Agnes is a marketing, sponsorship and events management professional and serial entrepreneur, with 26 years in senior roles across government and the private sector in Samoa.

As Marketing and Sponsorship Coordinator for the 2007 South Pacific Games, which hosted 22 nations and 5,000 athletes, she led branding, campaigns, licensing, media and sponsorship roadshows with Octagon Australia. At the Samoa Rugby Union she built its commercial sponsorship platform and global brand, securing continued partnerships with PUMA, Emirates and Digicel. As Marketing Manager at the Samoa International Finance Authority, she expanded its reach across Asia, Europe, the Middle East and South America.

Today Agnes is COO of SkyEye Pacific, the company she co-founded with her siblings, overseeing operations in Samoa, Tonga and Vanuatu. She also co-founded Maua.app, launched by Samoa’s Prime Minister in 2019, and runs several small enterprises, including Lapita, Activ8, Cheesecakes Samoa and GeoRealtors.

Board Roles: Samoa Association of Manufacturers and Exporters · Robert Louis Secondary School · SIFA

Education: BA in Management, Public Administration and Tourism (University of the South Pacific) · Diploma in Ministerial Studies (RHEMA Bible Training College South Pacific) · Directors Certificate (Samoa Institute of Directors)

Senator the Hon. Jerome K. Fitzgerald is the Minister of Economic Affairs for the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, with more than three decades of experience in law, public policy, education, governance, international affairs, and business.
Called to the English and Bahamian Bars in 1991, he holds an LL.M. from King’s College, University of London, and an M.Sc. in Shipping, Trade and Finance from City University Business School, London.
Minister Fitzgerald previously served as Senator (2007–2012), Minister of Education, Science and Technology (2012–2017), and Senior Policy Advisor in the Office of the Prime Minister (2021–2026). As Education Minister, he led major education reforms and played a significant role in the transformation of The College of The Bahamas into the University of The Bahamas.
He has also held prominent regional and international leadership positions, including Chairman of the Commonwealth Education Ministers and Chairman of the Inter-American Committee on Education.
As Minister of Economic Affairs, he focuses on economic diversification, investment, financial services, digital transformation, and sustainable economic growth for The Bahamas.

Andretti Bain serves as the Head of Sports & Performance at Champion Spirit Country Club in Nassau, Bahamas.

Andretti Bain is an Olympic and Commonwealth Games Silver Medalist, Pan-American Games Gold Medalist, and two-time NCAA Division One Champion. Academically, Andretti holds a Master of Business Administration, professional certifications, and has pursued doctoral studies.

As Head of Sports and Performance at Champion Spirit Country Club, Andretti leads with strategic direction and management, combining executive leadership with internationally recognized master coaching expertise.

Andretti’s results-driven philosophy serves world-class athletes and executives alike, elevating physical and mental performance, wellness, and longevity

Zhivargo Laing is the Executive Director of the Government and Public Policy Institute at the University of The Bahamas. He also chairs several civic initiatives that foster leadership, education, and social progress.

Throughout his distinguished career, Mr. Laing has combined public service, economic insight, and leadership in both government and academia. He previously served as Minister of State for Youth, Sports and Culture, and later as Minister of State for Education and Youth, where he led initiatives focused on national development and capacity building. Additionally, he served as Minister of Economic Development and Minister of State for Finance in the Government of the Commonweaalth of The Bahamas. Earlier in his career, he held roles at the Bahamas Investment Authority, the Embassy of The Bahamas in Washington, D.C., and the Organization of American States, representing The Bahamas on international platforms.

Mr. Laing is a published author and the host of “Off the Record with Zhivargo Laing”, a programme dedicated to public dialogue on governance and national development.

Mrs. Niekia Horton is the CEO and Executive Director of The Bahamas Financial Services Board (the “Board”), an association dedicated to promoting the financial services industry of The Bahamas. Prior to her role with the Board, Mrs. Horton played a pivotal role in industry leadership, serving as both Director and Deputy Chairperson of the Association of International Banks and Trust Companies. Her active participation in numerous industry initiatives and working groups reflects her unwavering commitment to the advancement and evolution of the financial services sector.

With over two decades of experience in the financial services industry, Mrs. Horton has honed deep expertise in corporate governance, risk management, and accountancy. She has held senior executive roles, including C-suite positions, at one of the world’s most prestigious and long-standing private banks, establishing a proven track record of leadership excellence. Additionally, Mrs. Horton has served as a director for multiple investment and trust companies, where she led the development and execution of comprehensive corporate governance frameworks and oversaw operations across a variety of international jurisdictions.

Mrs. Horton holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a concentration in International Business from the University of Miami. She is a licensed Chartered Accountant (CA), a Chartered Director (C.Dir), and is certified as a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR). She is a member of the Bahamas Institute of Chartered Accountants.

Antoine W. Bastian is the Founder and Principal of Genesis Fund Services Limited (“Genesis”), a licensed Unrestricted Investment Fund Administrator headquartered in The Bahamas. Mr. Bastian has served as Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer since the firm’s inception in 2004. Genesis maintains subsidiaries in Singapore and Indonesia and provides fund administration services to investment funds domiciled in The Bahamas, the Cayman Islands, Singapore, and the United States.

Mr. Bastian holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University, United States. He commenced his professional career with Deloitte & Touche in Nassau, The Bahamas, where he qualified as a Certified Public Accountant.

Prior to founding Genesis, Mr. Bastian served on the Board of Directors of The Private Trust Corporation Limited, where he led its fund services division.

In addition to his executive responsibilities, Mr. Bastian has made notable contributions to the financial services industry and national development. He previously served as Deputy Chairman of the Bahamas Financial Services Board and currently holds directorships at The Nassau Cruise Port, Levant Advisors Ltd., Bank of Nassau, The YES Foundation, and Carbon Management Limited—a company he founded to develop a monetization structure for carbon credits in The Bahamas.

Brandace B. Duncanson is the Director of Financial Services in the Ministry of Economic Affairs, The Bahamas. She has extensive experience in financial services, corporate law, legislative drafting, land reform, and government policy. Previously serving as Senior Legal Counsel and Deputy Director of Financial Services, she has represented The Bahamas in international initiatives involving the OECD, FATCA, and the Global Forum.

Director Duncanson has also served on several government committees and boards, including the Constitutional Commission, Road Traffic Authority Board, and New Providence Road Improvement Committee.

She holds a B.Sc. (Hons.) in Public Relations/Marketing from Bethune-Cookman University, an LL.B. (Upper Second Class Hons.) from the University of the West Indies, and a Legal Education Certificate from Eugene Dupuch Law School. She is a member of The Bahamas Bar Association, a qualified Civil and Commercial Mediator, and a Notary Public.

Kenneth has over 20 years of experience advising high-net-worth individuals and international families on residency and citizenship, international taxation, tax residence, and asset and wealth structuring. He helps clients navigate complex cross-border matters with strategies aligned to their personal, family and business goals.

As Co-Founder and CEO of Vertex Alliance, he leads a team committed to the firm’s guiding idea: “Vertex” means the apex, and the aim is to set a higher standard in how clients are advised, supported and served. Known as a pragmatic, creative problem solver and an inspiring leader, Kenneth has a proven record of building high-performing teams and driving growth.

Career Highlights

• Warranted Accountant and certified Tax Advisor
• Authorised Registered Mandatory (ARM 03913)
• Accredited RMA Agent (RES-VERT)
• Speaker at conferences and roadshows across Asia and Europe
• Former Lecturer in ACCA Taxation at the Richard Clarke Academy

Expertise: Immigration, Residency & Citizenship, Tax Residence, International & Indirect Tax, Maltese Tax Law, Malta Corporate Tax, Tax Planning, Company Formation, EU Regulation, Investment

Crystal is a Senior Consultant in Vertex’s Advisory and Business Development Team, leading the firm’s China market development and supporting Chinese families pursuing Malta residency and cross-border relocation. She brings over 20 years of senior management experience at Lucent and Nokia, where she managed a global portfolio of telecom partners and the full client lifecycle, building strong cross-cultural, stakeholder and project management skills along the way.

Having completed the MPRP application for her own family, Crystal combines professional expertise with first-hand applicant insight. She specialises in the Malta Permanent Residence Programme, multi-generational relocation, education planning and cross-border business set-up, and has helped many Chinese families secure European residency and settle into life abroad. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Electronics & Information Systems from Ocean University of China and is a certified Project Manager and SAFe Coach.

Vicky Spiteri is Head of Marketing and Business Development at Residency Malta Agency, where she has been leading the Agency’s international marketing and communications efforts since 2018. In her role, she oversees the global promotion and strategic positioning of Malta’s residency-by-investment programme, as well as the Agency’s wider portfolio of residency solutions. With a career spanning strategic marketing, communications, PR and business development, Vicky brings a wealth of experience in building brands, developing strategic campaigns and engaging international audiences. Throughout her professional journey, she has collaborated with local enterprises, multinational brands, and leading financial institutions, gaining valuable expertise in integrated marketing, stakeholder engagement, reputation management and international communications, in highly competitive markets and landscapes.

Ricky Au is a global real estate investor and the founder of Ethan Estates International. After building a successful business career, he shifted his focus toward international real estate, identifying high-growth markets such as Dubai, Bali, Portugal, Cyprus, Georgia, and Panama.

Having worked with many clients over the years, Ricky specializes in sourcing off-market and high-performing developments that deliver strong ROI, passive income, and long-term appreciation for investors worldwide.

Gonçalo Santos is Vice-President of Sharing Group, where he leads Investor Relations and fundraising at Sharing Education Funds, bringing deep expertise in strategic business development and investment management.

Educated at London Business School and Glion Institute of Higher Education, he built his early career across Lisbon, Dubai, Barcelona, Madrid and London. A year with a commodities trading team in Bulgaria sharpened his grasp of global markets, investment strategy and risk management.

After returning to Portugal to join the family business, Gonçalo took on growing leadership responsibilities, strengthening relationships with international investors and building strategic partnerships. Today he drives new business opportunities and long-term growth across the Group’s diversified portfolio, guided by an international outlook and an entrepreneurial mindset.

1. Family Business Succession Structuring Advisory Projects | Provided structuring design advisory and implementation services for wealth succession of Chinese family businesses, as well as customized personal tax optimization advisory services for entrepreneurs’ family members.
2. Overseas Listing Projects | Assisted a domestic new energy vehicle company in its overseas listing by providing financial and tax audit services, overseas tax structuring plans, and top-level structuring design for the founders, while reviewing relevant legal contract terms to ensure successful implementation.
3. Overseas Delisting Projects | Assisted US-listed Chinese concept stocks in delisting and dismantling red-chip structures, providing financial and tax advisory services, as well as entrepreneur tax compliance and wealth succession structuring design.

LIU Dong is a Partner at Commerce & Finance Law Offices. Mr. Liu served as a maritime judge for many years. He was selected by the Supreme People’s Court to participate in the Sino-UK “Lord Chancellor’s Training Scheme”, during which he studied at the English High Court.Since practicing as a lawyer, he has focused on providing domestic and international clients with legal services in commercial dispute resolution, cross-border commercial project transactions, and corporate foreign-related compliance and risk control. Mr. Liu is currently an arbitrator of CIETAC, CMAC, SHIAC and arbitration institutions in multiple other locations, as well as a Fellow of CIArb and a member of LMAA. He has long served as a guest professor and external tutor at Shanghai Maritime University, Tongji University, Shanghai University, and Northwest University of Political Science and Law. Mr. Liu has been recognized for his outstanding legal practice by being ranked in the “Top Ranked Lawyers” list by “LegalBand”, named one of the “Greater China’s Preeminent Recommended Lawyers” (Cross-border Dispute Resolution) by “Hurun Legal”, and recognized as a “Leading Industry Lawyer” (Maritime and Admiralty) by the “LEGAL HALL OF FAME China Legal Pioneer List”.

Jenny Cao is a leading advisor on global residency and education planning, with 16 years of experience guiding high-net-worth families around the world. As CEO of ZhongNuo (Global Trust) and Co-founder of GE5 Education, she helps international families plan their global mobility and secure the right educational pathways for the next generation. Jenny is also a prominent voice in international entrepreneurial networks. She serves as Director of the Mediterranean (Malta) Navigators Association and Vice President of the UK Chinese Innovation and Entrepreneurship Association, and sits on the councils of the China Federation of Overseas Chinese Entrepreneurs and the Shanghai Overseas Chinese Entrepreneurs Association. Her work connects business communities across Europe, the UK and China.

Dr. Shuai LENG is an Associate Professor at Shandong Management University and a Research Fellow at Xi’an Jiaotong University, where he earned his Ph.D. in Law and Governance. A licensed attorney in China and partner at Beijing DHH Law Firm, he combines rigorous scholarship with two decades of practice in international business and dispute resolution. His academic path spans an LL.M. from Indiana University’s McKinney School of Law, a Silk Road Scholarship at Cambridge’s Lauterpacht Centre, and a research visit to the Graduate Institute in Geneva. He has published widely on international investment law, FDI screening, Chinese outbound investment, arbitration and trade law.

In practice, he has advised International Paper, McDonald’s China and Tsingtao Beer, and represented Chinese state-owned and high-tech companies such as Sino Truck, Inspur and Conch Cement in cross-border mergers, EPC projects, financing and IP disputes. Today his work focuses on helping Chinese enterprises navigate the legal complexities of going global.

Nancy Sun is a Senior Partner at Beijing Dacheng Law Offices (Shanghai) and Co-Head of its Energy Practice, with over 25 years advising Chinese enterprises going global and multinationals investing in China. Her work spans cross-border M&A, joint ventures, greenfield investments, and corporate and project financing across energy, natural resources, petrochemicals, infrastructure and advanced manufacturing. She also has long-standing expertise in energy transition, carbon trading, ESG and supply chain compliance. Clients include BASF, Gotion, CNGR, Foxconn, Shell, Sinopec and international private equity investors.

A former MinterEllison lawyer and in-house counsel for a Hong Kong-listed company, Nancy holds a master’s in law and an MBA from NUS and UCLA. Chambers, Legal 500 and other directories have recognized her every year since 2015. IFLR1000 rates her Highly Regarded and named her a Women Leader (2022 to 2026), and LEGALBAND and Legal Vision have both listed her among China’s top lawyers. She is the 2026 Energy Projects Officer of the IBA’s Oil and Gas Law Committee.

Vicky Lord is Managing Partner of Harneys’ mainland China offering, a member of its global Executive Committee, and head of its China litigation, insolvency and restructuring practice. A highly regarded offshore litigator in BVI and Cayman Islands commercial matters, she has a strong record of wins in ultra-high-value, cross-border disputes, including s238 privatisations, take-privates, schemes of arrangement and shareholder disputes for new economy and tech companies. She has appeared before the Privy Council in London, and her clients include leading financial institutions, blue-chip listed companies and ultra-high-net-worth individuals.

Vicky is consistently ranked by Chambers and Partners and the Lexology Index. Her award-winning work includes Geely Auto’s acquisition of Zeekr (ALB China Law Awards 2026), Wang Jing v WeRide, and Alibaba’s proposed acquisition of Cainiao’s minority shares. A foreign-registered lawyer in the PRC, she is a barrister, a member of the Chancery Bar Association and the Shanghai Bar Association, and an arbitrator of the Shanghai International Arbitration Center. She works fluently in Spanish and regularly contributes to the Offshore Litigation Blog.

Esure Wu is a counsel in Harneys’ Private Wealth team in Shanghai, advising ultra-high-net-worth Asian individuals and families, trust companies and family offices on preserving, protecting and transferring wealth across borders and generations. His work covers family trusts, private trust companies, foundations, family office structuring, PRC red-chip and cross-border holding structures, and AML, CRS and FATCA compliance. He has set up structures across the BVI, Jersey, Guernsey, the Isle of Man, the Cayman Islands, Hong Kong and Singapore.

Esure holds an LLM from Columbia Law School, a Master of Common Law from the University of Hong Kong and an LLB from East China University of Political Science and Law, giving him a multi-jurisdictional perspective spanning common law, PRC and US legal systems. Before joining Harneys in 2026, he worked in the Private Client team at a leading red circle law firm. He is a Full Member of STEP with the TEP designation and speaks Chinese and English.

Faye Huang has been with Loeb Smith Attorneys since 2019, after several years at the Shanghai office of a US law firm. Her practice covers investment funds, corporate and M&A, capital markets and regulatory compliance across the Cayman Islands and BVI. She advises on forming and launching Cayman and BVI funds for Hong Kong- and BVI-based managers, and on corporate governance, cross-border M&A, joint ventures, reorganisations and private equity matters.

On the regulatory side, Faye has helped fund management groups restructure their operations to meet Cayman economic substance requirements, and she supports clients with anti-money laundering compliance policies in both jurisdictions. Her combined experience in China-related and offshore practice makes her a trusted advisor on cross-border investment, fund structuring and regulatory matters.