A host of employees at The Royal Bank of Scotland International (RBS International) have been rewarded for their outstanding achievements in the workplace with overseas VIP trips to Budapest and Monte Carlo.

Over 450 staff from RBS International were nominated by their colleagues and managers for their commitment to exceed expectations, with over seven staff from the Gibraltar office winning. RBS International comprises operations in Jersey, Guernsey, the Isle of Man and Gibraltar.
Winners from the Wealth Management and Manufacturing Divisions spent three days in Budapest discovering the rich history and culture of the capital of Hungary, with Corporate Banking winners being treated to the glitz and glamour of one of the richest cities in the world, Monte Carlo.
From the Wealth Management Division Ana-Maria Martinez, Joanne Balban, Kathy Walker and Lino Brydges were rewarded.
Marvin Cartwright and Kenny Maclean were successful from the Corporate Banking Division. Kyle Garcia was also recognised from the Manufacturing department.
The Offshore winners joined their counterparts from the UK on their trips.
Ian Henderson, Chief Executive of RBS International, commented:
“RBS International strives to achieve the highest possible levels of customer service and it is important to reward the staff who consistently help us to reach our goals. Not only have the winners worked above the call of duty for our customers, they are also valued and committed team players. Congratulations to all the winners, it was wonderful to see so many of them representing Gibraltar.”

Argus CEO Gerald Simons used his latest visit to Gibraltar to attend an official signing ceremony to mark the company’s purchase of new premises at the prestigious new MidTown Gibraltar development.
Accompanying him at this landmark event were fellow Directors David Pugh, David Crowhurst and Andy Bickham, along with Andy Baker, Chief Executive (Europe), who heads up the Gibraltar operation.
The substantial investment made by Argus Insurance involves the purchase of a complete floor in the Rock Tower, the first phase of the development which will be adjacent to the present offices of Argus in Regal House.
“This purchase marks an important step in the development of our Gibraltar operation” commented a delighted Gerald Simons “Not only will it improve upon the services we offer to our clients but we feel it demonstrates our long term commitment to Gibraltar and the future of its financial services industry, in which we hope to play a leading role”.
The developers Commercial Development Investment Limited are planning on delivering the building in late 2010, by which time the Argus Group predicts the move into larger premises will be much needed in order to provide a better service to its growing client base in Gibraltar.

Vikram Nagrani has been invited to join the partnership of Hassans with effect from 1st July 2008.
Vikram, aged 31, joined the firm in September of 2001 and has since worked closely with James Levy QC and with Javier Chincotta, focusing on a range of corporate and private client work. In addition to assisting in the first listing of a Gibraltar company in the top 100 on the London Stock Exchange, Vikram has acted in a number of tax-driven schemes, including large multinational corporate restructures and structured financing transactions that have required innovative and complex solutions. Vikram also advises on general corporate matters and occasionally deals with trust and private client matters.
A graduate of Cardiff University, Vikram attended Cardiff Law School as a member of the Middle Temple and was called to the Bar in 2001. He qualified as a member of the Society of Trusts and Estate Practitioners in 2004 and also as a Notary Public earlier this year. Vikram is also currently the president of the Hindu Merchants’ Association.

NatWest is delighted to continue its sponsorship of the NatWest Gibraltar Triathlon for the fourth consecutive year. The triathlon takes place on Sunday 10th August.
NatWest’s Francesca Cartwright presented Head of the Triathlon Association, Chris Walker, with a cheque for £1,300 to cover the
costs of the event. NatWest’s continued support means that all money raised can go straight to the annual Gibraltar Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) Open Day in December to be distributed to local charities.
Seventy adults and twenty children are expected to participate in the event, which has raised over £9,000 for local charities since it began 8 years ago, and helps raise money for the GBC Open Day.
Francesca Cartwright commented:
“NatWest is delighted to continue its support of the Gibraltar Triathlon which brings together a range of sports enthusiasts, semi-professionals and people looking for a new challenge.
The event raises money for a great cause and our sponsorship means the GBC Open Day can benefit from everyone’s fund raising efforts.”
Chris Walker commented:
“The NatWest Gibraltar Triathlon has become one of the most important events on the Gibraltar sporting calendar and nearly 100 people have already signed-up to take on the challenge which consists of 300 metres swim, 10km cycle and 2.5km run, with a shortened version for the juniors. Thanks to NatWest for its continued support and good luck to everyone participating.”

The Royal Bank of Scotland International (RBS International) has appointed an Assistant Treasury Manager to the Treasury and Investor Solutions Team (TIS) in Gibraltar.
The appointment of Kerry Graham, who has twenty years of banking experience, brings the TIS team to a full complement of staff.
Kerry joins the Bank from ABM Amro Private Banking where she was Assistant Investment Manager and she brings with her extensive experience in handling treasury deals and structured products for Private Banking clients.
Gerald Rodriguez, Head of Treasury and Investor Solutions at RBS International, commented:
“One of the great strengths of The Royal Bank of Scotland International in the offshore jurisdictions is its comprehensive range of treasury and investor solutions. I am delighted that we are building an impressive team of experienced investment professionals here in Gibraltar to enhance the services we can provide in this sector to locally based corporates, intermediaries and their high net worth clients.”

In May Verralls announced the recruitment of Neil Costa as the newest member of its expanding legal practice.
On being called to both the UK and Gibraltar Bars Neil practised law in the Financial Services Department of Hassans and subsequently in its Litigation and Tax Departments. During his time in litigation, Neil quickly earned a reputation for hard work and fearless dedication to his clients with a knack to nip most problems in the bud avoiding for clients, where possible, the stress and anxiety of the court room. Neil appeared regularly in the Gibraltar courts and tribunals, representing people from all walks of life in criminal and civil cases, including employment matters. More recently, Neil focused on tax and overseas property, advising international clients on Gibraltar’s tax system and other corporate and commercial matters.
John Verrall, Senior Partner, said: “Verralls prides itself in providing its clients with quality professional services every time and always in a timely fashion to meet their expectations and needs. Verralls growth in the last year has been such that the firm required an experienced lawyer able to hit the ground running and with an impeccable professional reputation: in the little time he has been with us, Neil has undoubtedly proved that he is that candidate.
“With a solid legal background in crucial areas for the firm and with our focus on future development, we see him as key in consolidating our client base and in strengthening our reputation for excellent professional services at every turn.”

Ibex appoint Rachael Collier as Marketing Executive to manage the ongoing marketing of Ibex and Trafalgar.
Following the recent departure of Emma Charrington, Ibex have appointed Rachael Collier as Marketing Executive to manage the ongoing marketing of Ibex and Trafalgar.
Rachael moved to Spain in July, leaving her most recent role as E-Marketing Specialist at the Royal Mint in South Wales to join the team at Ibex. Having specialised in digital marketing over the past 6 months, Rachael has varied marketing experience both online and offline. Rachael is a Marketing Graduate with a Masters Degree from the University of Wales, Cardiff.
‘I am delighted to have been given such a fantastic opportunity to join the team at Ibex and be a part of its on going success. I am already involved in various projects with both Ibex and Trafalgar, and it’s great to use my experience working on all areas of the marketing strategy. Over the coming months I hope to develop the brand and implement an online strategy to strengthen Ibex Direct and I’m very much looking forward to the challenge!’ said Rachael.

Gibraltar’s leading international law firm, Hassans, has appointed Kenneth Bonavia, former managing partner of Stephenson Harwood and DLA Piper in Madrid, to lead its exciting expansion plans into Spain.
The appointment will see Kenneth, primarily based at Hassans’ Sotogrande office, develop the Spanish and International practice, with a view to underpinning Hassans position as the eminent leading law firm in Gibraltar.
Senior Partner, James Levy QC said, “Kenneth is an established and highly regarded player in the Spanish market and brings a wealth of skills and expertise to us. We are committed to developing the practice in Spain and Kenneth will enable us to achieve this goal.”
Hassans´ international profile has been bolstered by its highly professional approach to both offshore and overseas work and the establishment of a presence in both the Luxembourg and Spanish markets. Legal 500, 2008, quotes Hassans as having ‘the best banking and finance teams in Gibraltar’, being ‘an absolute joy to work with’ and having ‘first-class lawyers’.
Kenneth himself is a highly rated corporate and commercial lawyer and advises Spanish and international clients on domestic and cross border public and private M&A. Kenneth’s other area of expertise is in the real estate sector, advising clients regularly on property acquisitions and disposals, joint ventures, commercial property developments in the retail and leisure industry and hospitality business.
Kenneth comments, “I am delighted to be joining Hassans and have been hugely impressed by the firm, its partners and their commitment to establishing a growing presence in Spain. This is an exciting opportunity for me personally and I look forward to the challenge.”