An eight-week global fintech education programme was completed recently by 13 Bermudians.

The programme was a collaboration between the Economic Development Department and NEXT, the island’s first digital-asset industry association. NEXT comprises 15 global entities that have established themselves in Bermuda to benefit from the regime regulating digital assets.

The Bermudian group, which was part of a larger global cohort, attended live lectures and real-time instruction in addition to developing its projects. The curriculum was developed and delivered by ViableEDU.

Bermudian-based participants had the opportunity to network with C-suite members of local fintech companies, with whom they met and discussed the various relevant business models as well as the local market, and available opportunities.

David Burt highlighted the growing fintech market in Bermuda and globally, noting Bermuda’s increasing recognition as a leading jurisdiction in the digital assets industry.

As this sector continues to grow, he said, it is vital that Bermudians are provided with jobs, education and training that will help to prepare them for future opportunities.

The Premier added: “I thank the Ministry of Economy and Labour, the Economic Development Department, ViableEDU and NEXT for collaborating on this important initiative, which has provided these 13 young Bermudians with hands-on training, skill-building and access to industry experts.”

Stafford Lowe, a member of the NEXT Founding Committee, said: "Talent development is one of our four cornerstones and we couldn't be happier with our first collaboration this summer with the Economic Development Department and ViableEDU. As an industry, we look forward to building our Bermuda operations with Bermudians who are excited by fintech."

The NEXT companies who sponsored the programme are Apex, Bittrex Global, BlockFi, BlockWrk, Ensuro Re, Jewel Bank, Nayms, Relm, Stablehouse, XBTO and 24 Exchange.

ViableEDU, which provided and delivered the curriculum for the training programme, was co-founded by Joel Brown-Christenson in 2020 to create free virtual learning opportunities for people across the world interested in finance and fintech. He now serves as co-founder and lead programme director in the organisation.

Mr. Brown-Christenson said: “We're proud to be a partner of Bermuda NEXT and the Economic Development Department and are excited to help educate and train the future of fintech in Bermuda.”