Tanya Scantlebury Reflects on Leadership and Growth at Clermont Trust BVI
Ten years with one organisation is a significant milestone, particularly in an industry built on long-term relationships, trust and commitment. It is an opportunity to reflect on the experiences, achievements and values that have shaped both a career and a business over the past decade.
This year, we are proud to celebrate Tanya Scantlebury’s tenth anniversary with Clermont Trust Group. As Managing Director of our British Virgin Islands (BVI) office, Tanya has played a pivotal role in establishing and developing the office as a respected part of the Group, while building a strong local team and lasting client relationships.
To mark this milestone, we spoke with Tanya about her journey, the challenges and opportunities she has encountered, the lessons she has learned, and what continues to inspire her as she looks to the future.
Celebrating a 10-year work anniversary is an incredible achievement. What has been the most rewarding part of your journey at Clermont Trust?
The most rewarding part of my journey at Clermont Trust has been helping to build something from the ground up. When I joined, the BVI office consisted of only a single employee and it has been incredibly fulfilling to see it evolve into a thriving, fully functioning office with a talented and dedicated team.
One of the things I am most proud of is the development of our people. Over the years, we have recruited individuals into entry-level roles and provided them with the training, support and opportunities needed to grow professionally. Today, many of them have progressed into more senior positions, taking on greater responsibilities and becoming key contributors to the success of the business. Watching their confidence, expertise and careers flourish has been immensely rewarding.
Seeing people achieve more than they thought possible and knowing that I have played a small part in their professional journey has been one of the most meaningful and satisfying aspects of my career.
Over the past 10 years, you have helped shape the BVI office into what it is today. How has the office evolved and what have been some of the key milestones along the way?
During that time, we have transformed the BVI office into a well-established business with a strong presence in the local market and a growing international client base. We have continually expanded our capabilities, strengthened our service offering and developed trusted relationships throughout the BVI business community.
There have been several important milestones during that journey. One of the most significant was obtaining our Class I Trust Licence from the BVI Financial Services Commission, which marked a major step in the evolution of the business and reflected the high standards we have worked hard to uphold. We have also continued to expand our international reach and enhance the services we provide.
I am especially proud of the reputation we have built for professionalism, integrity and high-quality service and of the confidence that clients place in us to support them over the long term.
What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced during these past 10 years, and how did you overcome it?
The biggest challenge was Hurricane Irma in 2017, which devastated the BVI and required us to rebuild both personally and professionally. The impact on the islands was immense, and our team, like many others, faced significant disruption to their homes, families and daily lives. Despite these challenges, everyone showed remarkable resilience, determination and commitment.
What I remember most is the strength of our local team and the tremendous support we received from colleagues across the wider Clermont Group. In very difficult circumstances, people came together, supported one another and remained focused on ensuring continuity for our clients. It was a powerful demonstration of the values that underpin our organisation. By pulling together, we rebuilt, continued to deliver for our clients and emerged as a stronger, more resilient and united office. Looking back, that period reinforced the importance of teamwork, adaptability and perseverance, and it remains one of the most defining chapters in the history of our BVI office.
Looking back over the past 10 years, what does this milestone mean to you both professionally and personally?
It is both humbling and rewarding. I feel an immense sense of gratitude for the experiences I have had, the people I have worked alongside and the opportunities I have been given to grow both professionally and personally.
Professionally, the milestone represents a decade of learning, leadership and continuous development. It has challenged me to adapt, make difficult decisions and continually strive to improve. On a personal level, the experience has shaped my perspective, strengthened my resilience and reinforced the importance of relationships and teamwork.
I am deeply grateful for the encouragement and friendship of my colleagues, the loyalty of our clients and the unwavering support of my family throughout the years. Reaching this milestone has given me an opportunity to reflect on the journey so far and look forward with enthusiasm to what comes next.
What do you believe sets Clermont Trust apart for clients and colleagues?
I believe our people truly set Clermont apart. We are fortunate to have an exceptionally talented, dedicated and hardworking team, and that collective strength is one of the Group’s greatest assets.
What distinguishes us is not only our technical expertise but also our genuinely personal approach. We take the time to understand our clients’ needs, build lasting relationships and deliver practical, thoughtful solutions. Equally important is the culture we have fostered: one in which colleagues support and learn from one another, share a commitment to excellence and are guided by a strong sense of integrity in everything we do.
What are some of the most valuable lessons you’ve learned during your time with the Group, and what advice would you pass on to your team and to those starting their careers in the fiduciary industry?
Some of the most valuable lessons I have learned are that relationships matter, integrity is everything and learning never stops. In our industry, trust is earned over time and can never be taken for granted.
My advice to my team and to those starting their careers is to remain curious, embrace new challenges and always be willing to learn. Hard work, professionalism and a reputation for doing the right thing will open more doors than you might imagine.
What motivates you most in your role today?
The opportunity to make a positive impact motivates me most, whether by helping clients navigate complex situations, supporting strategic initiatives or contributing to the continued success of the business. Every day presents new challenges, and I enjoy finding practical solutions that create value for both our clients and the organisation.
The constantly evolving nature of our industry also inspires me. There is always something new to learn, a new challenge to tackle or an opportunity to improve how we do things. Working alongside talented colleagues who share a commitment to excellence makes that journey both rewarding and enjoyable.
What opportunities or priorities excite you most for the future of the BVI office and the wider Group?
I am excited about continuing to enhance our services, developing the next generation of leaders within our team and finding new ways to deliver value for our clients in an evolving regulatory environment. Above all, I look forward to building on the strong foundations we have created and helping to ensure the BVI office continues to thrive for many years to come.
Looking Ahead
As Clermont Trust Group continues to evolve, the British Virgin Islands office remains an important part of its global network. Against the backdrop of the BVI’s continued recognition as a leading international financial centre, Tanya’s decade of leadership reflects not only her own commitment, but also the strength of a team dedicated to delivering trusted, long-term value for clients.
Ten years on, integrity, resilience and a commitment to people continue to guide the office and shape its future.
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About Tanya Scantlebury:
Tanya is the Managing Director of the Group’s British Virgin Islands office. Originally from London, she was called to the Bar of England and Wales in 2005 before beginning her legal career as an in-house advocate and deputy team leader for a national firm of solicitors in the United Kingdom.
In 2010, she was called to the Bar of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court (British Virgin Islands). A year later, she relocated to the BVI, where she practised as a civil and commercial litigator before moving in-house as Senior Legal Counsel for an international trust company. There, she advised on a broad range of contentious and non-contentious, multi-jurisdictional trust and corporate matters.
Tanya joined Clermont Trust Group in 2016 and has played a key role in establishing and growing the Group’s presence in the British Virgin Islands. Alongside her legal qualifications, she holds the TEP designation from the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners and is a Notary Public and Commissioner for Oaths in the BVI.
