More than 700 people are expected to attend a major conference on insurance captives next month.

Ross Webber, chief executive officer of the Bermuda Business Development Agency said this year’s Bermuda Captive Conference would be “bigger and better than ever”.

He added: “I’m looking forward to joining colleagues and highlighting Bermuda’s value for delegates from a jurisdictional point of view.

“We are in an era of increasing global regulatory pressure and politicised or misinformed beliefs about offshore financial centres, yet Bermuda’s top-tier reputation and high levels of regulatory compliance serve to differentiate our market. Raising awareness is key.”

Mr Webber will take part in the conference’s first round table debate, an overview of captive market and business trends worldwide.

He will be joined by Craig Swan, managing director of supervision at the Bermuda Monetary Authority, Jill Husbands, chairman of Marsh IAS Bermuda, Alan Gier, the global director of risk management and insurance at car giant General Motors who is also president of the Bermuda Captive Owners Association, and Grainne Richmond, president of the Bermuda Insurance Management Association.

Mr Gier said: “Properly managed captives are an important risk management tool for any risk manager and captive conferences offer the opportunity to stay current with the industry and learn from colleagues and business partners about key trends as you develop your captive strategy and business plan.”

He added: “Bermuda should be on everyone’s list of preferred captive domiciles owing to its excellent reputation for transparency, regulatory environment and ease of doing business.

“I am excited to be on a panel with leaders of the Bermuda business community and look forward to sharing my thoughts about current issues affecting the global economy.”

The conference, to be held at the Fairmont Southampton between Monday, June 13 and Wednesday, June 15, will also feature Michael Dunkley, the Premier, who will make the opening speech.

And the keynote speaker will be Joe Flower, an international expert in healthcare, genomics and biotech, who will discuss the future of healthcare and the impact of advances in technology, drugs and treatment.

Ms Husbands said: “The Bermuda Captive Conference is very important to our clients and colleagues — it’s an opportunity for them to keep current with trends and issues affecting their Bermuda captives and also provides a dynamic networking opportunity.

“The conference allows overseas attendees to learn more about the Bermuda market by meeting industry experts and experiencing the island first-hand.”