**Financial Centre Focus Programme**

The Bahamas Financial Services Board (BFSB), in collaboration with some 12 Professional Industry Associations, launched a Financial Centre Focus programme two years ago. FCF was designed to facilitate the growth and development of the financial services industry by profiling selected components considered essential for the continued success of The Bahamas as an international financial services centre.

In this connection, ongoing public education and awareness programmes have focused on:

-Developments in the industry

-The importance of high service standards

-Enhancing relationships between the financial services industry and the community

-Attracting and maintaining qualified industry professionals

**Financial Services Industry Awards**

An integral component of FCF has been the annual Industry Awards Programme, designed to recognise role models in the industry for their outstanding performance and contribution to the growth and development of the local financial services industry. **Importantly, the awards recognise the importance of quality human resources for the success of the industry.**

Nominations are invited for the 2003 Industry Awards, in three distinct categories: Achiever of the Year, Professional Excellence, and Executive of the Year.

The overriding criteria set out for nominations is that the candidate’s performance must have made a positive and consistent impact on the growth and development of the financial services industry.

Achievers (junior and support staff) are expected to demonstrate an outstanding work ethic, professionalism in executing duties, and to accomplish personal and corporate goals. Candidates for the Professional Excellence Award (any level of management or supervision) are required to display leadership qualities and consistently make contributions to their organisations. The Executive of the Year category requires nominees to exemplify outstanding leadership qualities and contribute overall to the growth and development of the industry.

Deadline for the submission of nominations is September 18, and the winners will be announced at BFSB’s Annual Awards Banquet on Saturday, October 4.

See attached for guidelines and nominations forms. Nominations may be submitted by email to awards@bfsb-bahamas.com.

***(Profiles of some of the previous winners of these prestigeous awards can be viewed under Special Reports)***