**Wendy C. Warren
CEO & Executive Director**

The Bahamas Financial Services Board (BFSB) has announced preliminary plans for the 2007 **Bahamas Financial Services Retreat**. The event will be held at the Four Seasons Emerald Bay Resort in Great Exuma, home of the 2004 and 2005 BFS Retreats.

This annual event is one of several initiatives undertaken in recognition of the critical importance of engaging all industry stakeholders on a regular basis for open discussions on financial services sector issues. It brings together stakeholders including ministers of government, heads and senior representatives of the civil service, regulators, private sector associations and member firms.

CEO Wendy Warren says, *”The primary objective of such interaction is to discuss the key drivers of the sector – including strengths, weaknesses and opportunities – and to formulate strategies for the growth of The Bahamas financial services industry, while also providing opportunities for networking.”*

Discussions coming out of the Retreats assist BFSB as it develops its programme of work each year. It is anticipated that a major portion of the 2007 Bahamas Financial Services Retreat will focus on global developments impacting the sector and the action steps necessary for sustainable growth. This should encompass review of various steps arising from the Ministry of Financial Services and Investments’ Strategic and Branding Survey, initial results of which were released at the 2006 Retreat.

Members may request participation and hotel booking forms by contacting BFSB’s offices. The format for the 2 day meeting will include Plenary Working Sessions, Small Group Breakout Sessions, and social / recreational programmes conducive to networking.