Name: LaTonia Symonette-Tinker
Industry position: President of The Bayshore Group and executive committee member of the Bahamas Association of Compliance Officers.
Education and training: Bachelor of Science degree in marketing management, law degree, diploma in international compliance and anti-money laundering, certified anti-money laundering specialist (CAMS) accreditation, and certified financial crime specialist accreditation (in progress).
Career: Compliance, business and law.
What attracted you to the sector?
My interest in the financial services industry is a direct result of my early exposure to the sector as a summer intern with Scotiabank (Bahamas) in the early 1990s. At that time, I was pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in marketing management with no clear direction of where I wanted to develop my career. Upon completion, I continued my higher education studies in law, in London, England, with the intent of working in offshore financial services, or, what is now called, "international financial services".
I eventually returned home and worked at several offshore financial institutions. Today, I am running my own financial and corporate services business, providing directorship, compliance outsourcing, FATCA training and other corporate services to the international financial sector.
The financial services sector is an ever-changing evolution of complex rules, regulations, structures, products and services with the aim of regulating and managing money. It is a fascinating sector which has evolved from the exchange of goods and services (bartering and trade) to the use of physical monetary instruments, to virtual money (such as Bitcoins). There is never a dull time for career professionals in the financial services sector or for those who regulate it.
How long have you been involved in financial services? What keeps you motivated?
I have been involved in financial services for more than 15 years and I truly love what I do. I am constantly motivated by The Bahamas' resilience through the years, as it responds and adapts to global changes and international regulatory initiatives that change the very fabric of our industry. We are constantly compelled to be innovative with the provision of new products and services while maintaining the integrity of our financial services industry and remaining competitive.
Why do you think you have been successful?
Respect for humankind has always been of great importance to me. We first have to appreciate and respect one another and the role that we all play in this world and in each other's lives. In order for a puzzle to be complete, each part must be in place - no matter how small.
I have never been satisfied with doing a job; it is equally important to me to understand why I am doing that job and the part it plays in the greater scheme of things. This approach has broadened my knowledge and given me an understanding and appreciation of all that I do.
Throughout my professional career, I have been fortunate enough to have worked with managers willing to teach and impart their knowledge, which aided in my professional growth and development. I feel that it is incumbent on me and other professionals, not only in the financial services sector, but all industries in The Bahamas to mentor our employees and our peers, to ensure that our number one resource, "human capital", is constantly developed for the sustainability of our country's future.
Building a strong network of business relationships is also an important and integral part of professional success.
What qualifications do you feel are the most useful in helping you perform in the sector?
Education! Education! Education! The gift of knowledge and the opportunity for higher education in today's competitive world has become increasingly important. While I can agree not everyone will have the opportunity or desire to attend university in the traditional sense, it is important and advantageous to continue education through specialist courses and certifications to advance your career and remain relevant to the financial services sector. The way we do things today will, almost certainly, not be the way we do things tomorrow.
I am constantly learning, it is not enough that I have degrees in business and law, I constantly attend conferences and do short courses to remain on top of my game, to allow me to make informed decisions and make positive contributions to my business and the financial services sector. I also speak Spanish, and this has also been an invaluable asset to me. The world is shrinking, and knowledge of a foreign language is necessary to communicate in the global economy.
What has been the biggest challenge in your career and or industry? How did you overcome it?
The biggest challenge in my career has been gender inequality. As a female, it is always necessary to prove yourself as an able professional in the financial services industry who deserves the same respect as male counterparts. In order to ensure this, constant research, staying abreast of global developments in the sector and continued education are key. In making contributions to my profession, I can do so with an educated and informed tongue that is indisputable. This requires a lot of hard work, and if you enjoy what you do, this will not be burdensome.
What advice would you give young people just starting out in the industry?
The Bahamas has long been a leader in the financial services sector, known for its expertise and resources, which continue to play an integral role in the country's economic growth. It may seem daunting at times, but The Bahamas is a strong player and will continue to excel in financial services, as we continue to improve our products, develop our human capital and abide by the laws and regulations that govern our industry.
As an executive of the Bahamas Association of Compliance Officers, I see many opportunities in the areas of risk and compliance, e-commerce, cybersecurity, accounting, tax and economics. These professional areas and some others cover taxation and regulation, and, if we look at VAT, FATCA, OECD initiatives and others, it is safe to assume these areas will be relevant for quite some time.

Click here to read more at The Nassau Guardian