Annual IOM Bankers Dinner 2021

Despite the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic (which has twice before resulted in the dinner being cancelled) the Island's banking community and their guests were finally able to celebrate the financial sector's resilience last Friday at The Comis Hotel in Santon.  Jointly hosted by the Isle of Man Bankers Association and the London Institute of Banking and Finance (‘LIBF’), the annual Black Tie dinner returned to the agenda in force, with a packed room enjoying great food, music ... and the now almost obligatory Zoom celebrity interview!

Cayman National’s Colin Peters was the co-host for the evening in his role as President of the Isle of Man branch of the London Institute of Banking & Finance, together with Isle of Man Bankers Association President, Chris Till. Colin opened the evening with an address to the audience, in which he reflected on the achievements of the banking community in challenging times, as well as celebrating the LIBF's success in working with government to expand financial skills education across the Island's schools.  

To support Colin in this prestigious role Cayman National turned out in force, with Banking Director, Jim Woodall, and Managing Director, Nigel Gautrey, each hosting a table of guests and friends from the local business community. With such good company present both tables enjoyed an entertaining evening, with dinner followed by speeches, and a Zoom call with local celebrity Connor Cummins from Brands Hatch (interviewed by Manx Radio's Chris Kinley). The evening then ended with drinks and live music from The Chris Winchester Band.

The dinner was of course entirely organised by Colin, with the support of his Dinner Secretary, Margaret Turnbull.  This was no small feat and the fact that everything went so smoothly on the night (even the Zoom interview!) is a great tribute to their hard work. The event also marked the highlight of Colin's Presidency of the LIBF over the past two years ... a period in which the Institute has grown in influence under his leadership. This doesn't happen by accident of course, reflecting Colin's very real contribution to the local financial services community as LIBF President.

[Pictured: LIBF President Colin Peters, together with Jade Zorab, MD of Amber Gaming ... wearing Colin's Chain of Office!]