Bermuda Risk Summit 2025 Closes with Record Impact, Underscoring Bermuda’s Position as the World’s Risk Capital

Hamilton, Bermuda, 2 April 2025 – The fourth annual Bermuda Risk Summit, hosted by the Bermuda Business Development Agency (BDA), in collaboration with the Association of Bermuda Insurers and Reinsurers (ABIR) and EY, concluded on 12 March following three days of high-level dialogue, impactful connections, and strategic insight that further solidified Bermuda’s global position as the world’s risk capital.

With more than 400 delegates in attendance – 39% travelling from overseas – and representation from 179 companies across 17 countries, this year’s Summit underscored Bermuda’s role as a global hub for risk innovation and investment. Delegates arrived from as far afield as Australia, the UAE, Hong Kong, Europe, and North America, reflecting the broad international pull of the event.

The Hamilton Princess & Beach Club reported higher-than-forecast final room pick-up totalling $136,654, exceeding the original contract by more than $28,000. The event also contributed to increased air arrivals and significant business engagement across the City of Hamilton.

This year’s theme, Redefining Resilience, was brought to life across 14 dynamic sessions. Attendees explored how the industry is responding to seismic shifts – whether climate-driven, geopolitical, technological or regulatory. Kevin Kajiwara’s keynote on geopolitical risk set the tone with a sobering but pragmatic take on the road ahead. Meanwhile, Commissioner Ricardo Lara’s remarks alongside wildfire expert Jeff Goodell highlighted the urgency of climate-driven disaster solutions, and Bermuda’s critical role in them.

From rethinking retirement security and unlocking capital in legacy insurance, to harnessing InsurTech and cyber innovation, the Summit offered both strategic foresight and practical pathways for action. In particular, the panel on corporate income tax positioned Bermuda’s evolving framework as a potential global model for innovation and digital efficiency. New to the Summit this year was the Future Leaders Forum, a session designed to engage students and career-shifters on the evolving opportunities in insurance, risk and financial services. More than 100 local students gained insights from industry professionals on career pathways, skills development, and sector growth. The session offered practical guidance and inspiration, reinforcing the BDA’s commitment to fostering local talent and ensuring that Bermuda’s future workforce is prepared to lead in a dynamic global market.

For the BDA, the Summit is also about conversion, not just conversation. This year, companies that first attended in 2024 returned with active Bermuda operations. Others newly engaged with the BDA are now in early-stage discussions about establishing a presence.

Kendaree Burgess, Managing Director of the BDA, said: “What we’re seeing is the summit doing exactly what it’s designed to do – convening global leaders, advancing thought leadership, and creating tangible business outcomes. As one business leader remarked, ‘Bermuda makes it easy to do business, because of the people in the room.’ The power of the Bermuda market lies in its unique public-private partnership. This week, delegates saw firsthand how industry, regulators, and government work together to reduce barriers and enable fit-for-purpose solutions. As the world seeks quality, stability, and innovation, Bermuda continues to deliver.”

Attendee feedback confirmed the value of the experience, with survey responses citing exceptional access to decision-makers, quality of sessions, and the unmatched setting as key differentiators. Beyond the immediate economic impact—hotel, airlift and on-island spend—the Summit delivers long-term return on investment for Bermuda by attracting new companies, expanding our risk ecosystem, and converting prospects into active investors in our economy. With new business now established in Bermuda as a result of last year’s summit, and more high-potential leads in the pipeline from this year, the event continues to deliver measurable ROI for the island.

Craig Redcliffe, Partner at EY Bermuda Ltd. and Regional Insurance Leader, said: “The quality of speakers at this year’s Bermuda Risk Summit was truly exceptional, from global macroeconomic experts to technical specialists, the depth and breadth of insight reflected the complexity of the world we’re navigating. Bermuda has firmly positioned itself as a focal point for the industry, on par with the world’s leading reinsurance events, and continues to attract top-tier talent and thought leadership to its shores. For EY, sponsoring the Summit delivers real value, not only through access to timely content, but by creating opportunities to connect with clients, peers, and stakeholders from across the global market.”

The BDA thanks our title partners ABIR and EY; our platinum sponsor BILTIR; our gold sponsors AM Best, Aspen, and SS&C Technologies; our silver sponsors Ariel Re, AXA XL, Kirkland & Ellis, and KPMG; and our supporting sponsors Acord, Aon, Fidelis Insurance Group, The Institutes, KBRA, Rein4ce, SiriusPoint, and Teneo. Our official airline partner was BermudAir and our spirits partner was Gosling’s.

The BDA was especially proud to partner with four leading media outlets this year — The Insurer (a Reuters company), Insurance Business America, Insurance Insider, and Bermuda:Re+ILS. Their global platforms helped extend the reach of our message and showcase Bermuda’s leadership in risk and reinsurance to a worldwide audience.

Organising this flagship event aligns directly with Bermuda’s Economic Development Strategy and the BDA’s refined focus as an Investment Promotion Agency (IPA). The BDA continues to drive investment by identifying high-growth sectors, expanding investor networks, and measuring real economic impact.

About the BDA

The Bermuda Business Development Agency (BDA) is an independent public-private partnership dedicated to attracting and retaining business in Bermuda. Through strategic business development and collaboration with key stakeholders, the BDA promotes Bermuda as a premier investment jurisdiction.