News

The countdown is underway for [Re]Connect – the Cayman Islands’ first dedicated reinsurance conference - with the release of the full conference agenda. Taking place on 18 and 19 April 2024, at the Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman, the event will showcase a thriving reinsurance sector in the Cayman Islands. The inaugural conference will bring together industry leaders, regulators, executives, cedants and other stakeholders from the reinsurance community for two days of knowledge sharing, education and networking.

A large number of overseas and local attendees look forward to the keynote address presented by the Hon. André M. Ebanks MP, Deputy Premier; Minister for Financial Services and Commerce, and Minister for Investment, Innovation, and Social Development. Illuminating panel discussions throughout the day will cover hot topics in the reinsurance sector, as industry leaders discuss insights and strategic opportunities for reinsurance in the Cayman Islands in both the life & annuity and property & casualty sectors.

As the past few years have seen an influx of asset managers into the reinsurance space, [Re]Connect is delighted to host a conversation between two prominent individuals from leading asset managers, Paul Forestell, Managing Partner of Brookfield Reinsurance and Raj Krishnan, Partner and CIO of Ares Insurance Solutions, exploring key characteristics of the reinsurance market that make it attractive generally and specifically in the Cayman Islands.

Kara Ebanks, Head of the Insurance Supervision Division at the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority (CIMA), will join the Emerging Regulatory Topics panel. As the Cayman Islands continues to expand its role in a global regulatory framework, Ms. Ebanks will provide an update on CIMA’s reinsurance activities , including CIMA’s efforts to keep Cayman at the forefront of international standards.

A growing number of reinsurance companies are choosing to establish operations in the jurisdiction, which begs the question “Why Cayman?”. A panel of experts will break down the key elements in terms of the licensing and application process, Cayman’s business-friendly environment and explain how insurance managers can help with the process, as well as covering critical matters including legal, tax and actuarial considerations, for a thriving reinsurance business.

Emerging opportunities in Insurtech is another area of much discussion, as new developments and technology enable more efficient and effective risk transfer. As the Cayman Islands has positioned itself at the lead of Insurtech’s rise, [Re]Connect brings together a number of CEOs in the sector to see how they are improving the value proposition for partners and accelerating business.

Finally, [Re]Connect will take a look beyond the boardroom into the lifestyle that reinsurance professionals can enjoy in the Cayman Islands, as well as the key considerations when opening an office and recruiting employees. The conference agenda includes plenty of networking opportunities for attendees, with a catamaran cruise and welcome cocktail reception on 18 April and breakfast, lunch, coffee breaks and a closing reception on 19 April.

Launched by CIRCA, with strong support from the local business community and government, [Re]Connect is poised to become a landmark event for the Cayman Islands and a cornerstone of the international reinsurance conference circuit.

“As we look forward to welcoming delegates to the inaugural [Re]Connect conference, I’m particularly excited about the calibre of the speakers that will provide both an international perspective and local insight into Cayman’s reinsurance offering,” said Steve Papciak, CIRCA Marketing Committee Chair. “The overwhelmingly positive response we have received towards [Re]Connect highlights the potential for the future of this event and the industry as a whole.”

Further information on [Re]Connect including registration details can be found at www.circa.ky. Enquiries can be sent to registrations@reconnect.ky

CIRCA would like to thank all of the sponsors of [Re]Connect. Premium Sponsors of the conference include Cayman Finance, Camana Bay and the Ministry of Financial Services & Commerce. Other sponsors include Grant Thornton Cayman Islands, Knighthead Annuity & Life Assurance Company, Deloitte, IMAC, Marsh Management Services Cayman Ltd / Oliver Wyman, Milliman, PwC Cayman Islands, Walkers, New England Asset Management, Appleby, Talcott Life & Annuity Re Ltd., Aureum Re, Carey Olsen, CML, Conyers, KPMG, RAS Company, Expertise Group, Greenlight Re, Artex Risk Solutions, BDO, Butterfield, CIBC Re, Clarence George, EY, F&G Cayman Re Ltd., Maples Group, North End Re and Willis Towers Watson.