The Minister of Economy and Labour, the Hon. Jason Hayward, JP, MP, on Tuesday addressed the 2026 Bermuda Captive Conference, held under the theme “Unlocking Markets, Commanding Risk.”
The event brings together captive owners, risk managers, regulators, service providers, industry partners and delegates from Bermuda and around the world to discuss captive insurance, risk management, innovation and the evolving global risk environment.
Minister Hayward welcomed delegates on behalf of the Government of Bermuda and said the conference reflects the Island’s long-standing role in the global captive insurance market.
“This conference continues to bring together some of the brightest minds in captive insurance and risk management, reflecting Bermuda’s long-standing position as a global leader in the captive insurance market,” said Minister Hayward.
The Minister noted that Bermuda has developed its captive insurance sector over more than six decades, supported by expertise, innovation, regulatory quality and close collaboration across the sector.
“For more than six decades, Bermuda has built a reputation for expertise, innovation, regulatory strength, and collaboration,” he pointed out. “Those qualities continue to distinguish this jurisdiction in an increasingly complex and rapidly evolving global environment.”
Minister Hayward noted that Bermuda remains one of the world’s leading captive domiciles, with a diverse and sophisticated market supporting organisations across a wide range of industries and regions.
He added that Bermuda’s position is supported not only by its regulatory framework and market infrastructure, but also by the people and partnerships that underpin the jurisdiction.
“It is not only our regulatory framework or market infrastructure that makes Bermuda successful,” the Minister stated.
“Just as importantly, it is the depth of talent, the quality of professional services, and the collaborative ecosystem existing between industry, regulators, government, and international partners.”
The Minister also highlighted the growing role of captives as businesses face increasing uncertainty, including economic volatility, cyber threats, climate-related risks and geopolitical challenges.
“Globally, as organisations face growing uncertainty, from economic volatility and cyber threats, to climate-related risks and evolving geopolitical challenges, captives continue to play an increasingly important role in helping businesses manage risk strategically and effectively,” said Minister Hayward.
The Minister also noted that Bermuda is well-positioned to support the continued evolution of the captive sector.
He said the market has consistently demonstrated its ability to innovate, including through new structures, support for emerging sectors and responses to global challenges with agility and expertise.
At the same time, the Minister said Bermuda remains focused on maintaining internationally recognised regulatory standards that promote confidence, stability and transparency.
“That balance between innovation and sound regulation remains one of Bermuda’s greatest strengths,” he stressed.
Minister Hayward also noted the importance of the Bermuda Captive Conference as a platform for dialogue and collaboration.
Since its establishment in 2004, the conference has helped promote, support and grow Bermuda’s world-leading captive insurance sector, attracting captive owners, risk managers, advisors and service providers from North America, the Caribbean, Latin America, Europe, Asia, Africa and the United Kingdom.