GFIA Elects New Chair

The Gibraltar Funds & Investments Association has elected Heather Adamson as its new Chair following its 2026 Annual General Meeting, with Jonathan Garcia stepping down after two years in the role.

A statement from GFIA follows below:

The Gibraltar Funds & Investments Association (GFIA) held its Annual General Meeting on 3 July 2026 at Hassans International Law Firm, where members reflected on another successful year for the Association and elected a new Executive Committee to lead GFIA into its next chapter.

The Association extends its sincere thanks to James Lasry, Caroline Lane and the team at Hassans for their generous hospitality in hosting this year's AGM.

The meeting also marked the conclusion of Jonathan Garcia's tenure as Chair after two years in the role and almost a decade of involvement with GFIA. Presenting his final Chair's Report, Jonathan reflected on a year of significant progress for both the Association and Gibraltar's funds and investment industry.

He said:

"I am enormously proud of what this Association has accomplished - particularly over the last year. We are on the verge of launching a new GFIA website, backed by a new marketing strategy designed to give Gibraltar's voice greater reach and clarity internationally. Gibraltar is open, ambitious and ahead of the curve, and people are taking notice."

Over the past year, GFIA has continued to strengthen its position as the representative body for Gibraltar's funds and investment industry. Key achievements included the development of a new website and marketing strategy, increased international engagement through initiatives such as Gibraltar London Week, and a comprehensive programme of technical events covering topics including artificial intelligence, tokenisation and investment markets.

Members also heard about the Association's continued collaboration with Government and the Gibraltar Financial Services Commission on a number of important legislative and regulatory initiatives affecting the sector, including limited partnerships, banking and depositary requirements for investment funds, together with Gibraltar's continued leadership in financial innovation through the Protected Cell Companies (Amendment) Bill 2026.

Professional development remained a key priority throughout the year, with the launch of a dedicated training programme designed specifically for Gibraltar's funds and investment management sector, helping to build local expertise and support the industry's long-term growth.

Committee Heads presented updates on their respective areas of responsibility, demonstrating the breadth of work undertaken across the Association. Heather Adamson highlighted the Marketing Committee's continued efforts to raise Gibraltar's international profile through strategic communications, industry engagement and thought leadership, while Treasurer Faith Howe presented the Association's audited financial statements and thanked BDO Limited for its continued support in preparing the annual accounts. The Executive Committee also recognised Faith's commitment in ensuring the audit was completed ahead of the AGM despite a particularly busy reporting period.

The AGM also recognised Joanne Rodriguez, who stepped down from the Executive Committee after many years of dedicated service to GFIA. While leaving her formal position, Joanne will continue to support and champion the Association. The Executive Committee expressed its sincere appreciation for her professionalism, enthusiasm and valuable contribution over the years.

Following the elections, Heather Adamson was elected Chair of GFIA, succeeding Jonathan Garcia. James Lasry was elected Deputy Chair, Faith Howe was re-elected as Treasurer, and Danielle Curtis and Julian Pitaluga joined the Executive Committee. The new Executive Committee will continue to build on the Association's strong momentum and represent the interests of Gibraltar's funds and investment industry.

In closing, Jonathan thanked the Executive Committee, committee members, volunteers, members and the Association's Executive Coordinators, Dream Team Limited, for their continued commitment and support throughout his tenure.

He concluded:

"The relationship between industry and regulator here is one of Gibraltar's genuine competitive advantages. This sector does not wait for the world to settle before it acts. It moves, it adapts and it builds – and it does it together. I know that whoever takes over will carry that spirit forward. It has been an honour to serve an Association that I am genuinely proud to have been part of."

Under Heather Adamson's leadership, GFIA will continue to represent and promote Gibraltar's funds and investment industry, strengthen engagement with Government and the Gibraltar Financial Services Commission, and deliver initiatives that support members while reinforcing Gibraltar's reputation as an innovative, competitive and internationally recognised financial centre.

The Executive Committee is committed to representing the interests of stakeholders in the Gibraltar funds and investment industry. GFIA will continue its close coordination with the Government and the Gibraltar Financial Services Commission, as well as provide its members with a full program of marketing, technical and training related events in what promises to be a busy year for the industry.