BDA/Bloomberg Event In New York On May 17th
The Bermuda Business Development Agency [BDA] will co-host a special live media event at Bloomberg headquarters in New York City next week, convening senior US business leaders for in-depth panel discussions on issues important to the Bermuda market.
Michael Bloomberg, former New York Mayor and founder of Bloomberg LP, will open the three-hour afternoon forum Wednesday, May 17, titled “The Future of International Business Deals: How to Position for Long-Term Growth.”
The invitation-only event will launch with a live interview of Bermuda Premier Michael Dunkley by Bloomberg co-founder and Editor-in-Chief Emeritus Matt Winkler, staged before an audience of 100 senior investors, including asset managers, hedge fund, private equity and institutional investors.
Finance Minister Bob Richards and Minister of Economic Development Dr Grant Gibbons will also attend, along with senior representatives from Bermuda’s international business sector.
“We are very appreciative to have the opportunity to collaborate with Bloomberg to tell our Bermuda story, which is a story of resilience and success,” said the Premier. “
There have been significant global developments, such as Brexit in the UK and proposed tax-reform legislation in the US, that warrant our vigilance. These and other matters are ever-evolving, so opportunities such as the Bloomberg forum, as well as our industry outreach efforts, are critical to ensuring our continued success.”
His interview will be followed by panel discussions examining forces that are transforming the global business landscape as new governments assume power, ushering in changes to regulations and tax policies.
“This event will gather an audience of key corporate executives and raise awareness of Bermuda as a pre-eminent international finance centre, one that offers significant opportunities for onshore businesses,” said BDA CEO Ross Webber.
“This initiative is part of our ongoing work to positively differentiate Bermuda from other offshore domiciles. We expect this dynamic brand of advocacy will have significant impact in delivering that message.”
The afternoon’s first panel will examine the effect of impending US tax reform on global investments, including global capital flows and the ways deals are structured and implemented. Panellists will discuss ways investors can optimise their transactions and pursue strategic acquisitions.
Featured speakers will include Kristi Kuechler, President, FOX Private Investor Center; Rodney Lawrence, Global Head for International Tax Services, KPMG; and Siva Subramaniam, Tax Partner, International Tax Services, PwC.
“We’ll convene a series of conversations on how investors can effectively deploy, protect and grow their capital in a rapidly evolving business environment,” said a Bloomberg spokesperson. “We’ll examine the impact of impending US tax and regulatory reforms and the potential cascading effect on trade policy and the flow of funds around the world.”
The second moderated panel discussion will look at global regulatory changes and what overseas jurisdictions like Bermuda offer US-based companies considering foreign direct investments. Featured speakers include Howard Mills, Global Insurance Regulatory Leader, Deloitte; Torsdon Poon, Transaction Tax Leader, Ernst & Young; and Mark Strefling, General Counsel and COO, Whitebox Advisors.
“What’s the impact of strategic and operational decisions being done today? We’ll discuss how global businesses can take advantage of international opportunities in the midst of current geopolitical and macroeconomic uncertainties,” the Bloomberg spokesperson said.
The event runs 3pm–6pm at Bloomberg’s midtown headquarters, concluding with a networking reception.
