David Burt, the Premier and Minister of Finance, will play a key role in two discussions of great importance to Bermuda, during an international conference in Saudi Arabia this week that has attracted 9,000 delegates to the King Abdulaziz Convention Centre in Riyadh.

Mr Burt is participating in the ninth Future Investment Initiative, billed as one of the world’s leading gatherings of policymakers, investors and innovators shaping the future of global growth.

A government statement said FII9 brings together pioneering leaders from government, finance and technology to explore how visionary investment can advance sustainable development and economic transformation.

But this year more than half of the speakers are from the technology world, and presenting in the presence of more than 20 world leaders and 50 ministers representing 90 countries.

Mr Burt will serve as co-chairman of the heads of state round table, “What’s the True Cost of Economic Security?“, a high-level, secure discussion among world leaders on how to balance growth, stability and inclusion in an increasingly complex global environment.

Other co-chairmen include the presidents of Guyana, Rwanda and Colombia.

Mr Burt will be right at home during his participation in an invitation-only discussion on financial innovation examining the evolution of digital finance, including stablecoins, central bank digital currencies and cross-border payments.

It will be an opportunity to discuss Bermuda’s Digital Asset Business Act 2018, and the regulatory regime for financial services.

The forum is chaired by the Prime Minister of Montenegro, Milojko Spajić; the cofounder, chief executive and chairman of Circle, Jeremy Allaire; and the chairman of Mastercard, dean emerita and professor of Columbia University, Merit Janow.

The objective is to bring together leaders in the digital-finance sector including payments, banking and technology to discuss practical pathways for innovation consistent with sound regulation and international standards.

Mr Burt will also co-chair a more environmentally-focused discussion on the blue economy, “Can a Living Ocean Be an Investable Opportunity?”

He is joined by Ralph Chami, the cofounder and CEO of Blue Green Future and chief economist of Wave, the initiative founded by Princess Reema bint Bandar Al Saud, ambassador of Saudi Arabia to the United States.

That discussion will focus on investment in blue natural capital, such as seagrass, mangroves, coral and kelp, and how these ecosystems can form the foundation for credible, investable projects that advance climate resilience and sustainable economic growth.

Mr Burt said: “FII9 offers Bermuda a unique opportunity to engage directly with global leaders shaping the direction of capital and innovation. Our participation reaffirms Bermuda’s commitment to shaping the global dialogue on responsible innovation and sound governance, reinforcing our position as a trusted partner for high-quality, forward-looking investment.

“FII9 is a leading platform for practical dialogue between government, business and academia on the future of investment and innovation.

“Bermuda’s participation reflects our global market leadership in risk and insurance and reinsurance, our early and comprehensive approach to digital-asset regulation and commitment to marine conservation and climate-resilient finance.”

The Premier concluded: “Engaging with peers at FII9 heightens Bermuda’s visibility with global investors and policymakers, supports the Island’s economic diversification objectives and reinforces our reputation as a trusted, well-regulated international financial centre that combines innovation with high standards.”