Her Account: Latonia Symonette-Tinker

Her Account: Women Shaping the Future of Banking The Bayshore Group With more than 25 years of experience, Latonia Symonette-Tinker’s story is one of quiet determination meeting bold ambition. From her early years navigating the complexities of financial services to her current role as a trusted leader in the industry, she has built a career defined by discipline, adaptability, and a clear sense of purpose. What sets her apart is not only her technical expertise, but also her ability to mentor, inspire and push the boundaries in finance. In the financial services sector, it’s clear that Latonia brings both rigor and relatability; qualities that have earned her respect across boardrooms and borders.

My company was founded more than 11 years ago; born out of a need to service displaced clients when the company that I was working for decided to leave the jurisdiction. And so, an opportunity presented itself and I said ‘let me see how this goes’ and I’ve never looked back since. I was 17 when I started my career after I graduated high school from St. Augustine’s College. I worked at Scotia Bank just doing manual data entries during the summer and then I went straight off to university. Financial services wasn’t necessarily my path. I studied law because I was more interested in going into the courtroom and that just sort of changed during my internship experiences. And with Financial Services being the second pillar of our economy, I started delving more into what I could do in this space and eventually landed on the corporate and compliance services side. As I progressed into more senior roles, the shape of my career began to take form. I’ve worked across many facets of the financial services sector in the areas of compliance, trust administration, investment fund administration, corporate law, and corporate services. But my journey started at the very bottom. I began in the secretarial pool at Ansbacher Bahamas Ltd., working as a file clerk during my university breaks. That foundation gave me a deep respect for every layer of the industry. There’s nothing I cannot do and I respect the people that do it, because I’ve done it all, from the ground up. My career also spans other disciplines, with roles at Commonwealth Brewery, Shell Bahamas Ltd., and the law firm Carey Leonard & Co. Internationally, I held internships at JD Butler & Associates in New Jersey, Henley & Partners in London, and, perhaps unexpectedly, the Gap in New York City. Each experience added a new dimension to my understanding of business, people, and global operations.

When I returned home, I joined Banco Santander, followed by Swiss Financial Services; the last company I worked for before launching my own firm, The Bayshore Group. Every organization I worked with afforded me the opportunity of international exposure through travel, whether for training, conferences, meetings, or marketing initiatives. Back then, many Bahamians were hesitant to travel. Comfort and fear kept them rooted. But I saw travel as an opportunity to build relationships, expand my network, knowledge and understand the people behind the systems. That willingness to go, to show up, and to connect proved invaluable. It didn’t just propel my career, it made me more effective, more productive, and more trusted.

I was drawn to financial services because it was dynamic. I knew I didn’t want a career that felt static or predictable. Law, while foundational, felt more restrictive. You carve out a lane and stay in it. Financial services, on the other hand, offered breadth and movement. It allowed me to apply my legal training, corporate experience, and marketing background in ways that felt expansive and energizing.

The industry was colorful, fast-paced, and multifaceted. It was always in the news, always evolving, and always relevant. That sense of momentum and possibility is what pulled me in, and it’s what continues to keep me engaged.

How does The Bahamas’ financial sector compare to other jurisdictions?

The Bahamas boasts a financial services sector with a legacy spanning over a century. It is marked by excellence, resilience and global relevance. We have professionals here that highly skilled, welleducated and deeply knowledgeable in their craft. They know their stuff! When you engage with our industry professionals, you will encounter expertise that reflects both depth and dedication, highlighted by pride for our country. While other financial services jurisdictions are still growing, The Bahamas consistently delivers a superior product, backed by robust human capital and institutional knowledge that is second to none regionally, and I dare say, even globally. The Bahamas is strategically positioned, due to our proximity to the United States as the gateway to the Americas, enhancing our appeal as a premier financial services hub. This geographic advantage, coupled with our longstanding professional reputation and acumen places us in a uniquely competitive advantage. We may not have a lot of natural resources, but we have industry, and history has shown us that making investments in The Bahamas does garner returns.

The financial services sector in The Bahamas has experienced its share of highs and lows, often shaped by external pressures and international scrutiny. At times, we have found ourselves under international scrutiny for differing reasons, but we’ve met those challenges with determination and reform. We’ve fought those battles well, yet the work continues. As the global financial landscape evolves, so too must our approach. It is not enough to have risen to the top, we must continue to elevate ourselves to maintain our position on the world stage. To do this we must embrace change, anticipate trends, prepare for and invest in the future.

Artificial intelligence is transforming industries across the globe, and financial services are no exception. In The Bahamas, if we are to secure our future, we cannot afford to be passive observers, we must actively adopt and integrate these technologies to remain competitive. That means investing in training, upskilling our workforce, and encouraging our professionals to explore emerging fields with cross border integration. We need more data scientists, mathematicians, and technologists; individuals equipped to lead in a digital-first economy. Without them, we risk falling behind.

That said, I’m encouraged by the strides our young professionals are making. Their curiosity, ambition, and adaptability are exactly what this moment demands, but we need more of it and we must continue to nurture talent, foster innovation, and create pathways for the next generation to thrive; not just regionally, but globally on their own terms.

What is the most rewarding part of what you do?

The most rewarding part of my journey is knowing that I built something from the ground up, and that it continues to thrive. But beyond the success itself, it’s the impact that matters most: the ability to mentor others, to train and uplift, and to pass on knowledge that empowers the next generation. I take pride in showing others that it’s possible; because I’ve done it.

As a Bahamian woman, I stand as living proof that education, ambition, resilience, and vision can build something lasting. And if I can do it, so can anyone who’s willing to work for it – to build legacy.

What are some of the unique challenges you experienced as a woman in this sector?

Breaking into the financial services industry as a woman means first confronting the reality that it’s still perceived as a man’s world. But I’ve never let that narrative define me. I’ve proven myself to be a formidable presence in the market, unafraid of challenges and relentless in pursuit of excellence. With time and consistency, respect follows. In this business, consistency isn’t optional, it’s essential. In the boardroom, I am often the only woman at the table, and there have been times I have been asked if I was the secretary, but I did not falter. While men may be afforded multiple chances, women often face a different standard. One misstep can be unforgiving. Reputation is everything. That’s why I’ve built my career on precision, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to quality. You can’t put your eggs in one basket and as women that’s a natural thing that we can do, we can multitask, and it has proven to be very useful in the business world.

Balancing family life is not easy, but you have to map it out. I come from a big family, so I have always had that support. Pursuing continuing education, climbing the corporate ladder, and putting in the long hours was never easy. It often demanded sacrifice, periods of intense focus and professional commitment that often came at a personal cost. But there are moments in life you simply cannot afford to miss. Milestones matter, and being present when it counts for your family, for your spouse, for your children, for yourself, is something you’ll never regret prioritizing.

Striking that balance is one of the greatest challenges women face in leadership. We’re expected to deliver more, prove more, and outperform our male counterparts, often with fewer allowances for error or pause. But we do it, we rise, and we do it while carrying the weight of both ambition and responsibility.

How do you see women shaping the future of this industry?

Women are leading the charge in financial services and in many areas, we’re it. While there are men in the industry, their presence is noticeably limited, especially in fields like Compliance and other specialized functions. I’m not sure why that is. Perhaps it’s a shift in workplace preferences, or maybe the office environment does not appeal to men in the same way. But what’s clear, is that women have stepped in and stepped up.

We bring something extra to the table; what I call the “sauce.” It’s not just about holding a job; it’s about making it meaningful, keeping it excellent, and building something sustainable. For many middle-class Bahamian women, financial services have become a reliable and rewarding career path. And when you look at the broader ecosystem, from legal and accounting to consulting and marketing, so many of those ancillary services are powered by the momentum of financial services.

Have you always envisioned yourself in leadership?

I’ve always been one of those unapologetically ‘biggity’ people, and I’ve embraced it fully. From early on, I was driven by the belief that I would eventually carve out my own path, even if I didn’t yet know what shape it would take. I was always doing a lot of volunteering, showing up, getting involved. If something needed doing, I was there. That was true throughout school and beyond. I’ve always had a hunger for knowledge. If something was happening, I needed to understand why. That curiosity shaped how I lead today. Because to lead effectively, you must first learn to follow. You have to understand the origins of a system before you can navigate it, challenge it, or change it. If you don’t know where it came from, you won’t know how to handle it.

What leadership qualities were important to your success?

Listening is one of the most powerful tools in leadership. As the only woman in the room on many occasions, I was often underestimated. But I made it a point to absorb everything. Every detail. Every nuance; so that when I spoke, what I said was informed, intentional, and impactful. That’s how you earn respect: through preparation and precision.

You have to keep educating yourself. Read every day. Stay current. What happens globally, especially in the United States can impact The Bahamas almost instantly. As professionals, we must be equipped to have informed conversations with our clients and counterparts about what’s happening now, not what happened last month. That awareness is what positions us to lead and to make informed decisions.

And leadership isn’t just about personal advancement, it’s about sharing knowledge. You can’t be afraid to teach others. True leadership means continuity, in lifting as you climb, passing on what you’ve learned, and creating space for others to grow.

What is your greatest accomplishment so far?

Professionally, my greatest accomplishment has been building a business from the ground up and watching it flourish. What began as a vision has grown into a dynamic company with a global network. One that allows me to pick up the phone and connect with professionals across The Bahamas and beyond to get things done. That reach, built on trust and consistency, is a testament to the work and relationships cultivated over time.

On a personal level, for both my husband and myself our greatest pride is our children. Their growth, character, and achievements mean more than any title or accolade. At the end of the day, it’s all about family. Everything else from status to success and recognition can come and go. But family is the constant. It’s what keeps us grounded, connected, and human.

What would you say to a young woman wanting to make financial services their career choice?

To young women considering a career in financial services: don’t be afraid to take bold steps toward becoming the professional you envision, even when doors close, choose another door. If there is no door, create one. Ask the questions others hesitate to ask, there are no wrong questions. Enroll in the courses. Attend the conferences. Seek out the knowledge and experiences that will position you for success.

This industry rewards initiative, curiosity, and resilience. So do what it takes to get where you want to go and don’t wait for permission. Your ambition is valid, your voice is needed, and your future is yours to shape. I did it!