The Cook Islands Financial Services Development Authority (Cook Islands Finance), the government agency charged with the promotion and development of the financial services industry, has returned home after a successful promotional mission to the United States. The agency proudly showcased the Cook Islands’ financial services industry at 2 prestigious events.
A delegation, which included Cook Islands and US-Based trust lawyers, participated in both the 20th Annual International Estate Planning Institute in New York and the 2025 America Outbound Investment Summit, in both New York and Los Angeles.
The mission formed part of a broader effort to strengthen the Cook Islands’ presence in the United States, which remains its largest market for trust and estate planning services. Over 80% of Cook Islands trust clients are based in the US.
“These events are vital for maintaining and growing international awareness of the Cook Islands as an experienced, well regulated and trusted financial services jurisdiction,” stated Tony Fe’ao CEO at Cook Islands Finance.
“Attending two conferences during a single trip—each catering to distinct audiences—adds significant value. Moreover, having local Cook Islands lawyers accompany us not only strengthens our presence with on-the-ground expertise but also promotes connections with potential business opportunities for their firms.”
Representing Cook Islands Finance at international conferences was a first for Aimata Pittman, Marketing Coordinator at Cook Islands Finance.
“It was definitely an eye-opening experience. I gained invaluable insights—not just from the content of the events themselves, but also from observing and working alongside our trust company representatives. Their depth of knowledge and engagement with attendees really highlighted the strength of our local expertise.”
At both conferences, Cook Islands Finance was joined by representatives from leading local trust companies – Asiaciti Trust Cook Islands, and Trustees & Fiduciaries Cook Islands. They participated in speaking engagements and panel discussions, promoting the jurisdiction’s world-class asset protection laws, its political and legal stability, and innovative structures such as the International Relationship Property Trust (IRPT).
Noovai Aspris, Senior Legal Counsel at Trustees & Fiduciaries Cook Islands, remarked on the strong engagement.
“As a first-timer to these US events, I was impressed with the level of interest and the professional connections already built by the FSDA over past years. Speaking at these events generated a lot of follow-up interest, and our booth was busy throughout. It was clear the Cook Islands’ reputation in the industry is growing, and that’s exciting.”
Tine Ponia, Managing Director at Asiaciti Trust Cook Islands reflected her experience at in the USA.
“Attendance at this year’s US conferences alongside Cook Islands Finance was exciting and rewarding. The exposure being present and speaking at these conferences brought was huge. There were many questions from the floor which showed a serious level of engagement and interest in the Cook Islands.
“It felt as if Cook Islands Finance’s marketing efforts over the last couple of years was really coming together to affirm our country’s standing as pioneers in international asset protection, and reputation as a credible and mature financial services jurisdiction.”
The mission was further strengthened by support from key advocates in the US, including Blake Harris of Blake Harris Law, whose presentations aligned closely with the Cook Islands’ messaging; Craig Redler, Chair of STEP Orange County, who previously worked in the Cook Islands; and Jenner Davis, former CEO of Cook Islands Finance, now based in the US. Each of them continues to champion the Cook Islands in the US market.
With interest in the Cook Islands rising amid global political and economic uncertainty, Cook Islands Finance will maintain its efforts to engage international markets and support the financial services sector as a vital part of the national economy.
For more information on the Cook Islands finance industry, contact enquiry@fsda.gov.ck
