As the Caribbean island of Nevis prepares for an upcoming international assessment of its financial services sector, the local branch of the Financial Services Regulatory Commission (FSRC) has announced a key leadership change to bolster regulation of its fast-growing online gaming industry.
In a press release issued Friday, October 2, 2026, the Nevis Island Administration (NIA) confirmed that Phil Jones has been appointed to the dedicated new role of Regulator for Online Gaming at the FSRC Nevis Branch. The appointment comes in direct response to the online gaming sector’s rapid expansion and rising economic importance to the jurisdiction.
Previously, Jones oversaw both international banking regulation and online gaming supervision for the FSRC. On October 1, 2026, he formally transferred all responsibilities for the international banking portfolio to Marie-Grace Michel, clearing the way for him to focus exclusively on the growing online gaming sector. During his tenure leading international banking regulation, Jones played a key role in building a strong regulatory foundation that has supported the sector’s stable growth, a track record that the FSRC says makes him well-suited for his new full-time role.
In his new position, Jones will lead ongoing efforts to reinforce and maintain Nevis’ robust supervisory and regulatory framework for online gaming. His core responsibilities will include ongoing oversight of the regulatory system established under the Nevis Online Gaming Ordinance, and ensuring all licensed operators adhere to local legal and compliance requirements.
The move to boost dedicated regulatory capacity for online gaming comes at a critical juncture for Nevis. The jurisdiction is currently preparing for the fifth-round Mutual Evaluation, a global assessment process that places increased international scrutiny on the regulatory standards of all international financial services sectors, including online gaming. Strengthening supervisory resources for the expanding online gaming industry is viewed as a critical step to ensure Nevis can keep pace with evolving global regulatory standards and meet international expectations.
Jones will continue to collaborate closely with the Nevis Online Gaming Authority, leveraging his years of cross-sector financial regulatory experience to enhance oversight practices and guarantee the entire industry operates in full compliance with established local and international rules. The FSRC Nevis Branch reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining effective, transparent supervision of all financial services operating within the jurisdiction, and upholding the high standards required by local and international regulatory frameworks.