Jason Hayward, the Minister of Economy and Labour, led an examination of Bermuda's regulatory framework under the Digital Asset Business Act, during a Canadian event centred around “shaping public policy, fostering collaboration and positioning Canada as a leader in blockchain innovation”.

Mr Hayward was in Ottawa with 150 global leaders, including ministers, regulators, and innovators, at the 2nd Annual Canadian Blockchain Consortium Policy Summit, held at the National Gallery of Canada.

During the event, which sought to explore the evolving digital asset landscape, he participated in a mostly Bermudian panel that highlighted how well Bermuda’s Digital Asset Business Act had been received.

“Building Commonwealth Bridges – Regulatory Lessons Between Bermuda and Canada” was moderated by Kerem Kolcuoglu of Penrose Partners, a Canada/Bermuda company behind the Bermuda Digital Finance Forum held on the island last month.

The discussion examined Bermuda's regulatory framework under DABA, highlighting its success in attracting responsible innovation.

Mr Hayward was joined by Aqsa Zubair, assistant director, fintech, Bermuda Monetary Authority; Alexander Vronces (Fintechs Canada); and former Bermuda senator, Jeffrey Baron of Coinbase Bermuda. Also scheduled was Brianna Sims, senior legal counsel, trading and markets, with the Ontario Securities Commission.

Mr Hayward laid out Bermuda’s value proposition as a jurisdiction of choice for digital asset enterprises, emphasising the importance of regulatory clarity, cross-border collaboration and inclusive innovation.

Another session in which Mr Hayward participated, “Global Digital Asset Policy Leadership” involved discussions of national strategies for adopting blockchain, energy innovation and the competitiveness of fintech ecosystems on a global scale.

The panel featured Canadian Member of Parliament Michelle Rempel Garner and the president of El Salvador's Digital Assets Commission, Juan Carlos Reyes.