Finance Belize Joins BIFSA’s 2025 AGM as Guest Speaker
On 4 December 2025, Finance Belize was invited to join the Belize International Financial Services Association – BIFSA Annual General Meeting as Guest Speaker, where CEO Hero Balani presented an overview of the organization’s mandate and key strategic priorities to come under its 2026 operational and strategic workplan.
Hosted under the theme “Building Resilience in a Changing Financial Landscape,” the AGM brought together key industry stakeholders to discuss the evolving regulatory environment, the importance of strong governance, and opportunities for deeper collaboration within the financial services sector. In this context, Finance Belize reinforced the critical role of private sector service providers and registered agents in supporting the promotion of Belize as a globally competitive, well-regulated international financial center.
Guided by its four (4) strategic pillars under its 2023-2028 Strategic Plan, Finance Belize highlighted practical actions to support sector growth in 2026 – from strengthening human capital and deepening compliance and policy advocacy, to elevating international marketing efforts and building even stronger stakeholder partnerships.
We extend our appreciation to BIFSA for the kind invitation and to all members for their ongoing collaboration in growing Belize’s financial services sector. We also share a warm note of congratulations to the newly elected BIFSA Board of Management for the 2025-2027 with special acknowledgement to the newly re-elected President, Mrs. Gladys Urbina. Finance Belize looks forward to the continued engagement and partnership ahead with BIFSA and its members in 2026 and beyond.
Finance Belize hosts inaugural 2025 Networking Mixer
Finance Belize was proud to host its first Networking Mixer on 4 December 2025, under the theme “Transforming Finance Together.” The mixer brought together regulators, industry leaders, and strategic partners across Belize’s financial services ecosystem. It provided a space to reflect on 2025 milestones and explore upcoming initiatives for 2026 and beyond, strengthening partnership and collaboration to bolster the sector’s growth.
Hosted by Mr. Hero Balani, CEO of Finance Belize, the program featured several insightful contributions:
• Mr. Reynaldo Magaña, Chairman of Finance Belize, underscored the importance of continuing to promote Belize’s financial products and services globally as a competitive, compliant, and modernized financial hub. He reiterated that partnerships remain key to this collective mission.
• Mr. Kareem Michael, Governor of the Central Bank of Belize, reflected on key milestones achieved in 2025 including the successful launch of the new banknote series. He highlighted strategic priorities shaping Belize’s financial landscape ahead with a continued focus on deepening national financial inclusion.
• Ms. Nilda Sosa, Director of Operations and Corporate Services at Financial Services Commission (FSC) Belize on behalf of the Director General, outlined the FSC’s recent regulatory milestones and ongoing digital transformation with the launch of LicenSys and the upcoming Digital Assets regulatory framework. She highlighted several initiatives that will further enhance oversight, foster innovation and boost investor confidence.
• Ms. Gladys Urbina, President of the Belize International Financial Services Association (BIFSA) and COO of Caye International Bank®, closed with a call for continued partnership between regulators and the private sector to drive innovation and sustainable growth within the financial services sector.
We were also honored to recognize Senator the Hon. Christopher Coye with a token of appreciation for his steadfast support and vision in driving the sector’s growth, and for championing the establishment of Finance Belize during his tenure as Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance.
Thank you to all our partners and attendees for your active engagement. We look forward to building on this momentum as we continue to #TransformFinanceTogether and position Belize as a competitive, well-regulated, internationally recognized financial center that is open for business.
