Bettina Roth has been appointed to the board of directors of the Small Countries Financial Management Centre (SCFMC).

Mrs Roth, who is chief executive officer at the Isle of Man Financial Services Authority, joins the organisation ahead of the launch of its 2022 executive education programme.

Her appointment has been welcomed by Mark Shimmin MBE, executive director of the SCFMC, an Isle of Man-based charity that helps to improve financial governance and reduce poverty in small developing nations.

Mr Shimmin said: ‘We are delighted that Bettina has accepted our invitation to join the Board.

‘She has worked in high-profile positions in the regulatory and private sectors, and will bring great insight and expertise to the role.

‘As the head of the Financial Services Authority, Bettina plays a significant part in maintaining the island’s reputation as a well-regulated finance centre.

‘Her international experience will benefit both the Board and our delegates, and we are looking forward to working with her to further develop our offering.’

The Small Countries Financial management programme is returning as an in-person event this year after an absence caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

initiative

A total of 24 officials from finance ministries, central banks and regulatory bodies are set to take part in the highly acclaimed initiative from as far afield as the Caribbean, Pacific, Indian Ocean and Africa.

Organised by the SCFMC, the 2022 programme takes place over two weeks, with six days of intensive teaching at Harris Manchester College, University of Oxford (June 26 - July 1) followed by seven days in the Isle of Man (July 2 - 8).

The programme provides a tangible way in which the island can use its financial expertise to benefit other small nations and give participants a more powerful voice within the international community.

There is a strong focus on financial integrity, with practitioners and professors covering issues such as risk assessment, debt sustainability, transformational change, negotiation skills, leadership, and regulatory improvement.

Bettina Roth, who has previously worked for the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority, Abu Dhabi Global Market and the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions in Canada, said: ‘I am looking forward to contributing to the Centre’s efforts to support the growth and prosperity of small developing countries around the world.

‘It is a fantastic initiative that creates such a positive legacy. Its ethos chimes with the Authority’s values in terms of working collaboratively to enhance standards and bring a fresh perspective to common challenges.’