13 Bermudians who took part in the 8-week global FinTech Education Programme received their completion certificates at a modest reception on August 11th.
The programme was a collaboration between the Economic Development Department and NEXT, the Island’s first digital asset industry association. NEXT comprises 15 global entities that have established themselves in Bermuda to benefit from the ground-breaking regime regulating digital assets.
The Bermudian group, who was part of a larger global cohort, completed what can only be called a rigorous programme which required them to attend live lectures and real-time instruction in addition to developing their projects. The curriculum was developed and delivered by ViableEDU.
In addition to the above, the Bermuda-based participants had the opportunity to network with C-Suite members of local FinTech companies, with whom they met and discussed the various relevant business models as well as the local market and the opportunities now available in the field of Fintech.
Premier David Burt addressed the graduates and said: “Fintech in Bermuda is growing and we are increasingly being recognized as a leading jurisdiction in the digital assets industry. As this sector continues to grow it is vital that Bermudians are provided with job opportunities as well as education, and training that will help to prepare them for future opportunities.
He added: “I thank the Ministry of Economy and Labour, the Economic Development Department, ViableEDU, and NEXT for collaborating on this important initiative which has provided these 13 young Bermudians with hands-on training, skill-building and access to industry experts.”
Stafford Lowe, a member of the NEXT Founding Committee says: "Talent Development is one of our four cornerstones and we couldn't be happier with our first collaboration this summer with the Economic Development Department and ViableEDU. As an industry, we look forward to building our Bermuda operations with Bermudians who are excited by FinTech."
The NEXT companies who sponsored the programme are Apex, Bittrex Global, BlockFi, BlockWrk, Ensuro Re, Jewel Bank, Nayms, Relm, Stablehouse, XBTO and 24 Exchange.
ViableEDU, which provided and delivered the curriculum for the training programme, was co-founded by Joel Brown-Christenson in 2020 to create free virtual learning opportunities for people across the world interested in finance and fintech. He now serves as Co-Founder and Lead Program Director in the organisation.
Mr. Brown –Christenson said: “ViableEdu was thrilled to be a part of this amazing initiative in Bermuda. We're proud to be a partner of Bermuda NEXT and the Economic Development Department and are excited to help educate and train the future of fintech in Bermuda.”
For more information about the programme, email Maryem Biadillah, Senior Analyst at the EDD: mbiadillah@gov.bm.