The editor of an online crypto market news publication tried to pin down David Burt, the Premier and Minister of Finance, on potential plans for a post-government role with Bermuda’s growing list of digital finance companies.

Mr Burt neatly sidestepped the question of whether his high-profile presence in Bermuda’s development of the digital asset business lends itself to a possible role in private practice, once he steps down as Premier later this year.

It would not be unusual for offers of board seats to a former premier or finance minister from the very companies with whom he has cultivated relationships.

At the end of an interview conducted at the recent Bermuda Digital Finance Forum, Giles Broom, the editor-in-chief of Sandmark, suggested that Bermuda’s ecosystem of engagement with the digital finance industry “arguably needs a leader”.

He asked if he would be open to working “in the crypto world” after his planned departure from the Premier’s Office in October.

Mr Burt adroitly responded: “I'm going to continue to be a cheerleader and supporter for Digital Finance Bermuda, continuing to press the Government and work with industry to continue to promote and continuing to travel to share the story because I have a firm belief that digital finance is going to empower the next generation of citizens.”

He was pressed again: “With your extraordinary energy and your ability to get things done, I bet that crypto companies are queuing up. Have you had any offers?”

Mr Burt quickly responded with a laugh: “Absolutely not.”

Asked if he held any cryptoassets, Mr Burt replied: “Only one, bitcoin, which I bought in 2020 (between March 17 and 19).”

Bitcoin traded higher every day during that period, opening on March 17 at $5,002.58 and closing March 19 at $6,191.19.

It came after the March 12 “Black Thursday” crash, when bitcoin and traditional markets collapsed, triggered by the Covid-19 pandemic.

But of the digital finance business, Mr Burt said: “My second job has been basically promoting this new financial services sector globally just to make sure that we are there, that we are talking to people, that we're making sure they understand that we're a seriously regulated jurisdiction, but we’re also one that is very passionate about innovation, because innovation has been in Bermuda's DNA ever since our founding.”

He referenced major market players already on the ground in Bermuda, including Kraken, Circle, Stellar and Coinbase.