Bermuda took centre stage at the recent Citywealth International Financial Centre Forum in London, promoting its reputation as a trusted and forward-looking financial jurisdiction amid global uncertainty.

Kendaree Burgess, managing director of the Bermuda Business Development Agency, represented the island alongside panellists from Jersey, Cyprus, Singapore and other offshore centres. Her message was clear: Bermuda stands apart by design.

“Bermuda isn’t for everyone and that’s intentional,” Ms Burgess told delegates. “We’re not a mass-market jurisdiction. We’re a jurisdiction that values strong regulation, compliance and integrity. That’s why our regulator continues to earn global respect.”

She pointed to key developments that have shaped Bermuda’s modern offering, including the Digital Asset Business Act and the island’s newly implemented 15 per cent corporate income tax for large multinational enterprises. Together, she said, these reforms provide “clarity and confidence” for investors and institutions.

“Bermuda recognised early on that digital assets weren’t just a passing trend,” Ms Burgess said. “Our goal was to create a regulatory framework with full compliance built in, and it’s attracted major players like Circle, Coinbase, Kraken and XBTO.”

Increased interest in Bermuda from family offices and global high-net-worth clients was also a major talking point. Randall Krebs, director at Harbour International Trust Co, said Bermuda is seeing a migration of trusts and a shift from US structures, particularly as changes to the UK non-dom regime and political uncertainty drive families to seek more stable alternatives.

“Bermuda is a beacon in the tempest of tax, economic and political turmoil,” Mr Krebs said.