One of Bermuda's new wave of insurance companies, Axis Speciality Ltd., yesterday announced it appointed, Bermuda company QuoVadis to provide secure internet access and exchanges through its digital signature solutions.

The move will give Axis' reinsurance operations the option of signing contracts over the internet, without the need of both parties being in Bermuda to sign legal documents

Axis, which has over $1.6 billion in capital, was formed in response to the significant dislocations in the global insurance sector following the World Trade Center disaster.

Andrew Cook, CFO of AXIS Speciality, said: "Along with our substantial capital and proven management team, Axis has designed our systems to leverage the latest technologies to provide clients with the ability to submit and close deals online rapidly, confidentially, and securely."

QuoVadis, which is part of the e-Venture Centre, the Centre Solutions backed e-commerce incubator, is the first offshore commercial certificate authority in the world.

QuoVadis worked with technology consultant Sbi Limited to provide digital certificates to Axis and its business partners.

Digital certificates are a non-forgeable form of electronic ID that can be used to ensure privacy online and for secure access to Web sites and networks. They also create legally binding digital signatures that allow high value business to be transacted over the Internet.

Tony Nagel, Chief Executive Officer of QuoVadis, said: "Digital certificates allow companies to move their business online, improving responsiveness while managing the risks to both their reputation and bottom line. In addition, by using Bermuda-issued QuoVadis certificates, AXIS is able to reinforce the link between its global operations and the Bermuda jurisdiction."

Minister of Telecommunications and E-commerce Renee Webb, congratulated the Bermudian companies involved and said: "This development illustrates the quality of Bermuda's e-business infrastructure and its readiness to serve the needs of the global reinsurance sector and other businesses both off and on the Island."

AXIS Speciality Limited is a Bermuda based insurance and reinsurance company initially focusing on property catastrophe reinsurance and speciality lines of insurance including coverage in the marine and energy, aviation and aerospace, war, commercial property, and political risk markets.

For more information: www.axis.bm. or www.quovadis.bm.