Structural changes to the reinsurance industry will be the focus of the Bermuda Reinsurance Conference, sponsored by PwC Bermuda and Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services, next Tuesday.

The conference will feature a number of top executives who will share their insights on the reshaping of the industry.

Now in its tenth year, the event is being staged the Hamilton Princess. This year’s conference is themed “Reinsurance Reshaped”, and will examine transformational changes to the industry, including convergence, regulation and cyber risk.

“The last decade has been pivotal for the industry,” said Arthur Wightman, PwC Bermuda territory leader and insurance leader.

“There have been sweeping changes across social, technological, environmental, economic and political factors which will continue to influence the way reinsurers adapt to thrive.”

Mr Wightman will be the moderator of the “View from the Top” panel discussion, one of the highlights of the event. The panel is to feature Michael Butt, chairman of Axis Capital, Brian Duperreault, chief executive officer of Hamilton Insurance Group, and Kevin O’Donnell, CEO of RenaissanceRe.

Speaking of the changes and challenges facing reinsurers, Mr Wightman said: “There is no single adaptation. While these factors impact reinsurers globally, they have different levels of impact within each region and country.

“In addition, the actions that reinsurers choose to take will depend not only on their national or regional markets, but also on their strategic intent, core capabilities, availability of talent, capital and organisational culture.

“Notwithstanding this complexity, at a macro level reinsurers have the opportunity to positively influence global sustainable development goals. Whether that is through climate action, economic growth, supporting sustainable cities or narrowing the protection gap, reinsurers will make a difference if they organise themselves to respond to the significant shifts facing the world.

“On Tuesday, we look forward to hearing the perspectives of industry leaders as they navigate this context.”

Topics on the conference agenda include:

• How cedants’ perspectives on reinsurance may be evolving and changing.

• CFO insights into whether it’s time to batten down the hatches, or for all hands on deck.

• Re-evaluating investment strategies amid high valuations, innovation and M&A.

• A look at reinsurers, alternative capital & ILS and the realignment of risk.

• The broker/underwriter relationship and the facilitation of risk to deliver rewards.

Kevin Ahern, director and analytical manager at Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services, said: “As our theme, ‘Reinsurance Reshaped’ notes, the reinsurance industry is undergoing a structural transformation due to a number of factors that will have far-reaching implications.

“Along with the continued inroads being made by alternative capital, property-casualty insurers and foreign investors from both within and outside the sector are taking a fresh look at the industry. The different models being employed, such as the Berkshire model, and the different financial objectives, such as those focused on regulatory capital levels, are increasing the industry’s diversification while heating up competition.”

At the conference, more than 200 insurance industry leaders and professionals will be joined by senior credit analysts from Standard & Poor’s and leaders from PwC’s insurance practice for a number of interactive panel discussions.