ILS Bermuda hails success of 2018 ILS Convergence conference

The 2018 Bermuda ILS Convergence 2018 conference was a resounding success, according to ILS Bermuda.

The conference, now in its sixth year, took place on October 3-4, when more than 300 attendees from 13 different countries arrived at the Hamilton Princess. The conference covered the alternative reinsurance, insurance-linked securities (ILS), and collateralised reinsurance landscape. 

ILS Bermuda said that initial feedback from delegates and sponsors indicated that Convergence 2018 was a resounding success.  Expectations were exceeded with the number of delegates along with a record number of guests from overseas including from: USA, United Kingdom, UAE, Netherlands, Guernsey, Switzerland, Barbados, Australia, Canada, Ireland, France, and Germany.

Greg Wojciechowski, CEO, Bermuda Stock Exchange, and ILS Bermuda chairman, said: “As alternative capital flows into the sector are poised to continue into 2019, an annual event such as Convergence 2018, held in Bermuda each year, is as important as ever.  Convergence is an event created by the industry for the industry and provides a unique opportunity for those in the sector to come together to discuss trends, innovation and developments within the industry.  The Bermuda industry based team is proud to have hosted our sixth event and thankful for all those so that make the journey to our annual gathering. We look forward to welcoming our colleagues back next year.”

According to ILS Bermuda, the Island plays a key role in the global market as a leader in ILS.  The idea of anchoring Bermuda as a centre of excellence for the creation and listing of ILS structures and hosting an event in Bermuda was conceived by ILS Bermuda, which is comprised of industry executives working together on a volunteer basis to promote Bermuda’s expertise in the industry. The Bermuda Business Development Agency (BDA), as well as overseas and local corporate sponsors supported the event. 

Kathleen Faries, deputy chair of ILS Bermuda, and Head of Bermuda Branch, Tokio Millennium Re, said in the opening remarks: “Bermuda is uniquely positioned to capitalise on opportunities.  We have the reputation, experience and track record that will enable us to be a natural home for the coming transformation of the industry – especially where technology, analytics and capital begin to work together to enable more efficient transfer of risk. We will be here – building on our history and experience and putting our intellectual capital to work.”

ILS Bermuda underlined the fact that the Island continues to maintain its position as the leading jurisdiction for the issuance of ILS. The BSX accounted for just over 80 percent of the global market capitalisation of ILS at the end of the third quarter of 2018 to the tune of $30 billion of the outstanding volume. The Bermuda Monetary Authority reported at year-end 2017, 325 ILS bonds had been issued of which 203 were issued by Bermuda domiciled SPIs since 2009.

Sean Moran, interim CEO, Bermuda Business Development Agency (BDA), said: “The BDA was proud to once again sponsor Convergence 2018 and support our ILS Bermuda colleagues. Bermuda’s ILS market continues to be the world leader, putting our jurisdiction on the map for this asset class and proving we are a centre of excellence. We welcome all delegates to this unique event, which showcases Bermuda’s innovation. ILS Bermuda will continue to work with industry and government to underscore the sophistication and substance of Bermuda’s infrastructure.”