Influential Women in Hamilton: Chiara Nannini, Conyers

Bermuda is a one-stop shop for the insurance industry, offering a concentration of talented professionals and robust infrastructure, says Chiara Nannini, Conyers.

Chiara Nannini is a director in Conyers’ corporate practice, specialising in insurance and reinsurance regulatory and transactional matters. She trained with the firm and was called to the Bermuda Bar in 2008. Shortly after, she spent a year on secondment at AIG in Bermuda during the global financial crisis. Chiara refers to it as “an intense but fascinating time”, exposing her to various transactions. 

Afterwards, she worked in Conyers’ São Paulo, Brazil office for three years, focusing predominantly on Bermuda and BVI law, but very little re/insurance, given the Brazilian market at the time. Returning to Bermuda in 2013, she became involved in insurance transactional and regulatory work. Her role includes advising on incorporations, licensing, structuring and providing regulatory and transactional advice throughout the life cycle of insurers. 

Over the years, she has seen significant growth in Bermuda’s insurance market, particularly in the life sector, and enjoys the local feel of the island, both professionally and personally.

What attracted you to reinsurance?

Initially, it was the local nature of the industry. Unlike many Bermuda lawyers, whose clients are overseas, most insurance clients are physically present in Bermuda. This allows for face-to-face relationships, a plethora of industry events and a strong sense of community within the sector. Beyond that, the high quality of work and forward-looking approach of the Bermuda Monetary Authority made the industry both appealing and intellectually rewarding.

Who inspired you or acted as a mentor in your career?

I’ve had the privilege of learning from numerous mentors throughout my career. Early on, the senior lawyers and partners at Conyers were instrumental in shaping my understanding of the profession, providing support and teaching me the ropes. Sharing offices with these individuals allowed me to absorb their knowledge directly.

What are your ambitions, and what would you say is your greatest achievement to date?

I’ve never been driven by any singular ambition; instead, I focus on doing my work well and seeing where it takes me. My greatest achievement, clichéd as it may sound, is managing to balance a successful career with raising a family. It’s been the most challenging but rewarding aspect of my life.

Do you feel the re/insurance industry has made progress in terms of diversity and inclusion since you started working with it?

Yes, particularly in Bermuda. Our insurance team at Conyers is now female-led and diverse, which has contributed to a great working environment. Across the industry, I’ve observed improvements in diversity and inclusion, but there’s still work to be done. For example, creating more opportunities for Bermudians to join the industry and fostering greater representation in leadership roles remain key areas for growth.

“Creating more opportunities for Bermudians to join the industry and fostering greater representation in leadership roles remain key areas for growth.”

What would you like to improve or change within the industry?

I’d like to see more effort in attracting young Bermudians to the sector. Companies could engage with students very early, for example at high school level, to showcase the breadth of careers available in insurance (or insurance-adjacent) beyond the traditional roles of underwriters and actuaries. By highlighting opportunities in legal, marketing, HR and corporate services, we can nurture local talent early and encourage long-term careers within Bermuda’s insurance industry.

Have you encountered any challenges related to diversity and inclusion?

As a woman, there have been moments of discomfort, such as being the only female in a room full of men. While these situations haven’t held me back, they can make you acutely aware of gender imbalances. Over time, I’ve learned to assert myself and make my voice heard, but these experiences clearly underline the importance of creating inclusive spaces.

Would you encourage other women to consider this sector?

Absolutely. There are many women in the industry, particularly in legal roles, but we still need more female representation at the C-suite level. Factors such as motherhood and cost-of-living challenges contribute to women leaving the workforce at higher rates, so addressing these underlying issues is crucial. I’d love to see more women not only entering the sector but thriving in leadership roles.

Why is this industry great to work in?

For Bermudians like me, insurance is integral to the local economy, making it an inevitable area of interest. The industry’s prominence on the island sparks curiosity about what drives its success. Additionally, the dynamic nature of the sector, coupled with its global reach and local significance, makes it a compelling and rewarding field to work in.

Why is Bermuda a great place to be?

Bermuda is a one-stop shop for the insurance industry, offering a concentration of talented professionals and robust infrastructure. With its Solvency II equivalence and NAIC (National Association of Insurance Commissioners) recognition, Bermuda strikes a unique balance between US and EU regulatory standards. Beyond work, Bermuda’s quality of life, friendly community and natural beauty make it an excellent place to live and raise a family.

Did you get value from this story? Sign up to our free daily newsletters and get stories like this sent straight to your inbox.