ABIR Risk Forum Engages College Students
Ten Bermuda College students will gain early exposure to [re]insurance careers through ABIR’s upcoming Risk Forum and a special pre-event briefing breakfast.
A spokesperson said, “Ten highly engaged Bermuda College students have been given an exciting opportunity to jump-start their [re]insurance careers at the Association of Bermuda Insurers and Reinsurers’ [ABIR] Risk Forum next month.
“ABIR’s Education Partners, The Institutes Knowledge Group and the Bermuda Foundation for Insurance Studies, will host a briefing breakfast with selected students immediately preceding the ABIR Risk Forum.”
“The Institutes believe the future of the [re]insurance sector depends on how intentionally we invest in emerging talent today. Opportunities like the ABIR Risk Forum provide students with meaningful connection, real-world context, and a closer look into a dynamic global industry,” said Kate Horowitz, Executive Vice President and Head of Business Units for The Institutes. “Combined with The Institutes globally recognized designations, these experiences help students build the skills, confidence, and professional foundation to thrive in the many rewarding careers in risk management and insurance.”
Victoria Cunningham, Executive Director, Bermuda Foundation for Insurance Studies said, “This opportunity recognises the commitment these students have already shown through the ‘Special Topics in Insurance’ programme. Attending the ABIR Risk Forum will give them direct exposure to the conversations, challenges, and leaders shaping the global risk landscape, an experience that could be truly career-defining. We are proud to see our students stepping into these spaces and are grateful to ABIR for helping to open that door.”
Craig Simmons, professor emeritus said, “Bermuda College is committed to establishing itself as a leading knowledge producer for the [re]insurance industry. Through our Special Topics in Insurance course and strategic industry partnerships, we remain at the forefront of talent development. We appreciate the opportunity for our students to participate in the ABIR Risk Forum, supporting Bermuda’s next generation of talent.”
Collin Anderson, ABIR’s Director, Policy & Regulation said, “ABIR is delighted to assist Bermuda’s future [re]insurance leaders by exposing them to a veritable who’s who of international standard setters. The ten students are emerging talents, who are all just starting out on their careers in the world’s risk capital. We know they will benefit from meeting established [re]insurance executives in the audience and listening to cutting-edge content on stage.”
A spokesperson added, “ABIR’s inaugural Risk Forum has the theme – ‘Compliance, Capital, Capacity’ – and will be held at the Fairmont Hamilton Princess on 8 April, 2026.
“This year’s Forum will feature distinguished leaders from the global [re]insurance industry and international supervisory community including:
- Petra Hielkema, Chairperson, European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority [EIOPA]
- Sir Charles Roxburgh KCB, Chair, Lloyd’s of London
- Craig Swan, CEO, Bermuda Monetary Authority [BMA]
- Scott White, President, US National Association of Insurance Commissioners [NAIC]
- Jonathan Dixon, Secretary General, International Association of Insurance Supervisors [IAIS]
- Nicolas Papadopoulo, CEO, Arch Capital Group Ltd
- Stephen Catlin, Founder & Life President, Convex Group
- Shannon Bender, Executive Vice President, Group General Counsel and Corporate Secretary, RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd.
- Andrew Mais, Senior Advisor, Deloitte; Former Commissioner, Connecticut Insurance Department; Former NAIC President; Former IAIS Executive Committee Vice Chair
“Proceedings will kick off officially at 10.30 a.m. with a welcome from Mark Cloutier, ABIR Chair and His Excellency the Governor, Mr. Andrew Murdoch CMG.
“A Bermuda market reception will bring proceedings to a close, led with keynote comments by Premier E. David Burt, JP MP and Minister of Finance and Economy and Labour Minister Jason Hayward, JP MP.
“The event is supported by ABIR member companies and event partners KBRA, Bermuda Business Development Agency [BDA], Deloitte and The Institutes Knowledge Group.
“Click here to learn more about this new must-attend event on the Bermuda Risk Calendar.”
