Setting Up A Bermuda Captive Insurer (Video)

The Bermuda Monetary Authority has published a consultation paper outlining the first phase of a resolution regime for the commercial insurance sector, designed to align with international standards. The framework establishes the BMA as the Resolution Authority with five core objectives and defines which insurers will fall within scope. This phased approach raises important questions about governance, recovery planning, and the practical implications for domestic insurers and Internationally Active Insuranc

Bermuda has emerged as the dominant global hub for life and annuity reinsurance, now holding over $900 billion in US life and annuity liabilities and accounting for 84% of all US reserves ceded offshore. This analysis examines how the island's sophisticated regulatory framework, purpose-built infrastructure, and commercially engaged regulator have created a structural advantage that extends beyond its traditional catastrophe reinsurance roots into long-dated life business from the US, UK, and Asia.

On 2 December 2024, the Bermuda Monetary Authority (BMA) released several key documents to guide insurance entities in their year-end reporting and compliance obligations.

The Bermuda Monetary Authority is implementing new Insurance (Internationally Active Group Supervision) Rules 2026 to align Bermuda's regulatory framework with international standards for Internationally Active Insurance Groups set by the IAIS. These proposed rules introduce enhanced governance, risk management, and reporting requirements for IAIGs domiciled in Bermuda, with final rules expected in Q4 2026 following a consultation period that closed on September 30, 2026.

The Bermuda Monetary Authority has completed its consultation on proposed new rules for the supervision of Internationally Active Insurance Groups, introducing enhanced qualitative requirements aligned with the Common Framework for the Supervision of IAIGs. These proposals would establish strengthened standards for corporate governance, risk management, liquidity oversight, and supervisory reporting for insurance groups operating across multiple jurisdictions.

Bermuda's managing general agent market is evolving rapidly as capacity providers demand better governance, aligned incentives, and transparent oversight. With regulatory scrutiny intensifying and new capital structures emerging, the island's sophisticated infrastructure positions it uniquely to accommodate the next generation of MGA platforms that combine specialist underwriting expertise with dedicated capital vehicles.

The Bermuda Monetary Authority has introduced a new Police Clearance Certificate requirement for Key Persons of regulated financial institutions, effective October 2026. This regulatory change strengthens vetting processes and aligns Bermuda with international standards by requiring additional criminal history documentation during approval processes. In-scope insurers must now navigate new compliance obligations for controllers, officers, and other designated Key Persons.

One way that the Bermuda Monetary Authority (BMA), as the island's financial regulator, addresses these uncertainties is by requiring insurers and reinsurers...

The insurance-linked securities (ILS) market is evolving with multiperil structures and risk commingling becoming increasingly prevalent. As data centre build-outs present new opportunities and challenges, industry experts weigh in on whether ILS can shoulder the massive exposures ahead, while casualty sidecars continue to generate discussion despite limited transaction activity.

Bermuda has seen a steady increase in new captives being formed as well as new structures, risks and geographies being covered.

We are pleased to provide this twice-annual report summarising notable mergers and acquisitions activity in South and Southeast Asia, highlighting transactions over US$100 million in aggregate value.

The Cayman Islands has formally applied for Qualified Jurisdiction Status with the NAIC, marking a pivotal moment for its insurance sector. As regulators advance significant changes to risk-based capital requirements for offshore reinsurance and intensify scrutiny of private credit investments, stakeholders face a transforming regulatory landscape that will reshape capital treatment and competitive positioning.

The failure of the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act in the US Senate leaves cryptocurrency market participants navigating regulatory uncertainty, while major blockchain networks accelerate infrastructure development to integrate traditional banks onto stablecoin payment rails. Cross-border payments emerge as a dominant use case, with stablecoins offering faster, cheaper international settlements than correspondent banking, though compliance frameworks must evolve to match real-time transaction speeds.

Global M&A activity surged to a five-year high in the first half of 2026 while IPO markets remained highly selective, with Bermuda companies demonstrating continued strength through strategic redomiciliations, major acquisitions, and sustained capital markets activity across shipping, financial services, and energy sectors.

Singapore's capital markets are experiencing a significant transformation driven by the MAS-led Equity Market Development Programme, which has injected S$6.5 billion in liquidity and sparked a revival in IPO activity. With over 20 companies preparing to go public and new cross-border listing infrastructure connecting SGX with Nasdaq, the market is showing signs of meaningful structural reform and growing institutional confidence.

Hong Kong's uncertificated securities market regime, launching November 2026, eliminates paper share certificates for listed securities, requiring electronic title holding through approved registrar systems. Cayman Islands and Bermuda issuers must transition within five years, necessitating constitutional document amendments and new operational procedures. Companies need to appoint approved securities registrars, plan shareholder approvals, and ensure compliance before their assigned transition dates.

This guide provides a brief overview of the Approved Investment Manager regime established under the Investment Business (Approved Managers) Regulations (the "Approved Manager Regulations") enacted...

This case has been keenly discussed across major international private client and trust common law jurisdictions.

The BVI Securities and Investment Business Act contains a consolidated version of the British Virgin Islands Securities and Investment Business Act, 2010 as amended. The most recent legislative amendment...

BVI companies must file annual returns containing balance sheets and income statements with their registered agents. Companies with a December 31 year-end face a September 30, 2026 deadline, while others must file within nine months of their financial year-end. Conyers offers preparation services starting at $1,500 for simple holding companies and provides secure online filing through their client portal.