industry and enhance compliance levels within the financial services sector through a risk-based approach. Candidates will be evaluated based on the criteria below and will be required to complete an assessment as part of the interview process.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Enhance the Commission’s understanding of the supervisory risks associated with regulated sectors and the Territory and make recommendations to improve the regulatory and supervisory regime as necessary.
• Actively monitor and manage the regulatory and supervisory risks exposure of the Virgin Islands’ financial services sector and the Territory.
• Maintain statistics necessary for submission to internal stakeholders, local, regional and international bodies and standard setters for relevant purposes including conducting assessments/evaluations of the Virgin Islands.
• Developing and enhancing authorisation related policies, procedures and guidance for both the Commission and regulated entities.
• Engaging with the private sector to enhance awareness of emerging supervision and regulation risks, trends and patterns.
• Actively communicating and promoting Virgin Islands’ supervision and regulation approach vis-à-vis international standard setters, stakeholders and partners in coordination with other stakeholders.
• Ensuring the development, coordination and implementation of learning programs that deliver ongoing supervisory and regulatory training to the staff.

People Management:

• Planning, directing and undertaking all projects and assignments of the AU to ensure that they are carried out effectively and efficiently in accordance with the policies, procedures, and goals and objectives of the supervisory and regulatory divisions and the Commission.
• Reviewing, undertaking and approving the probationary assessments, annual performance appraisals and individual learning and development plans, of the staff within the AU with an aim of improving their knowledge, skills and career progress and determining their development needs.
• Promptly addressing and appropriately reporting staff performance issues and bringing staff conflicts to a prompt resolution.
• Participating in the recruitment and selection process of staff within the AU.
• Coaching and mentoring of the Commission’s staff primarily those in the AU and those with specific supervision and regulation related responsibilities.

General Duties:

• Ensure full implementation of Commission’s Risk Assessment Framework with respect to entities seeking authorisation and post authorisation transactions.
• Ensure the implementation of the Commission’s AML/CFT Policy and Strategy through ensuring its implementation by the financial institutions seeking authorisation.
• Ensure assessment and analysis of all applicants for licensing, authorisation and/or approvals including those related to approved persons regime.
• Where required, ensure that the Specialised Supervision Unit is assisted with assessment and analysis of sandbox applicants, VASP applications and other higher risk applicants as requested.
• Ensure that authorisation service standards are met.
• Ensure ongoing compliance with international standards related to supervision and regulation (IOSCO, Basel, GIFSCs, GIICS, IAIS, FSB, FATF and CFATF).
• Assisting relevant Divisions/Units in implementing all recommendations emanating from external and internal reviews of standards.
• Sensitize and educate the public on matters relevant to supervision and regulation in conjunction with other stakeholders such as Money Matters BVI and newsletter publishers.

Qualifications/Knowledge and Experience Required:

• A Master’s degree from an accredited institution in Accounting, Economics, Business Management, or another relevant area of study; and seven years’ relevant experience at a senior management position in the financial services or other relevant industry, at least four years of which should include supervisory/regulatory, audit management experience and/or compliance with business standards related to consumers; or
• A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Business Management or another relevant area of study; and ten years’ relevant experience at a senior management position in the financial services industry, at least six years of which should include supervisory/regulatory and/or audit management experience.
• Accreditation related to Banking, Insurance, Investments and Securities, Trust Services, Company Management, Virtual Assets, Anti-Money Laundering and or Fraud Prevention & Detection or other related financial services field is required.
• Project management.
• Significant experience in policy making specific to supervision and regulation compliance strategies.
• Expert knowledge of relevant international standards with respect to supervision and regulation compliance (IOSCO, Basel, GIFSCs, GIICS, IAIS, FSB, FATF and CFATF).
• Extensive experience in assessing risk management and internal control compliance.
• Extensive knowledge of the Virgin Islands regulatory framework, legislation and policies relating to the supervision of financial institutions.
• Proven ability to lead and manage multi-disciplined teams, delivering outputs in adherence to established timeframes.
• Excellent writing, communication and presentation skills.
• Expert skills in using Office Suite applications or equivalent (i.e. Word, Excel, Powerpoint and Outlook).

Competencies:

• Professionalism – complies with Commission’s code of conduct, acts with integrity and shows respect.
• Quality of Work – consistently produces work that is thorough, accurate, relevant, timely, and in accordance with Commission’s policies, procedures and best practices.
• Communication – effectively, professionally and comprehensively communicates, both orally and in writing, with colleagues, licensees and a large cross-section of industry representatives, in a timely and helpful manner.
• Team Success - is a cooperative, helpful, and constructive member of the team who willingly shares opinions and ideas and makes suggestions on how to improve processes and service.
• Time Management - effectively plans, coordinates, and seeks the most efficient methods to schedule, prioritize, and complete assignments within deadlines.
• Customer Excellence - builds positive relationships with internal and external customers by determining their specific needs and responding in a timely, professional and courteous manner.
• Continuous Improvement – constantly learning and developing skills and identifying and embracing changes to improve processes and practices within the organization.
• Confidentiality – protects and does not disclose any information relating to the affairs of the Commission to any unauthorized persons in or outside of the Commission, at all times.

This job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work required for the position advertised. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required. The successful candidate will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties as requested.

Closing Date: 7 May 2026