BDA Bermuda Risk Summit drew global reinsurance leaders to align on what’s next
The Bermuda Business Development Agency (BDA) hosted its fifth annual Bermuda Risk Summit from 9-11 March 2026, drawing global reinsurance and insurance leaders to reinforce Bermuda’s position as a key jurisdiction for risk, capital and innovation.
Held at the Hamilton Princess & Beach Club, the event brought together 460 delegates, including 172 international attendees, representing 217 companies across 18 jurisdictions. Participants travelled from major markets including the United States, United Kingdom and Canada, alongside representatives from Asia, the Middle East and Europe.
The three-day programme focused on market dynamics including risk, returns and resilience, wildfire and extreme heat exposure, artificial intelligence andcyber, insurance-linked securities, parametric solutions and the outlookfor long-term and life reinsurance markets. Discussions also highlighted the role of integrated approaches across underwriting, capital, technology and regulation.
The Summit formed part of the BDA’s strategy to drive market engagement and business development, with organisers noting that companies attending previous events have since established or expanded operations in Bermuda.
A Future Leaders Forum, held alongside the Summit, brought together 106 students and career-switchers from Bermuda and 21 university students from North America, alongside 39 industry professionals, to support talent development across the sector.
Kendaree Burgess, managing director of the BDA, said: “What we saw over these three days was not just conversation, but alignment around where the market is going and how Bermuda is positioned within it. In a period defined by volatility and recalibration, the message from global leaders was clear: the market is seeking quality jurisdictions that offer clarity, credibility, and the ability to execute.
“The strength of our jurisdiction lies in how closely industry, regulators and government work together to remove friction and enable solutions that are fit for purpose. That was evident not only in the dialogue on stage, but in the level of engagement and decision-making happening in the room.
“Each year, we are seeing the tangible impact of this summit. Companies that first engaged here are returning, establishing and expanding in Bermuda, and this year’s connections are already progressing into new opportunities. These are the outcomes we are focused on — sustained investment, high-quality growth, and a jurisdiction that continues to lead with substance.
The Future Leaders Forum was also an important part of that story. Building what’s next is not only about structures and solutions, but about ensuring the next generation can see a place for themselves in Bermuda’s future.”
Craig Recliffe, partner and insurance leader, EY Region of The Bahamas, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands and Cayman Islands, said: “The strength of Bermuda Risk Summit lies in the quality of the dialogue it enables. The 2026 programme brought together a highly relevant mix of perspectives across industry, government and advisory, reflecting both the complexity of the current market and the importance of jurisdictions that can respond with clarity and credibility. Bermuda continues to play an important role in those conversations, and for EY, supporting the Summit is a meaningful way to contribute to the exchange of ideas, insight and relationships that help move the market forward.”
The event was supported by AM Best and Aladdin by BlackRock as gold sponsors and ABIR, Ariel Re, AXA XL, HSBC Asset Management, KPMG, Walkers, and Web Connectivity as silver sponsors. Supporting sponsors included Aon, Aspen, Fidelis Insurance Group, KBRA, Rein4ce, SiriusPoint, SS&C Technologies, and Teneo. Bermuda:Re+ILS supported as a media partner.
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