The Government Ministers travel webpage has been updated, providing information on four trips taken by Premier David Burt — two last year in August and September, and two this year in March and April.
SALT/Kracken Wyoming Blockchain Symposium 2024 – Wyoming, USA
The trip duration was listed as from August 18, 2024 – August 23, 2024, and the web page listing said, “The Premier and Minister of Finance, the Hon. E. David Burt, JP. MP., accompanied by a Government official, travelled to Jackson Hole, Wyoming to participate in the SALT/Kracken Blockchain Symposium. The Premier was invited to the event by the CEO of SALT.
“The Blockchain Symposium commenced on 18th – 23rd August, 2024, and was launched through a partnership between SALT, a global investment platform, and Kracken, a leading cryptocurrency exchange, and the University of Wyoming Centre for Blockchain and Digital Innovation. The Premier departed Bermuda on 19th August, 2024, after postponing his travel to support recovery coordination following Hurricane Ernesto.
“This invitation-only event brought together 250 leading policymakers, investors, entrepreneurs and innovators in the digital asset industry. Discussion focused on forward-thinking digital assets regulations, a more decentralized global financial system; and a greater understanding and adoption of blockchain infrastructure.
“On day three [3] of the symposium, Premier Burt participated in a featured discussion entitled ‘Digital Assets in Bermuda: A Conversation with Premier David Burt’, during which he shared insights into Bermuda’s progressive approach to digital finance regulation.
“The Premier also participated in a number of meetings with industry leaders and lawmakers, including United States Senators Cynthia Lummis of Wyoming, and Time Scott of South Carolina.”
The trip duration was listed as from September 3, 2024 – September 11, 2024, and the web page listing said, “The Premier and Minister of Finance, the Hon. E. David Burt, JP. MP., led a Bermuda delegation to the United Kingdom, Belgium, France, and Ireland during the period 3rd to 11th September, 2024, for a series of high-level meetings and events to strengthen relationships, and to advance Bermuda’s interests as a leading international business jurisdiction.
“In London, the Premier and delegation met City of London leadership, engaged with Lloyd’s of London representatives, and attended a senior-level event hosted by the UK Foreign Secretary, and the Commonwealth Secretary-General, underscoring Bermuda’s role in global [re]insurance and climate finance.
“In Brussels, meetings focused on regulatory cooperation and tax policy. The Premier and delegation held meetings with officials from the European Commission, including DG FISMSA and DG TAXUD, the EU Council’s Code of Conduct Group, and the UK Mission to the EU. The Premier also participated in ABIR’s Annual International Insurance Regulatory Dialogue, including a ‘seaside chat’ with industry leader Stephen Catlin. The Premier also co-hosted the the opening reception, which marked the fifth anniversary of the Government of Bermuda’s Office in Brussels.
“In Paris, meetings with OECD tax officials addressed the implementation of Bermuda’s Corporate Income Tax [CIT] Regime for qualifying multinational groups effective 1st January, 2025. The Premier also met with AXA’s global leadership to discuss the Bermuda market, and continued partnership. While in Paris, the Premier also attended the closing ceremony of the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games to support Bermuda’s paralympians.
“In Dublin, the Premier and delegation met with Insurance Ireland to deepen collaboration between the Irish and Bermudian insurance sectors. A meetings was also held with representatives from Ireland’s Ministry of Finance, including Emma Cunningham, Director-General for European and International Affairs, and senior officials on climate, tax, insurance and European relations. The Premier then presented the Ireland Ministry of Finance with a Bermuda cedar tray in appreciation of the ongoing partnership between our two jurisdictions.
“The Premier paid a courtesy call on the Lord Mayor of Dublin at Mansion House to discuss the ongoing work in Dublin regarding open data, housing and regeneration.
“The visit reinforced Bermuda’s reputation as a trusted, well-regulated financial centre, advanced regulator-to-regulator engagement with EU institutions, and strengthened relationships with key industry partners and European stakeholders.”
The trip duration was listed as from March 25, 2025 – March 27, 2025, and the web page listing said, “The Premier and Minister of Finance, the Hon. E. David Burt, JP. MP., led a Bermuda delegation to Washington, DC., during the period 25th – 27th March, 2025, to meet with US Government representatives, and to participate in the DC Blockchain Summit 2025. The Premier and Minister of Finance was joined by the Minister of Economy and Labour, the Hon. Jason Hayward, JP. MP.
“Whilst in Washington, the Premier and Minister Hayward met with members of Congress to discuss financial innovation, international cooperation, and regional affairs, including Rep. Bryan Steil [Chair of the House Financial Services sub-committee on Digital Assets]; Rep. Joaquin Castro [House Foreign Affairs]; Rep. Zach Nunn and Young Kim [House Financial Services], and Rep. Gabe Amo [House Foreign Affairs]. These meetings were arranged by Mr. Darrell Thompson of the Group, in collaboration with the Government of Bermuda’s overseas representative and Washington D.C. Office Director, Anthony Howell.
“At the Summit, the Premier participated in a fireside chat on ‘Blockchain & Bermuda’ with journalist Eleanor Terrett, host of the Crypto American podcast, highlighting Bermuda’s regulatory leadership in digital finance, and its success attracting major industry participants such as Coinbase, Circle, and Kraken.
“The delegation also met with US officials attending the Summit, including Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon, Sen. Tim Scott [Chair of the Senate Banking Committee]; Rep. French Hill [Chair of the House Financial Services Committee]; and Rep. Warren Davidson [Chair of the House Financial Services Sub-committee on National Security, Illicit Finance, and International Financial Institutions.
“The Premier returned to Bermuda on Thursday, 27th March, 2025.”
The trip duration was listed as from April 7, 2025 – April 15, 2025, and the web page listing said, “The Premier and Minister of Finance, the Hon. E. David Burt, JP. MP., led a Bermuda delegation to Warsaw, Poland and the United Kingdom during the period 7th – 15th April, 2025, to attend a Eurofi Financial Forum [9th – 11th April, 2025], and to participate in official meetings with European counterparts. The delegation included Chidozie Ofoego, Financial Secretary, Kenneth Joaquin, Registrar of Companies, Aliyyah Ahad, Senior Advisor, European Affairs & Policy, and representatives of the Bermuda Monetary Authority.
“In Poland, the Premier and delegation advanced Bermuda’s regulatory relationships through engagements with IAIS leadership, the Polish Ministry of Finance, and EU Commissioner, Maria Luis Albuquerque, reinforcing Bermuda’s standing in insurance supervision and anti-money laundering standards, and opening channels for continued regulator to regulator cooperation.
“The Premier also met in Poland with Paschal Donohoe, Ireland’s Minister of Finance. Both sides recognized the value of deeper cooperation and building on technical collaboration between the Bermuda Monetary Authority and the Central Bank of Ireland, particularly across insurance and digital finance. The Premier’s visit to Europe concluded in London, UK, with meetings with high-level UK stakeholders.”
