BDA Concludes NYC Executive Forum Event
The Bermuda Business Development Agency [BDA] concluded the New York City executive forum on Wednesday [May 11] – Bermuda’s first since 2019.
A spokesperson said, “Bermuda’s Minister of Economy and Labour, The Hon. Jason Hayward, JP, MP; BDA Chair, Stephen Weinstein; and BDA CEO, David Hart attended on behalf of Bermuda along with numerous private sector leaders from Bermuda and the CEO of the Bermuda Monetary Authority, Craig Swan. Representatives from a diverse group of industry bodies also gave a strong show of support at the event including: Association of Bermuda Insurers and Reinsurers [ABIR]; Association of Bermuda International Companies [ABIC]; Bermuda International Long-Term Insurers and Reinsurers [BILTIR]; Alternative Investment Management Association [AIMA] Bermuda; the Bermuda Bankers Association; and NEXT Bermuda.”
Minister Hayward said, “It is imperative for Bermuda’s continued growth that the government of Bermuda and its partners communicate Bermuda’s value proposition to international stakeholders. Bermuda is the premier jurisdiction to foster innovative international business ideas from inception to market. This forum continued the efforts of the BDA’s climate risk roadshows in NYC in late 2021 to strengthen relationships with leading global capital allocators and familiarise industry leaders with Bermuda’s unique advantages.”
David Hart said, “Across three days we were able to engage in numerous business development meetings with potential New York City prospects. The Bermuda delegation also met with several influential global media outlets, including Bloomberg, The Financial Times; The Wall Street Journal; and Business Insurance. The BDA will continue to travel overseas to tell the Bermuda story in important markets to promote and protect sustainable and equitable economic growth, greater diversification and prosperity in Bermuda.”
“Over 200 friends of Bermuda and potential partners gathered at Convene, One Liberty Plaza, located in the heart of New York City’s financial district,” a spokesperson said.
“The forum began with a series of thought leadership breakout sessions focusing on technology, high net worth services and asset management, including a blue-chip breakout session called ‘Climate and Natural Disaster Resiliency’. The climate moderator was Stephen Weinstein, and panelists included: Benoit Allehaut, Managing Director, KKR Infrastructure [Energy Transition]; Abhisheik Dhawan, Sustainable Finance & Partnership Specialist/Corporate Lead of Climate Change, United Nations Capital Developments Fund [UNCDF]; Peter Giacone, Senior Managing Director, KBRA; and Arianne West, Co-Founder, COO and Head of Structured Finance, Re2 Capital.
“The afternoon’s first panel entitled, ‘Why Bermuda? Cross-Sector Solutions,’ was moderated by Suzanne Williams-Charles, Director of Policy and Regulation, Corporate Secretary and Data Privacy Officer at ABIR. Panelists included Patrick Tannock, Chair, ABIC; Elizabeth Denman, Deputy Chair, AIMA Bermuda; Stafford Lowe, Director, NEXT Bermuda; Amy Ponnampalam, Member, BILTIR; and Michael Neff, Chair, Bermuda Bankers Association.
“The final panel focused on innovation in Bermuda and was moderated by Lauren Berry, Managing Editor, Deputy NYC bureau chief, Bloomberg News. Panelists included Stephen Weinstein; Fiona Beck, BDA board member; Brian Dusek, Head of Americas, Cyber, Mosaic; Joe Ziolkowski, CEO and co-founder, Relm; and James Robinson, co-founder and CTO, Cactus.
“The BDA thanks Bittrex Global and Goslings Rum for their sponsorship and continuous support. The BDA will follow up its NYC event with an at-capacity Bermuda Climate Summit on May 23-24.”
