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Cook Islands delegation at STEP Asia 2024 in Singapore. L-R Nadine Newnham, Terai Boaza (Trustees & Fiduciaries Cook Islands), Matthew Smith (Southpac Group), Tony Fe'ao (Cook Islands Finance) and Antony Will (Cook Islands Trust Corporation).

The Cook Islands continued to build its reputation as an international financial services jurisdiction, showcasing its unique offerings at two high-profile events in Asia: the STEP Asia Conference 2024, held at Marina Bay Sands, Singapore, and the Asia Outbound Summit 2024, in Shanghai, China.

These two events bring together leading professionals in wealth management, trust and estate planning, and international finance, making them ideal platforms to highlight the Cook Islands’ strengths in asset protection, compliance, and innovation.

The Cook Islands’ delegation at both events included industry experts Matthew Smith, Group Manager from Southpac Group, Nadine Newnham and Terai Boaza from Trustees & Fiduciaries Cook Islands Ltd, and Antony Will from Cook Islands Trust Corporation. Their collective expertise highlighted the Cook Islands’ strength in delivering world-class trust and wealth management solutions.

STEP Asia 2024

STEP Asia, held at the iconic Marina Bay Sands Hotel, brought together over 400 attendees, including wealth managers, estate planners and international finance professionals. The Cook Islands’ world-class asset protection laws, range of financial service products, and commitment to compliance with international standards were key points of interest for delegates. 

A key takeaway from the conference was the need to build awareness in the Asian market. While jurisdictions such as the Cayman Islands and the British Virgin Islands remain prominent in attendees’ minds as leading offshore financial centres, the strong Cook Islands presence continues to position the jurisdiction as a compelling alternative, renowned for its unmatched political stability and robust legal framework.

Tony Fe’ao, CEO of Cook Islands Finance, highlighted:
“Awareness remains a challenge, but through our continued presence at premier events like STEP Asia, we aim to establish the Cook Islands as a go-to jurisdiction for intermediaries and clients seeking secure and effective trust solutions.”

Cook Islands delegation at Asia Outbound in Shanghai. L-R Matthew Smith (Southpac Group), Nadine Newnham (Trustees & Fiduciaries Cook Islands), Tony Fe'ao (Cook Islands Finance), Terai Boaza (T&F Cook Islands) and Shanghai-based Cook Islands translator and advocate Ms Lily.

Asia Outbound Summit 2024

Asia Outbound provided a more focused platform for direct engagement with key players in the Chinese market and beyond. The event allowed Cook Islands Finance to position the jurisdiction as the leading boutique option for asset protection and wealth management.

Enormous potential exists within the Chinese market, as evidenced by strong interest from attendees. Discussions with attendees underscored the importance of tailored solutions,  investing in language and cultural support, and the establishment of dedicated representatives for this emerging market. 

There was also tremendous value 

 Fe’ao added, “The Asia Outbound Summit reinforced the importance of meeting clients where they are—offering tailored solutions while maintaining the highest levels of compliance and service excellence. The Summit proved to be a valuable opportunity for our trust companies to connect with strong leads, that could lead to direct business.”

Cook Islands Finance remains committed to expanding the Cook Islands’ presence in Asia, building awareness, and deeper partnerships with intermediaries and clients alike. 

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