Investar Securities Ltd. (Investar/ISL) is a financial services institution incorporated on October 19, 2015 in the Commonwealth of The Bahamas.
Investar is regulated by The Securities Commission of The Bahamas and is licenced as a Financial Services Provider under the provisions of the Financial and Corporate Service Providers Act, 2020.
Investar is also licenced and regulated by The Securities Commission of The Bahamas under the Securities Industry Act, 2011 (“SIA”).
To expand the universe of available investment opportunities in the Bahamian Capital Markets.
Investar seeks to broaden the access to financial services and permit a wider section of society to participate in the creation of wealth within The Bahamas. We will exploit existing and future financial sector opportunities to capture the majority market share and sustain a competitive position based on a culture of innovation, trust and community.
Investar seeks to expand the availability of investment opportunities in the Bahamian capital markets and to enable the participation of accredited investors and Bahamian citizens/residents in the development of the country.
Ansel Alexander Watson is a professional accountant with a broad range of knowledge and experience in finance, banking, operations, investments, mutual funds, accounting and audits. Mr. Watson is President and CEO of Investar Securities Ltd. and has worked previously with Ansbacher, SG Hambros, MeesPierson, and Deloitte in Toronto and The Bahamas over the past 30 years.
He is a Chartered Accountant and Chartered Financial Analyst charterholder.
Mr. Watson held the positions of Director of Finance & Risks, Head of Finance & Operations and Vice President of Financial Control with several financial and international institutions. Throughout his career, Mr. Watson was strategically involved in the transition of Ansbacher (Bahamas) Limited to new ownership and the growth and acquisition of investment fund operations.
Mr. Watson served on the Bahamas Institute of Chartered Accountant’s (BICA) Council for several years as well as Chairman of the Continuing Professional Education Committee. He is a member of BICA and CFA Society The Bahamas.
He is a distinguished past President and Treasurer of the Rotary Club of New Providence. Mr. Watson currently serves on several boards, including the Cable Bahamas Cares Foundation and the Catholic Board of Education. He previously served as Deputy Chairman on the Board of Directors of Bahamas Electricity Corporation/BPL.
Mr. Deveaux is a former Consultant at Ministry of Financial Services where he provided technical assistance in international trade and financial services. Prior to this role he served as the Executive Director at the Securities Commission of The Bahamas during two stints between 1997 and 2015.
Hillary is well respected for his extensive experience in the capital markets, his broad and deep knowledge of the securities industry, extensive international contacts and exposure, and for his passion for the development of the securities and financial services sector in The Bahamas.
Mr. Deveaux has served as General Manager of the Bahamas Agricultural and Industrial Corporation and held various positions internationally, including Money Market Manager at Chemical International Finance Ltd., New York, and Project Officer for the Caribbean Development Bank in Barbados. He has also served as the Chairman of the Free Trade Area of the Americas Negotiating Group in Services and was a member of The Bahamas Trade Commission.
Mr. Deveaux holds a BS degree in Economics from Iowa State University, an MS degree in Economics from the London School of Economics and a Diploma in Development Studies from Cambridge University.
Sebastian J.D. Bastian, Principal and Director, is a name synonymous with innovation and strategic foresight in The Bahamas’ business landscape. His educational journey at ATI Technical Institution in Miami, Florida, and numerous personal development and technical programs, have equipped him with the skills to manage a diverse portfolio of business interests effectively.
Sebastian, known affectionately as Sebas, is recognized for his ambition and industrious nature. His extensive managerial and operational experience spans multiple industries, including electronics, telecommunications, technology, gaming, real estate, and construction. His career began with notable success in the satellite dish business during the 1990s, where he capitalized on the growth phase of the industry, achieving significant annual sales. Demonstrating remarkable foresight, he exited the market just as technological shifts were on the horizon.
Sebastian’s entrepreneurial prowess continued as he became the largest distributor of phone cards in The Bahamas during the peak of that industry. Through innovative packaging and bundling strategies, he generated substantial annual sales before strategically exiting the business.
In 2009, Sebastian co-founded Island Luck, a venture that quickly ascended to the top of the gaming industry. Under his leadership, Island Luck became a market leader with impressive annual sales and a loyal customer base. His business acumen and innovative strategies have cemented Island Luck’s position in the industry.
Sebastian’s business ventures extend beyond gaming. He has made significant strides in real estate development, amassing a portfolio of prime residential, commercial, and industrial properties. Additionally, he has ventured into IT software development, further enhancing his business capabilities. His diverse holdings also include a radio and television media company, showcasing his multifaceted business interests and his ability to innovate across various sectors.
A key highlight of his business expansion is the establishment of Brickell Management Group. Brickell Management Group specializes in managing a diverse and dynamic portfolio of assets, including residential, commercial, and industrial properties. This portfolio encompasses a range of high-value properties, from luxury residences to expansive commercial spaces and industrial facilities. Under Sebastian’s strategic guidance, Brickell Management Group has flourished, securing its reputation as a leader in property management and development.
In 2021, Sebastian further expanded his business empire with the acquisition of Aeropost, an international e-commerce and logistics company, enhancing the reach and capabilities of his business ventures.
Mr. Godet is a businessman involved in the manufacturing and real estate sectors. As a property developer, he is the owner of a number of commercial properties that are under long term lease to the Government, as well as other residential rental properties.
With a strong entrepreneurial spirit, and the expertise of a mentor and family friend, Mr. Godet founded Scottdale Bedding in 1993. He is committed to aligning the company with the top international bedding brands to supply high quality products and the best customer service in the industry. Scott is also the entrepreneur behind National Fence Company, specializing in the fabrication and installation of both commercial and industrial fences.
Mr. Godet is a graduate of Northern Illinois University, with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Business Management.
Mr. Mortimer, an attorney-at-law, is the principal of Mortimer & Co. and the President of Campbell Shipping Company. He is also the founder of the LJM Maritime Academy, a high-tech maritime school that is an engine of maritime sector development and education in the Commonwealth of The Bahamas.
An educator and jurist in the public service for many years, Mr. Mortimer began his career as a biology teacher within the Ministry of Education in 1964 and would later serve as Acting Stipendiary & Circuit Magistrate, Acting Registrar General, and Chairman of the Copyright Royalty Tribunal.
His Chairmanship of the Education Loan Authority, his Co-Chairmanship of the National Scholarship Advisory Committee, and his membership of the Council of the College of The Bahamas underscored his love for the discipline of education and the development of our young people.
For his contributions to nation building, he was named Distinguished Officer of The British Empire (OBE) on the Queen’s Birthday Honours List in 2009.
Mr. Mortimer is the non-resident High Commissioner of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas to India and has previously served as the Honourary Consul-General for the Republic of Turkey. He is currently a Director of Abilities Unlimited, is a Vestry member of Christ Church Cathedral and is Chairman of its Endowment Trust.
Mr. Simmons has extensive academic credentials with strong professional competence, knowledge and experience in variety of disciplines including accounting, banking, investments, law, compliance and financial regulation.
Mr. Simmons’s vast educational background includes a LL.B (Hons.) Law degree, CPA designation, CFA designation, Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, the London Associate Charter Institute of Bankers Professional Diploma and the International Compliance Association Specialist Certificate in Money Laundering.
Mr. Simmons joined PricewaterhouseCoopers (PWC) in 1993 where he served as Lead Manager in accounting, auditing, consulting and business advisory services. In his capacity Mr. Simmons specialized in designing, formulating and auditing accounting and internal control systems, preparing financial statements and reports in accordance with GAAP and generating strategic, operational, compliance and regulatory solutions and recommendations for PWC clients in multiple industries that set the standard as industry best practice while improving client profitability, processes and competitive advantage.
In 2000, Mr. Simmons Joined Citco Fund Services as Vice President of Operations & Regulatory Compliance. He later became Assistant Managing Director and a member of the Board of Directors before becoming Managing Director in 2009. As Managing Director, Mr. Simmons was directly responsible for the strategic, operational, management and regulatory oversight and leadership of the Bahamas office.
Mr. Simmons joined Playtech Systems Limited in 2015 and currently holds the position of Director and Chief Financial Officer.
Investar Securities Ltd. (Investar/ISL) is a financial services institution incorporated on October 19, 2015 in the Commonwealth of The Bahamas offering a variety of personal and business products and services.
