The Bermuda Captive Conference opens today with a highly anticipated opening roundtable session and almost 600 attendees on the Island.“We are very pleased at the response to the speaker line-up and the range of topics in the programme this year,” said Peter Willitts, chairman of the Conference.“The response from delegates locally and overseas has been excellent, and there’s a high level of interest in the detailed sessions in the programme. We’re honoured that Craig Cannonier, Premier of Bermuda will officially start the proceedings (today) with a welcome address.“Given the overall context in which the Bermuda captive market is operating today, the roundtable session that will follow dealing with key global issues from a regulatory and business perspective is generating a lot of interest and setting the tone for the rest of the programme.”Speakers for the opening session will be Finance Minister Bob Richards, managing director, Supervision at the Bermuda Monetary Authority Craig Swan, Chief executive and deputy chairman of the Catlin Group Stephen Catlin; and Bradley Kading, director of the Association of Bermuda Insurers and Reinsurers.The Industry Keynote Speaker for the event will be Peter Zaffino, chairman and CEO of international insurance broker and risk adviser Marsh Inc.“Peter’s participation builds on the tradition of high-level, quality speakers we are proud to attract for the Conference,” said Mr Willitts. “We have no doubt he will bring very useful insights for those attending the event based on his extensive experience at the top of the insurance industry.”Sessions over the three-day conference will cover regulation trends and tax updates; cost-efficient captive management strategies; corporate governance issues; Special Purpose Insurers and Insurance-Linked Securities; US healthcare reform implications and opportunities for captives; and understanding the Latin American market.“We will be welcoming both clients and prospects from Latin American countries to the event and for the first time have several sessions designed especially for them that will be presented in Spanish, which has been very well-received,” Mr Willitts said. “Another first is presenting the entire market at the conference, highlighting Bermuda’s unique position in having captives, insurers and reinsurers all present in our marketplace. We’re excited to add this new dimension to the event.”Mr Willitts also thanked the sponsors, exhibitors and market practitioners who have facilitated this year’s event: “I would be remiss if I didn’t thank our sponsors, exhibitors, speakers and the event Management Committee for all the time and effort they have put into making this conference the great event it is. They truly are the people who make this not only an educational event but also an opportunity to network in a relaxed and beautiful environment,” he said.The Bermuda Captive Conference will run through to Wednesday at the Fairmont Southampton Hotel.Useful website: www.bermudacaptive.bm