Mrs. Niekia Horton has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of the Bahamas Financial Services Board (BFSB) effective February 1st, 2024. The announcement was made by LaTonia Symonette -Tinker BFSB's Chairman.
Mrs. Niekia Horton is an experienced senior executive with over two decades of experience in the financial services industry. She has a strong background in governance, risk management, and accountancy. She has held senior positions at one of the world's oldest and largest private banks. Mrs. Horton has been a director for multiple investment and trust companies, developed and implemented policies and procedures on corporate governance, and overseen activities in various jurisdictions.
She has previously served as Director and Deputy Chairperson of the Association of International Banks and Trusts (AIBT) and as a Director of the Bahamas Financial Services Board. She has supported numerous industry initiatives and working groups. Mrs. Horton is committed to preserving The Bahamas as a premier international financial center of excellence for future generations.
Mrs. Horton holds a Master's in Business Administration with a minor in International Business from the University of Miami. She is a licensed Chartered Accountant (CA), Chartered Director (C. Dir), and a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR). She is also a member of the Bahamas Institute of Chartered Accountants.
"Niekia's extensive experience in financial services, qualifications and her tenure on the boards of both BFSB and AIBT position her well for success in her new role", said Ms. Tinker in making the announcement. "Her senior management background in various aspects of the financial services industry combined with her proven leadership and communications skills brings the experience and expertise that are required in the role of CEO. We are delighted Niekia has accepted the position and confident she will provide the strategic leadership expected from the industry and which is required to deal with the complex issues facing the industry both locally and internationally."
Her career has seen Ms. Horton serve as a director for multiple investment and trust companies, develop and implement policies and procedures on corporate governance, and overseen activities in various jurisdictions. She has also earned multiple credentials, including Chartered Accountant, Senior Professional in Human Resources, and Certified Public Accountant. Ms. Horton upon accepting the position stated that "I am truly honored to have been selected for the position and long forward to follow in the footsteps and build on the legacies of the former BFSB CEOs in promoting The Bahamas as an international financial centre and serving as an advocate for industry."
Apart from her professional accomplishments, Mrs. Horton is passionate about education, reading, and supporting others in achieving their goals. She is a big fan of TED Talks and enjoys the exchange of ideas, as well as the challenge of turning a concept into reality. Mrs. Horton is married and has three children.
Ms. Horton succeeds Dr. Tanya McCartney who completed an eight- year tenure as BFSB's CEO at the end of 2023.