Bermuda is the latest jurisdiction to update its regulation in response to the rising prominence of blockchain technology innovation and Initial Coin Offerings. 

The primary mission for the Bermuda Business Development Agency (BDA) for 2019 is clear: to welcome more international business to the island, following the implementation of new economic substance rules that will see a bolstered physical presence by companies across industry sectors.

Bermuda is embracing the blockchain revolution, and creating a robust and fit-for-purpose legal and regulatory framework governing initial coin and token offerings (ICOs) and digital asset businesses. 

Bermuda’s Insurance Linked Securities (ILS) marketplace has proven to be resilient over the years. The Bermuda Stock Exchange (BSX) has significantly outpaced other global markets and now lists more than 300 insurance linked securities, collectively representing USD30.92 billion, with international debt listings climbing 20 per cent in 2018 to 201 vehicles. 

Q&A with Greg Wojciechowski – President and Chief Executive Officer, Bermuda Stock Exchange…

On 17 December 2018, Bermuda formally introduced the Economic Substance Act 2018, the measures therein becoming applicable with effect from 1st January, 2019. Its genesis resulted from Bermuda being placed on the EU’s grey list of jurisdictions due to concerns over fair taxation (and other factors), and which led to the Code of Conduct Group (‘COCG’) declaring Bermuda a ‘Criterion 2.2’ jurisdiction, along with other jurisdictions including the Cayman Islands, British Virgin Islands, Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man.

By Matthew Ebbs Brewer, Sally Penrose & Alexis Haynes, Appleby Global – As interest continues to be shown to the growing digital asset industry, attention is being given to the concept of tokenising investments in mutual funds. In 2018, Bermuda implemented a specific legislative regime to regulate activities involving digital assets and has well-established investment funds legislation. This article considers how these two frameworks can work together so that those looking to launch regulated fund products involving digital assets are able to do so from Bermuda.

Commitments to Private Equity (PE) are breaking records, as investors seek better returns. At a time when the global hedge funds industry has seen record recent net outflows, some of hedge funds managers, who are riding this new wave, are choosing to launch hybrid PE-style funds, to tap into investor demand. 

Bermuda has a long history of commitment to upholding compliance with international best practices, while understanding and recognising the need for continuous improvement and management of the various stakeholders of the jurisdiction.