Experience excellence like never before with Sophia Thurston. Discover how she exhibits unparalleled expertise and sets new standards in her field.

1. Sophia Thurston: Exhibiting Excellence
Mrs. Sophia Thurston joined CFAL in 2008 as the Vice President of
Pension Administration and Operations, with nearly two decades of
experience in financial services. Mrs. Thurston supports the
company's strategic goals, ensuring the growth and day-to-day
functioning that promotes the well-being of its clients and employees.
Mrs. Thurston is deeply invested in fortifying client relationships and
driving operational efficiency through cutting-edge processes and
technology. In her capacity, she collaborates closely with existing and
prospective pension clients, showcasing how CFAL can exceed their
financial and retirement expectations.
Prior to joining CFAL, Mrs. Thurston held the position of Operations
Manager at a prominent private bank, where she amassed a versatile
skill set spanning Funds Transfer, Securities and Custody, and
Documentation. Her leadership extended to overseeing critical areas
such as Fund Accounting, Investor Relations, Financial Services, and
Corporate Services at a Mutual Fund Company. She also served as a
Senior Auditor at one of The Bahamas' top accounting firms.
Mrs. Thurston is a member of the Bahamas Institute of Chartered
Accountants and a former Massachusetts Society of Certified Public
Accountants member. Sophia earned her Master of Business
Administration at the University of Phoenix Arizona in Human
Resource Management, her Bachelor of Business Administration at
Acadia University, Nova Scotia, Canada, and her Associate Degree at
The College of the Bahamas (currently the University of the
Bahamas).
About CFAL
CFAL is entrusted with safeguarding and overseeing a substantial
portfolio, surpassing $2 billion in assets under its expert management
and administration. The company is a trusted advisor to a diverse
clientele comprising individuals and institutions, both within the
country and across international borders. CFAL's comprehensive suite

2. of services encompasses pension management, brokerage, and
investment management accounts.
On the other hand, CFAL Securities Ltd., a subsidiary of CFAL,
specializes in a wide range of offerings. These include domestic and
international brokerage services, facilitating seamless trading in
various markets. Additionally, CFAL Securities Ltd. takes pride in its
market-making capabilities, ensuring liquidity and efficient
transactions. The subsidiary also extends corporate advisory services,
providing valuable guidance to businesses in need.
"Our key differentiators are our exceptional service, research-based
approach, and structured yet flexible strategy. Our diverse financial
products and choices help clients explore their options to create a
plan that fits their unique needs and helps them meet their financial
goals – retirement, planning for their children's college education,
funds, or brokerage services,"- states Mrs. Thurston.
Tackling Challenges
Mrs. Thurston believes that the absence of Pension Legislation in the
Bahamas has contributed to a noticeable deficiency in retirement
savings among individuals. Acknowledging this pressing challenge,
Mrs. Thurston, alongside her team at CFAL, has undertaken a series
of proactive measures to tackle the issue head-on. Their primary focus
is educating Bahamians about the crucial importance of savings,
utilizing multiple platforms to reach a wider audience.
One key initiative that Mrs. Thurston noted that our team has
organized is a weekly podcast. Through this accessible and
informative medium, they can disseminate valuable insights, practical
tips, and relevant knowledge to listeners, emphasizing the
significance of saving for retirement.
Furthermore, CFAL organizes engaging seminars as interactive
forums for sharing expertise and fostering financial literacy. These
seminars provide a platform for Bahamians to actively participate in
discussions, ask questions, and understand the benefits and long-term
implications of building a robust savings plan.

3. Driven by their commitment to empowering individuals and
addressing the low retirement savings in the Bahamas, Mrs. Thurston
and CFAL continue to prioritize these educational endeavors. By
raising awareness and imparting valuable financial knowledge, they
aim to equip Bahamians with the necessary tools and insights to make
informed decisions and secure a more financially secure future.
Synchronizing with the Latest Developments
Mrs. Thurston noted that CFAL distinguishes itself from competitors
by utilizing its proprietary technology, a key differentiator and a
source of its strong competitive advantage. This advanced technology
empowers CFAL to deliver exceptional services and solutions to its
clients, setting it apart in the market.
To ensure that its team remains at the forefront of industry
knowledge, CFAL emphasizes the importance of continuous learning
and development. Its team members actively engage in training
programs, pursue advanced degrees, and acquire relevant
certifications. By investing in their professional growth, CFAL equips
its team with the latest industry insights and best practices, which
benefits its clients to a large extent.
Mission and Vision
At the heart of CFAL's mission is the commitment to building a
culture of service excellence that fosters unwavering customer
loyalty. By actively listening to its customers, anticipating their needs,
and consistently surpassing their expectations, CFAL aims to cultivate
strong and enduring relationships.
Recognizing the value of collaboration and teamwork, CFAL
encourages a sense of collective ownership in achieving
organizational goals. Through ongoing development and inspiration,
CFAL strives to empower its employees, cultivating a highly skilled,
motivated, and dedicated workforce.
Central to CFAL's approach is providing opportunities for personal
growth and advancement. The company believes in investing in its

4. employees, offering avenues for professional development while
recognizing and rewarding individual and team success.
By upholding its commitment to service excellence, fostering a
culture of mutual respect and shared responsibility, and prioritizing
employee development, CFAL seeks to create a thriving
organizational culture. In doing so, it aims to exceed customer
expectations, cultivate loyalty, and drive its mission forward with a
steadfast focus on customer satisfaction.