Kostelanetz attorneys are speaking at the annual Bahamas Financial Services Regional Tax & Compliance Symposium held February 18-20, 2026, at the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar in Nassau, Bahamas.
Kostelanetz is a proud sponsor of this annual event, which the firm co-sponsors with AlixPartners.
For the past five years, the Bahamas Financial Services Board (BFSB), in partnership with Kostelanetz and AlixPartners, has hosted an annual Tax & Compliance Seminar that has become a trusted forum for navigating an increasingly complex regulatory landscape. As global standards shift and financial crime risks intensify, it is clear that these challenges affect the entire Caribbean region.
The 2026 Symposium builds on this foundation, expanding into a regional platform that brings together professionals from across the Caribbean and the Americas. Day 1 will examine “taxation” as a regional strategy, and Day 2 will focus on the “how,” offering tools, case studies, and execution focused guidance. This expanded format is designed to strengthen regional cooperation, enhance preparedness, and support a more resilient Caribbean financial services ecosystem.
More information on the symposium can be found here.
Kostelanetz attorneys will speak on the following topics:
February 20, 2026, 9:50 a.m.
Risk Culture and Accountability: Aligning Governance with Financial Crime Risk
Kostelanetz partners Karen Kelly and Victor Suthammanont will be joined by moderator Isaac Fisboin of AlixPartners and fellow panelists Ryan Poscablo of Steptoe and Augusto Arosemena of Global Bank to discuss how firms can strengthen governance, embed accountability, and build a risk culture that effectively addresses modern financial crime threats.
February 20, 2026, 1:05 p.m.
Piercing the Corporate Veil in Tax and Financial Crime Cases
Kostelanetz partner Jay Nanavati will moderate this session which is focused on when and how law enforcement uncover beneficial ownership, determine individual liability, and pursue complex financial cases. Panelists include Dan Stein of Weil Gotshal & Manges, Joel Cohen of White & Case, and Evelyn Baltodano Sheehan of Kobre & Kim.
February 20, 2026, 3:20 p.m.
Government Priorities in Cross-Border Tax Evasion Enforcement
Kostelanetz partner Caroline Ciraolo will moderate this session designed to provide an overview of current government strategies, information-sharing initiatives, and enforcement priorities aimed at curbing cross-border tax evasion. Panelists include Jeffrey Neiman of Neiman Mays Floch & Almeida, Jared (Jed) Dwyer of Greenburg Traurig, and Rod Rosenstein of Baker McKenzie.
About Karen
The former acting head of the Justice Department’s Tax Division, Karen joined Kostelanetz after more than 30 years of federal and state trial practice, including prosecuting tax and white-collar crime. Her practice focuses on defending clients in government investigations, including in criminal tax and white-collar matters, and representing clients in state and federal tax controversies.
About Victor
Victor served for a decade as a securities enforcement attorney in the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including as a Senior Trial Counsel and as the Enforcement Counsel to Chair Gary Gensler. Prior to his extensive experience in the SEC’s Division of Enforcement, Victor represented and advised clients in private practice in complex commercial disputes and litigations, as well as in internal and governmental investigations.
About Jay
Jay is a criminal tax defense attorney and a fellow of both the American College of Trial Lawyers and the American College of Tax Counsel. He represents individuals and entities facing investigations and prosecutions by the IRS, the FBI, state investigative agencies, U.S. Attorney’s offices, and the Department of Justice Tax Division. Jay has defended clients against federal investigations and charges throughout the country, and he has substantial experience representing clients accused of promoting or participating in so-called tax shelters, including captive insurance programs, conservation easements, and Puerto Rico’s Act 20/Act 22 program. In many instances, Jay represents tax professionals facing such accusations.
About Caroline
Caroline is a former Acting Assistant Attorney General of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Tax Division and a founder of Kostelanetz's Washington, D.C. office. Her practice focuses on federal and state civil tax controversies, including representation in sensitive audits, administrative appeals, and litigation, providing tax advice, conducting internal investigations, and representing individuals and entities in criminal tax investigations and prosecutions. She also serves as a consulting and testifying expert witness and an independent mediator in tax disputes.
