Threats and opportunities for offshore domiciles was the focus for a delegation of Bermuda executives led by the Bermuda International Business Association (BIBA) at the GAIM International 2009 Conference in Monaco this week.

The delegation included Peter Hughes of Apex Fund Services; Susan Stirling, director of marketing for BIBA; Greg Wojciechowski president and CEO of the Bermuda Stock Exchange (BSX), Stephen Castree from Equinoxe Alternative Investment Services and Jason Bibb of ISIS.

As part of the delegation's participation at the event, Mr. Hughes and Mr. Wojciechowski took part in a panel discussion entitled 'Threats and Opportunities for Offshore Domiciles', which allowed them to highlight the Island's strengths, such as transparency, sophistication and global recognition of its regulatory approach.

Bermuda's representatives heard a number of positive comments about the strength of the Island's reputation, the advantages of being a part of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development 'white list' and its membership in key global groups like the International Organisation of Securities Commissions and the BSX's membership as the only offshore exchange in the World Federation of Exchanges.

Ms Stirling said: "Bermuda's clearly well-positioned in any market, but our strengths have really come to the fore in the current economic environment.

"Investors and funds are more focused than ever on the credibility of our regulatory approach, transparency and cost — all of which are areas that Bermuda excels and is stronger than the competition.

"Delivering our message directly to the financial community is absolutely essential to ensuring that Bermuda continues to grow and develop its fund business and we are making the most of this opportunity through our activities here."