Minister Isola and Gibraltar Finance invited to deliver keynote speech
Gibraltar’s Minister for Digital and Financial Services, Mr Albert Isola, will participate in the Ministerial Panel at the upcoming Hainan Free Trade Zone Global Digital Economic Cooperation Forum. Minister Isola was invited to speak at the event and will be joined by Gibraltar Finance Senior Executives, Paul Astengo and Michael Ashton.
The forum, which is scheduled to take place this week at the Ritz-Carlton, Haikou, will focus on the digital economy, China’s “Belt and Road” initiative, and digital trade. It will bring together leading global officials as well as visionaries from China’s academic, business, and investment spheres.
The Hainan Free Trade Pilot Zone represents a key gateway for China to implement innovation-driven development strategies, increase engagement in cutting-edge areas such as the digital economy, and build a world class “free digital port”. The blockchain pilot zone of the Hainan Free Trade Zone (Port) has been established to promote the adoption of blockchain technology, and encourage the development of new industries.
As Gibraltar’s Minister for Digital and Financial Services, Mr Isola’s primary responsibility is that of raising Gibraltar’s profile as a well-regulated financial services centre, leading the way in DLT and online gaming regulation. Minister Isola previously served as Gibraltar’s Minister for Commerce, during which time he played a central role in spearheading Gibraltar’s purpose-built DLT regulatory framework, which was introduced in January 2018 for firms using blockchain to store or transfer value.
Prior to re-entering Parliament, Mr Isola had been a Partner at a major Gibraltar international law firm from 1985 to 2013. Educated at Stonyhurst College, Lancashire (1973-1980), Mr Isola read Law at Kingston University (1980-1983). During his extensive legal career, Minister Isola gained high-level experience in all aspects of property acquisition, development, and financing as well as financial services. He also regularly acted as an adviser to the Financial Services Commission.
Mr Isola said, “This forum gives expression to the strong spirit of collaboration that is central to sustaining blockchain development globally, as well as China’s increased engagement with the international DLT community. Gibraltar’s representation here in Hainan underlines our commitment to the pursuit of regulatory advances, mutually beneficial business cooperation, and investment opportunities.”
For more information on Gibraltar’s financial services, follow the link to Gibraltar Finance below:
