RF Cayman Economic Outlook Program by RF Bank & Trust

Foreword

Michael Anderson

President & CEO, RF Group

Welcome to the RF Economic Outlook Conference 2025.

For over 20 years, this conference has served as a premier forum for exploring the forces shaping our region and the world. RF’s Mission is to “Help Clients Create and Manage Wealth” and RF believes strongly that the information presented at this conference will enable its clients to make key decisions that will impact their wealth over the years to come. From shifting geopolitical dynamics and their impact on investment markets to the rapid rise of AI, today’s discussions are designed to challenge perspectives, spark debate, and encourage action. This is not just a conference—it is a call to rethink, adapt, and seize new opportunities for growth and prosperity.

This conference would not be possible without the ongoing support of our partners, many of whom have been with us since the beginning. Their commitment to knowledge-sharing, business innovation, and regional progress has been instrumental in making this event a reality. We extend our sincere gratitude to our partners:

Overseas Asset Management, Vanguard and Compass Media.

vToday’s discussions are not just for business leaders and policymakers—they are shaping the future workforce as well. That’s why we are proud to welcome students from the University of The Bahamas, who have received complimentary passes to take part in this important dialogue. Their presence today reflects our shared responsibility to invest in the next generation of leaders, thinkers, and innovators.

To make the most of your experience today, I encourage you to:

• Engage Actively: Participate in discussions and ask questions during sessions to deepen your understanding.

• Network: The conversations you have today may lead to the partnerships and ideas that shape tomorrow. Connect with fellow attendees and speakers.

• Take Notes: Document key takeaways to reflect upon and implement in your respective fields.

• Share Your Insights: Use social media platforms to share what you’ve learned, contributing to a broader community dialogue.

• Stay Curious: Approach each session with an open mind, ready to explore new perspectives and opportunities. Let these discussions push you beyond your comfort zone and spark innovative thinking.

• Stay for the entire journey. Each session will introduce new insights and perspectives, including the closing session, where a world-class expert will share powerful personal development strategies to help you thrive in an ever-changing world.

Thank you for being here. Your presence and engagement make this conference what it is—a space for insight, opportunity, and progress.

Event Schedule

A day filled with inspiration A world of ideas packed into one inspiring day

8:30 AM 9:00 AM 9:15 AM 9:30 AM 10:30 AM 10:45 AM 11:45 AM 12:55 PM 2:00 PM 3:00 PM 3:15 PM 4:15 PM 5:00 PM 5:15 PM

Registration & Welcome Breakfast

Welcome Address

Steve McIntosh

Opening Remarks

Keynote

KT McFarland

Coffee Break

Keynote

Renato Grandmont

Presentation

Admiral Mike Rogers (Ret.)

Lunch Break

Presented by Vanguard

Keynote

Dr. Helen Papagiannis

Coffee Break

PANEL DISCUSSION: Anchored or Grounded: Rethinking the Costs and Benefits of the Cruise Industry

Moderated by Marla Dukharan, Caribbean Economist

Keynote

Dr. Kimberley Amirault-Ryan

Closing Remarks

Cocktail Reception

Speaker Profiles

K.T. McFarland

Former Deputy National Security Advisor; Geopolitics Expert

With more than four decades on the forefront of global politics and national security, and most recently serving as deputy national security advisor in the Trump administration, K.T. McFarland is uniquely qualified to discuss America’s current foreign policy opportunities, challenges, and threats. Her experience as one of President Trump’s senior White House staff members, responsible for the initial formulation of many of his national security initiatives, gives her an insider’s perspective not just of this administration and its personalities and policies, but how Washington DC works…and doesn’t.

Prior to joining the Trump administration, Ms. McFarland was FOX News’ national security analyst. She appeared regularly on FOX News and FOX Business News, wrote a column for the FOX Opinions page, and hosted DEFCON3 for FOXNews.com. In addition to her work in the Trump administration, Ms. McFarland also held national security posts in the Nixon, Ford, and Reagan administrations, including as an aide to Dr. Henry Kissinger and as a speechwriter, spokesperson, and aide to Secretary of Defense Caspar Weinberger. In 1985, she received the Department of Defense’s highest civilian award for her work in the Reagan administration.

K.T. McFarland was already one of the country’s most prominent foreign policy and national security experts before joining the Trump Administration. But her most recent experience in the White House and her role in formulating the Trump administration’s national security agenda makes her uniquely qualified to discuss the whole range of critical foreign policy and defense issues. Her latest book, REVOLUTION: Trump Washington and “We the People”, McFarland explains the Trump Revolution and puts it into historical context. (February 2020)

AI & immersive technologies expert

The bestselling author of Augmented Human: HowTechnology is Shaping the New Reality (available in five languages globally), Papagiannis is the founder of XR GOES POP, a consulting firm focused on experiential retail, luxury lifestyle, and popular culture. Her clients include Louis Vuitton, Jaguar Land Rover, Adobe, Microsoft, Snapchat, and Google. She is also a member of The World Economic Forum’s invite-only Global Future Council on Augmented and Virtual Reality and a Technology Convergence Partner.

Dr. Helen Papagiannis is a globally recognized authority on immersive technologies, specializing in AI, spatial computing, and the future of human-machine interaction. With two decades at the forefront of innovation, she explores how cutting-edge advancements like GenAI, extended reality (XR), and brain-computer interfaces (BCI) are reshaping industries and expanding human potential. Her expertise bridges breakthrough technology with realworld applications—offering forward-thinking insights that help businesses not just adapt, but lead in the age of intelligent machines.

Dr. Helen Papagiannis

Speaker Profiles

Admiral Mike Rogers (Ret.)

Former NSA Director and head of US Cyber Command and the Central Security Service

A four-star Admiral with 37 years of service, including his leadership roles as the Director of the National Security Agency (NSA) and the Commander of U.S. Cyber Command, Admiral Rogers’ experience as a cybersecurity practitioner, policymaker and deeply human leader is unmatched. Serving in these roles at the highest levels of government under both Presidents Trump and Obama, Admiral Rogers held a front row seat in some of our country’s most pivotal security matters since the Cold War. But as he also poignantly shares in his presentations, it was leading people that gave him the greatest hope for the future of creating more resilient organizations and nations.

He worked across all three branches of the U.S. government to develop and implement cyber solutions and execute intelligence and cyber operations, partnering particularly closely with the DoD, DHS, FBI, Department of State, the Congress, the FISA court, and the U.S. and global intelligence community as well as foreign civilian and military cyber organizations. Admiral Rogers also spent a significant amount of time partnering with foreign governments and with the private sector, particularly in the technology, financial and telecommunications industries.

He is a graduate of Auburn University and also holds a Master of Science in National Security. He is a distinguished graduate of the National War College and a graduate of highest distinction from the Naval War College. He is also an MIT Seminar XXI fellow and a Harvard Senior Executive in National Security alum.

Morgan Stanley MD & Chief Investment Strategist

Renato is a managing director and chief investment strategist for International Wealth Management at Morgan Stanley. In this capacity, he is part of the Global Investment Office and is responsible for providing global investment direction and intellectual capital to Morgan Stanley Wealth Management’s clients.

Prior to joining Morgan Stanley Wealth Management, Renato was a managing partner and the chief investment officer of Link Capital Advisors LLC, where he helped select families manage and grow their global wealth, and provided tailored strategic advice to investors and companies on investments, real estate, financial and corporate governance issues. He served as a board member and advisor to single family office investment committees. Prior to Link Capital Advisors, Renato worked for UBS as a managing director and chief investment officer for the Latin America region, within the Global CIO Wealth Management area, covering clients of UBS AG (Switzerland) and UBS Financial Services Inc (USA).

He spent 10 years as managing director and chief investment officer for Citi Private Bank, Latin America. Since joining the firm in 2006, he was a voting member of Citi Private Bank’s Global Investment Committee and chaired Citi Wealth Management’s Latin America and Brazil Investment Policy Committees. He also served as head of Citi Private Bank’s New York Investment Center from 2008 to 2011, covering the regions of Latin America, Asia, Europe, Middle East and Africa. He was also responsible for the regional Investment Counseling Team and the Investment Laboratory.

Renato Grandmont

Speaker Profiles

Dr. Kimberley Amirault-Ryan

Performance Consultant to the NHL, NBA, and Olympians | Executive Coach

Dr. Kimberley Amirault-Ryan lives by her philosophy of embracing challenges and pushing boundaries to achieve our highest potential. She’s worked in professional sport since 2001, becoming the first and only woman to be the Performance Consultant with the New York Rangers, New York Knicks, Columbus Blue Jackets and Edmonton Oilers.

Amirault-Ryan has worked at five Olympic Games with the Canadian Gold Medal-winning teams of Women’s Hockey, Cross Country Skiing, and Speedskating. She was also the Lead of Sport Psychology for Canada’s entire Olympic team for the 2010, 2012 and 2014 Olympics.

For her ground-breaking work Amirault-Ryan has been recognized by the likes of the Globe and Mail’s “Top Power 50” list and WXN Canada’s “Top 100 Most Powerful Women”.

Companies worldwide, including Fortune 500 companies Walmart, VISA, Johnson & Johnson, General Mills and Royal Dutch Shell, have hired Amirault-Ryan to help motivate them to lead under pressure and achieve sustained high performance.

Marla Dukharan

Leading Economic Advisor for the Caribbean Panel moderator

Recognized as a top economist and advisor on the Caribbean, Marla Dukharan has led discussions and published reports on the Caribbean implications of COVID-19, BREXIT, and changing US and Chinese policies, among other geopolitical developments. Marla has become a highly sought-after keynote speaker internationally on Caribbean issues, and she regularly advises private sector executives, investors and multinationals to support their strategic decisions in the region.

Panelists

Kenneth Bryan

Deputy Premier and Minister for Tourism and Ports, and Social Development and Innovation

Joseph Gaskins Jr

Morgan Stanley MD & Chief Investment Strategist

Partner of Lainston International Management, Ltd.

Hon. Kenneth Bryan, is the Deputy Premier and Minister for Tourism and Ports, and Minister for Social Development and Innovation in the Cayman Islands. He was first elected to Parliament in 2017 and in addition to his Ministerial duties, he is the District Representative for the constituency of George Town Central.

In September 2022, Minister Bryan assumed the Chairmanship of the Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO) Council of Ministers and Commissioners of Tourism, for the period 20222024. While his tenure as CTO Chairman recently ended, Minister Bryan remains active and engaged in regional and international events, particularly those which impact the Cayman Islands.

Minister Bryan is also a member of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association and Cayman Islands Youth Parliament Committee.

Prior to being an elected representative, Mr. Bryan was formerly the Political Assistant to the Premier of the Cayman Islands from 2013-2015. He is also well known for his time as reporter with the local television station, Cayman 27.

Joey Gaskins Jr. is a public affairs and strategic communications expert with extensive experience in government and public relations, crisis communications, corporate social responsibility, and stakeholder engagement. As the Regional Public Affairs Director for Disney Cruise Line in The Bahamas and the Caribbean, he’s led the strategic efforts in these areas during the successful development of Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point. His leadership helped secure critical government approvals, connect the business with community stakeholders and business owners, and implement significant CSR initiatives while collaborating on the local and international storytelling that has defined the destination.

An international financial services professional with 18 years’ experience with private equity funds and private wealth management portfolios, he spent more than 15 years of his career at Merril Lynch Bank and Trust (Cayman) Ltd. where he served as the Managing Director, MLRO and Corporate Secretary for its Cayman Islands Class A Bank and Trust Company and its subsidiaries.

He brings a proven track record of strategic leadership, broad business management skills, board governance and extensive regulatory and compliance experience.

Skilled in Banking, Asset Management, Fiduciary Services, Private Client matters, Equities and Capital Markets his role at Lainston entails serving as Managing Partner with responsibility for business development and as an independent director for clients on a wide range of alternative investment funds including hedge funds, fund of funds, private equity funds and segregated portfolio companies, as well as related offshore companies, SPV’s and investment management solutions.

Johann-Moxam

Partner Profiles

RF Bank & Trust

For over 25 years our mission has been to help our clients create and manage wealth. We pride ourselves on being industry leaders, not only in performance but also in innovation. Proof of our success is more than $2.2 Billion in capital raised for our corporate clients, over $1.4 Billion in assets under management and over $2.5 billion in assets under administration.

Our vision is to be the premier wealth manager and investment bank in the Caribbean. We are a regional private bank which makes us especially attuned to the unique needs of our local clientele. We consistently introduce original products carefully designed with these needs in mind. We have also cultivated key relationships with best-in-class global partners that help us deliver the gold standard in investment management solutions.

Our comprehensive and customizable solutions include:

Mutual Funds

Investment Management

Investment Banking

Group & Personal Pension Plans

Personal Retirement Accounts

Stock Brokerage

Trust & Estate Planning

Educational Investment Accounts

www.rfgroup.com

OAM

Founded in 1989, Overseas Asset Management (Cayman) Ltd. (“OAM”) is an independent boutique investment manager based in the Cayman Islands and regulated by the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority. OAM manages two funds, OAM Asian Recovery Fund and OAM European Value Fund (both listed on the Cayman Islands Stock Exchange), with a distinct investment philosophy and a highly focused research and investment process.

We pride ourselves on the long-term performance of our funds and aim to generate superior riskadjusted returns for our clients, with whom we have built strong relationships, offering personalized and friendly service. OAM is 100% owned by its directors and employees who are also significant shareholders in the OAM funds, creating a strong alignment of interest with our clients.

www.oam.com.ky

Partner Profiles

Vanguard Risk Solutions

A leading insurance broker in the Cayman Islands for over 35 years providing independent and trusted advice. Vanguard Risk Solutions provides a comprehensive range of insurance solutions for both individuals and companies, including for homes, commercial and condominium buildings, construction, general and professional liability, motor, marine, health and group life insurance. With Vanguard Risk Solutions clients receive the highest standard of service from on the ground, experienced and qualified professionals. Combining local knowledge with international expertise Vanguard is the better solution for your business or your family.

www.vrscayman.com

Compass Media

We produce local content that informs, entertains and reflects the Caymanian community on every platform. We have the largest audience to meet even the most demanding advertising needs, allowing companies to connect with their clients.

www.compassmedia.ky

What's Next?

After a full day of thought-provoking presentations, here are some next steps:

Get your CPD credits.

An email will be sent with instructions on how to automatically generate your Continuing Professional Development certificate.

Visit invest.rfgroup.com/CPD to automatically generate your Continuing Professional Development certificate.

Take the event survey.

We want your feedback on today’s event. Look out for an email requesting your participation in a short survey.

Relive the moments.

Visit the event website or our social media pages to see the event’s highlights. Feel free to like, shareband comment.

Visit the event website or our social media pages to see the event's highlights. Feel free to like, share and comment.

Stay up to date on future events and other news by following us - @RFEconomicOutlook - on social media.

Keep the conversation going.

There’s no need to wait for RFEO 2025! Feel free to continue to connect with other attendees and share the insights gained throughout the day with others.

There’s no need to wait for RFEO 2024! Feel free to continue to connect with other attendees and share the insights gained throughout the day with others.