Liz Barahona, a Panamanian lawyer, is a corporate services professional with a background in International Corporate Law spanning over the last 13 years. Prior to FFP, she spent more than 6 years managing a trust company in the British Virgin Islands.
She holds a Master of Law in Law and Management and is a student member of The Society of Estate Practitioners (STEP). Beyond these qualifications, Liz possesses a deep understanding of International standards, regulations, policies and practices in Anti Money Laundering, Countering the Financing of Terrorism, Client Due Diligence, which complements her corporate expertise and she further strengthens the BVI team, who specialize in complex fiduciary engagements.
Liz has been an integral part of the BVI Financial Industry, having served as Education Chair and later as Chairwoman of the BVI Association of Registered Agents (BVI ARA) from 2019 to 2022. Her role representing the Financial Industry in local discussions with BVI competent authorities, such as the BVI Financial Services Commission, International Tax Authority, and BVI Shipping Registry; as well as international bodies as the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFAT), has played an important part in fortifying the BVI’s international reputation and global standing. She also made significant contributions to discussions surrounding the recent BVI Business Company Act, 2022 (as amended) and BVI Virtual Assets Service Providers Act, 2022 (the “VASP Act”).
Liz is passionate and enthusiastic about Blockchain Technology, Digital Assets and Web3.0 solutions. Since 2021, Liz has been fascinated by this rapidly growing sector, particularly its regulatory landscape. Her commitment to staying updated on tech trends has helped her to build a global network of experts in the field, providing her with valuable insights into international blockchain technology regulation.
Liz remains dedicated to her professional development, currently pursuing an Executive Certificate in Blockchain and New Technologies through the Center for Finance, Technology, and Entrepreneurship (CFTE) in collaboration with the Singapore Management University (SMU).
She is a member of the BVI Association of Compliance Officers and the Blockchain Lawyers Group.
Liz speaks Spanish, English, Portuguese, and Italian and is known for her warm and approachable demeanor, making her a professional who’s easy to connect with.