Citywealth Leaders List, 60 second interview – Ayana Hull, Maples
This week’s 60 seconds Citywealth Leaders List interview is dedicated to Ayana Hull, Head of BVI Regulatory & Financial Services – BVI/ British Virgin Islands, Maples.
Tell Citywealth readers a bit about your role.
I’m head of the Private Wealth & Regulatory practice groups at Maples in the British Virgin Islands. In this role, I advise clients from private investors and family offices to banks, funds, insurance providers, and corporate service companies on complex commercial and regulatory matters, including structuring investments, regulatory compliance, and navigating BVI law on everything from property acquisition to digital assets. I’m also actively involved in FinTech regulation and virtual asset advisory work, bringing both legal and practical insight to clients operating in this rapidly evolving space.
What does a typical day look like for you?
No two days are ever exactly the same! My work involves a mix of client consultations, regulatory strategy sessions, cross-border advisory work, drafting and reviewing legal documentation, and internal team leadership. A big part of my day is spent anticipating how changes in legislation or regulatory guidance might impact clients’ business models or transactions, particularly in financial services and digital assets. I also engage with regulatory bodies and industry groups to support constructive dialogue and partnership between the private sector and regulators.
Tell us about some recent, interesting client instructions/requests you have received.
Recent client work has spanned from advising on the regulatory implications of digital asset services structured through BVI entities, to helping international investors navigate private wealth matters such as property acquisition, employment and immigration compliance, and corporate structuring in the BVI. With the continued evolution of virtual asset service provider regulation, this area has been particularly engaging as clients seek clarity and compliant pathways to operate in new markets.
- advised on the first ever virtual asset service provider to be regulated in the BVI in 2024
- led and managed the Harneys team which is the market leader for approvals under the BVI VASP legislation (submitted over 15 applications to date and 9 have received approval)
- assisted UHNWIs in acquisition of property on Oil Nut Bay
- assisted a premier developer in Oil Nut Bay on potential sale of property to venture capitalists
What challenges do your clients face and how are you helping your clients to overcome them?
Clients often face regulatory complexity and uncertainty, especially across jurisdictions. Whether dealing with AML/CTF obligations, securities and investment nuances, economic substance requirements, or digital asset service frameworks, they need pragmatic guidance that protects their interests and meets compliance standards. I help by distilling legislative nuance into clear, actionable strategies, and by leveraging strong working relationships with government and regulatory stakeholders to assist clients in achieving their objectives efficiently and confidently.
What is your proudest professional achievement?
I’m proud to lead a key practice group in a respected international law firm and to be recognised as a leading and highly regarded regulatory and compliance lawyer in the BVI. Contributing to the development of regulatory policy, particularly in the digital asset space, and helping clients build compliant, sustainable businesses in the territory are achievements I deeply value. Recognition by peers and clients alike, including rankings in Legal 500 and IFLR, reflects the collaborative effort of my team and our commitment to excellence.
What do you consider to be the most important attributes for a leader?
Integrity, clarity of vision, the ability to listen and build cohesive teams with team members that fit well are essential attributes for a leader. A leader must be able to articulate strategy, empower others, and make decisions under uncertainty, all while maintaining a strong ethical compass. My leadership space also involves training and mentorship-supporting emerging talent and fostering an inclusive environment where diverse perspectives can thrive.
Who do you most admire and why?
Professionally, I will not speak about a specific individual in this context, I generally admire people who combine intellectual rigour with the courage to challenge conventional thinking, whether in law, business or community leadership. Those who push boundaries thoughtfully and with integrity inspire me professionally. Examples are Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Mia Mottley. On the personal side, I admire my parents most, as to how they were able to raise two children within the financial means they had and in challenging environmental circumstances to be productive citizens in the BVI. My brother is the Director of Protocol for the BVI and currently acting as press secretary to the Premier of the Virgin Islands. Both of us have graduate degrees from institutions of higher learning of great pedigree. I always admire and I am eternally grateful for the level of involvement they had in our upbringing for us to be able to have the achievements we were able to amass today.
Where was the last place you travelled to for work or pleasure?
As someone engaged in international finance and regulatory affairs, travel often blends both work and leisure. In this regard 2025 was particularly interesting! In terms of work, I travelled to Dubai in February of 2025 to attend the Dubai International Boat Show (DIBS) with the Virgin Islands Maritime Authority and then for pleasure, I went on to Thailand to spend a week’s holiday in Bangkok and Phuket. In September of 2025, I had to attend the World Championships in Tokyo Japan, as my son Rikkoi Brathwaite, OLY is an Olympian and represents the BVI in track and field. He is currently the record holder in the BVI for both the 60 metres and 100 metres and is currently the fastest BVI man ever with a personal best in the 100 of 10.0. I usually have to combine work and pleasure, as I follow him around the world to support him. This year, we look forward to the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow!
If you weren’t in this industry, what else might you be doing?
A very good question. I believe I would have been a full-time author, as it is what I am next most passionate about.
How do you relax after a long day?
I attend Cross-fit three days per week. Hence, exercise is usually my first stop for relaxation. Otherwise, I enjoy catching up in the evenings on world happenings, spending time with my children on calls, visiting my parents and writing cultural and political literature for the enhancement and education of the people of the Virgin Islands. These activities help me to recharge and maintain balance, so that I can show up fully the next day, both in my work and professional life.
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