Bermuda’s insurance‑linked securities (ILS) industry, a key pillar of the island’s financial services economy, is turning its eyes to home‑grown talent. Recent efforts by industry leaders and educational institutions have established clear pathways for students to enter the specialised field.
At the Bermuda College, a partnership with the Bermuda Institute of Finance has launched a new ILS certificate programme, offering courses in catastrophe modelling, reinsurance fundamentals and data analytics. The curriculum is designed around real‑world case studies and includes mentorship from senior actuaries and data scientists who routinely work with global reinsurers.
The Bermuda Monetary Authority (BMA) has also announced a scholarship scheme for outstanding students in finance and mathematics, aiming to support their participation in international ILS conferences and training workshops. “Building a local pipeline of talent is essential to maintaining Bermuda’s competitive edge in the ILS market,” said BMA Deputy Governor, Dr. Marlon Hodge.
Industry participants, including the Bermuda Private Equity Group and several global reinsurance houses, are offering internships that give students hands‑on experience with catastrophe risk assessment and structured finance products. Early feedback indicates that these internships are proving invaluable for both the companies and the students, bridging the gap between academic learning and industry practice.
As the ILS market expands, Bermuda’s focus on nurturing local expertise is expected to reinforce the island’s reputation as a premier hub for catastrophe‑linked securities and ensure long‑term sustainability for the sector.
Bermuda