[RE]CONNECT
CAYMAN ISLANDS 2025
Agenda
[RE]CONNECT
CAYMAN ISLANDS 2025
Agenda
Note that registration opens on Thursday for both days of the conference.
*The agenda is subject to change, please check back for updates.
Note that registration opens at 9am on Thursday for both days of the conference.
*The agenda is subject to change, please check back for updates.
Day 1 – Thursday, April 10
Location: Rembro Room, The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman
9:00am
Registration for Thursday and Friday is open all day
9:45am – 10:00am
Welcome Remarks
David C. Self, General Manager, CIRCA
10:00am -10:45am
Discover Cayman: Your Guide to Setting up a Reinsurer
Learn why reinsurance in Cayman is flourishing. Our panel of experts will discuss what makes Cayman such an attractive jurisdiction for establishing and operating a reinsurer including: (i) the business and regulatory environment, (ii) the key actuarial considerations on set up, (iii) how to successfully navigate the licensing process, (iv) the role of service providers and (v) AM Best’s considerations on Cayman.
Moderated by Jacob MacAdam, Partner, Appleby
Panelists:
Lloyd Balshaw, Director, Deloitte
Ahwaz Chagani, President & CEO, Oceanview Secure Reinsurance Ltd
Brad Mazur, Managing Director, AM Best
Britni Strong, Director, Strategic Risk Solutions
10:45am – 11:00am
11:00am – 11:45am
Discover Cayman: Your Guide to Island Living
Whether you’re relocating personally or expanding your business, this session provides a comprehensive guide to moving to Cayman. Gain expert insights into the local real estate market—both commercial and residential—along with essential information on work permits, residency requirements, and the professional support network and resources available to newcomers. Join us for the ultimate guide to making island life a reality.
Moderated by Steve McIntosh, CEO, Cayman Finance
Panelists:
Jennifer Ebanks, Senior Manager – Leasing, Dart
Adam Johnson, Partner, Appleby
Will Koutney, Finance Director & Head of Executive Search, CML Recruitment
11:45am – 12:00pm
Day 1 – Thursday, April 10
Location: Rembro Room, The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman
9:00am
Registration for Thursday and Friday is open all day
9:45am – 10:00am
Welcome Remarks
10:00am -10:45am
Discover Cayman: Your Guide to Setting up a Reinsurer
Learn why reinsurance in Cayman is flourishing. Our panel of experts will discuss what makes Cayman such an attractive jurisdiction for establishing and operating a reinsurer including: (i) the business and regulatory environment, (ii) the key actuarial considerations on set up, (iii) how to successfully navigate the licensing process, (iv) the role of service providers and (v) AM Best’s considerations on Cayman.
Moderated by Jacob MacAdam, Partner, Appleby
Panelists:
Lloyd Balshaw, Director, Deloitte
Ahwaz Chagani,, President & CEO, Oceanview Secure Reinsurance Ltd
Brad Mazur, Managing Director, AM Best
Britni Strong, Director, Strategic Risk Solutions
10:45am – 11:00am
11:00am – 11:45am
Discover Cayman: Your Guide to Island Living
Whether you’re relocating personally or expanding your business, this session provides a comprehensive guide to moving to Cayman. Gain expert insights into the local real estate market—both commercial and residential—along with essential information on work permits, residency requirements, and the professional support network and resources available to newcomers. Join us for the ultimate guide to making island life a reality.
Moderated by Steve McIntosh, CEO, Cayman Finance
Panelists:
Jennifer Ebanks, Senior Manager – Leasing, Dart
Adam Johnson, Partner, Appleby
Will Koutney, Finance Director & Head of Executive Search, CML Recruitment
11:45am – 12:00pm
Networking Events
2:00pm -4:00pm
Sponsored by Grant Thornton (Cayman) LLP
2:00pm -4:30pm
6:00pm – 8:00pm
Location: The Crescent, Camana Bay
Sponsored by Appleby
Networking Events
2:00pm -4:00pm
Sponsored by Grant Thornton (Cayman) LLP
2:00pm -4:30pm
6:00pm – 8:00pm
Location: The Crescent, Camana Bay
Sponsored by Appleby
Day 2 – Friday, April 11
Location: Royal Ballroom, The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman
8:00am
Registration Open
Breakfast sponsored by Knighthead Re
8:45am – 8:50am
Conference Opens
Opening Remarks
8:50am – 8:55am
Welcome Remarks
Greg Mitchell, Chair, CIRCA
8:55am – 9:05am
Remarks
Dr Dax Basdeo, Chief Officer, Ministry of Financial Services and Commerce
9:05am – 9:15am
Introductory Remarks
Steve McIntosh, CEO, Cayman Finance
9:15am-10:00am
MythBusters: Cayman Actuarial Edition
Recent news and headlines are ripe with pre-conceived notions about the Cayman Islands reinsurance operations, many of which fall under Actuarial purview. With an ode to the adage “Knowledge is Power”, experienced Cayman Actuaries and Industry professionals will aim to equip attendees with an understanding of the gap between perceptions and reality. Key topics include capital requirements, transparency, and rigorous Actuarial standards which underpin reinsurance company operations, risk management, and financials.
Moderated by Lesley Thompson, Managing Director, Captive & Insurance Management Solutions, WTW
Session sponsor: Oceanview Re
Panelists:
Rachel Funk, Appointed Actuary and Director Modeling and Risk Management, Aureum Re
Bill Sayre, Principal and Consultant, Milliman
Richard Strommer, Chief Actuary, Greenlight Re
Jeremy Trader, Chief Actuary, Knighthead Annuity & Life Assurance Company
10:00am -10:30am
10:30am – 11:30am
Bridging Borders: A Conversation with Onshore and Offshore Regulators
Join this high energy, highly interactive session as five insurance supervisory executives from CIMA and the US discuss the critical issues facing local supervisors of increasingly international businesses. Expect to hear topics such as : Consumer protection. Solvency. Access to products and services. Safe access to capital. Engage with these top-tier supervisors as they discuss how they address their local responsibilities and cooperate with one another.
Session sponsor: MacQuarie Asset Management
Moderated by Patrick Reeder, Chief Government Affairs Officer, Everlake Life
Panelists:
Kara Ebanks, Head – Insurance Supervision Division, CIMA
Nathan Houdek, Commissioner, Insurance Department, State of Wisconsin
Carter Lawrence, Commissioner, Commerce and Insurance Department, State of Tennessee
Glen Mulready, Commissioner, Insurance Department, State of Oklahoma
Jon Pike, Commissioner, Insurance Department, State of Utah
11:30am – 12:15pm
Adapting to Change: Macro Trends affecting the Reinsurance Landscape
Explore the shifting tides of the reinsurance industry, where macro forces and disruptions are driving transformation. Our panel of experts will discuss some of the most significant trends in asset allocation strategies, regulation, digital transformation, and the impact of climate events on property and casualty risks.
Session sponsor: Talcott Financial Group
Moderated by John Dykstra, Partner, Maples
Panelists:
Tanya Beattie, Director: Head of Actuarial and Internal Audit, Grant Thornton
Veronika Torarp, Partner, Global Insurance Risk & Resilience Leader, PwC
Mark Yu, Head of Enterprise Capital Strategy, NEAM
Tim Zawacki, Principal Research Analyst, S&P Global Market Intelligence
12:15pm – 1:30pm
1:30pm – 2:15pm
Riding the Sidecar: Navigating Capital Partnerships and Evolving Market Structures
Dive into the dynamic world of sidecars and discover why insurers are increasingly shifting liabilities offshore. Join our expert panelists as they unravel the latest trends, structuring options, and licensing pathways available in Cayman. Gain valuable insights into the challenges and considerations of establishing sidecars, and equip yourself with the knowledge to seize opportunities in this evolving market. Whether you’re a (re)insurer exploring sidecar opportunities or an investor keen on understanding the intricacies, this session is your gateway to understanding the sidecar landscape.
Session sponsor: Conyers
Moderated by Philippa Gilkes, Counsel, Conyers Dill & Pearman LLP
Panelists:
Elena Coyle, Partner, Skadden
Kieran Mehigan, Chair, Insurance Managers Association of Cayman
Steve Verhagen, Partner, EY
2:15pm – 3:00pm
Raising the Stakes: Capital Raising Strategies for Reinsurance
At this pivotal juncture, the reinsurance industry finds itself standing at a unique crossroad, confronted with both challenges and opportunities in capital raising. In this session, we aim to explore the current and upcoming trends as well as demystify strategies that are critical in assisting reinsurance promoters in securing capital. Industry experts and thought leaders will share their knowledge and experience providing you essential tools and insights needed to navigate the complexities of capital raising in the reinsurance sector.
Session sponsor: BDO
Moderated by Rudy D’Cunha, Global Head of Insurance Services, Apex Insurance Services (Cayman) Ltd
Panelists:
Chris Cozza, Managing Director, Piper Sandler & Co
Brad Drake, Partner, Paul Hastings LLP
Samir Shah, CEO, Ledger Investing, Inc.
3:00pm – 3:30pm
3:30pm – 4:15pm
Charting the Course: The Road Ahead for Cayman’s Reinsurance Industry
Explore the future of Cayman’s reinsurance industry in this forward-thinking session. Join us as we delve into the strategic goals necessary to guide Cayman’s reinsurance industry through its projected growth. Discover the key opportunities and challenges that will shape the future and learn how to position your organization for success in this dynamic landscape.
Moderated by Tony De Quintal, Partner, KPMG
Session sponsor: Truist Bank
Panelists:
Isaac Espinoza, CEO, Kettle
R Cameron Leitch, CEO, Hildene Re
Jeff Mulholland, CEO, RAS Company
Juliana Tang, Partner, Walkers
4:15pm – 5:00pm
Executive Vision: C-Suite Perspectives
Join us for an insightful and dynamic panel discussion featuring reinsurance executives from both P&C and L&A reinsurance companies who will share their valuable insights and explore key issues and trends shaping the industry.
Session sponsor: Greenlight Re
Moderated by David Weinsier, Global Life Practice Leader, Oliver Wyman
Panelists:
Adina Lupea, CEO, CIBC Cayman Reinsurance
Ed Massaro, CEO & CIO, Knighthead Insurance Group
Greg Richardson, CEO, Greenlight Re
Gokul Sudarsana, CIO, Life Insurance, Hudson Structured Capital Management
5:00pm – 5:10pm
Faramarz Romer, Group CFO, Greenlight Re; Vice Chair, CIRCA
5:10pm – 6:45pm
Day 2 – Friday, April 11
Location: Royal Ballroom, The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman
8:00am
Registration Open
Breakfast sponsored by Knighthead Re
8:45am – 8:50am
Conference Opens
Opening Remarks
8:50am – 8:55am
Welcome Remarks
Greg Mitchell, Chair, CIRCA
8:55am – 9:05am
Remarks
Dr Dax Basdeo, Chief Officer, Ministry of Financial Services and Commerce
9:05am – 9:15am
Introductory Remarks
Steve McIntosh, CEO, Cayman Finance
9:15am-10:00am
MythBusters: Cayman Actuarial Edition
Moderated by Lesley Thompson, Managing Director, Captive & Insurance Management Solutions, WTW
Session sponsor: Oceanview Re
Panelists:
Rachel Funk, Appointed Actuary and Director Modeling and Risk Management, Aureum Re
Bill Sayre, Principal and Consultant, Milliman
Richard Strommer, Chief Actuary, Greenlight Re
Jeremy Trader, Chief Actuary, Knighthead Annuity & Life Assurance Company
10:00am -10:30am
10:30am – 11:30am
Bridging Borders: A Conversation with Onshore and Offshore Regulators
Session sponsor: MacQuarie Asset Management
Moderated by Patrick Reeder, Chief Government Affairs Officer, Everlake Life
Panelists:
Kara Ebanks, Head – Insurance Supervision Division, CIMA
Nathan Houdek, Commissioner, Insurance Department, State of Wisconsin
Carter Lawrence, Commissioner, Commerce and Insurance Department, State of Tennessee
Glen Mulready, Commissioner, Insurance Department, State of Oklahoma
Jon Pike, Commissioner, Insurance Department, State of Utah
11:30am – 12:15pm
Adapting to Change: Macro Trends affecting the Reinsurance Landscape
Session sponsor: Talcott Financial Group
Moderated by John Dykstra, Partner, Maples
Panelists:
Tanya Beattie, Director: Head of Actuarial and Internal Audit, Grant Thornton
Veronika Torarp, Partner, Global Insurance Risk & Resilience Leader, PwC
Mark Yu, Head of Enterprise Capital Strategy, NEAM
Tim Zawacki, Principal Research Analyst, S&P Global Market Intelligence
12:15pm – 1:30pm
1:30pm – 2:15pm
Riding the Sidecar: Navigating Capital Partnerships and Evolving Market Structures
Session sponsor: Conyers
Moderated by Philippa Gilkes, Counsel, Conyers Dill & Pearman LLP
Panelists:
Elena Coyle, Partner, Skadden
Kieran Mehigan, Chair, Insurance Managers Association of Cayman (IMAC)
Steve Verhagen, Partner, EY
2:15pm – 3:00pm
Raising the Stakes: Capital Raising Strategies for Reinsurance
At this pivotal juncture, the reinsurance industry finds itself standing at a unique crossroad, confronted with both challenges and opportunities in capital raising. In this session, we aim to explore the current and upcoming trends as well as demystify strategies that are critical in assisting reinsurance promoters in securing capital. Industry experts and thought leaders will share their knowledge and experience providing you essential tools and insights needed to navigate the complexities of capital raising in the reinsurance sector.
Session sponsor: BDO
Moderated by Rudy D’Cunha, Global Head of Insurance Services, Apex Insurance Services (Cayman) Ltd
Panelists:
Chris Cozza, Managing Director, Piper Sandler & Co
Brad Drake, Partner, Paul Hastings LLP
Samir Shah, CEO, Ledger Investing, Inc.
3:00pm – 3:30pm
3:30pm – 4:15pm
Charting the Course: The Road Ahead for Cayman’s Reinsurance Industry
Explore the future of Cayman’s reinsurance industry in this forward-thinking session. Join us as we delve into the strategic goals necessary to guide Cayman’s reinsurance industry through its projected growth. Discover the key opportunities and challenges that will shape the future and learn how to position your organization for success in this dynamic landscape.
Moderated by Tony De Quintal, Partner, KPMG
Session sponsor: Truist Bank
Panelists:
Isaac Espinoza, CEO, Kettle
R Cameron Leitch, CEO, Hildene Re
Jeff Mulholland, CEO, RAS Company
Juliana Tang, Partner, Walkers
4:15pm – 5:00pm
Executive Vision: C-Suite Perspectives
Join us for an insightful and dynamic panel discussion featuring reinsurance executives from both P&C and L&A reinsurance companies who will share their valuable insights and explore key issues and trends shaping the industry.
Session sponsor: Greenlight Re
Moderated by David Weinsier, Global Life Practice Leader, Oliver Wyman
Panelists:
Adina Lupea, CEO, CIBC Cayman Reinsurance
Ed Massaro, CEO & CIO, Knighthead Insurance Group
Greg Richardson, CEO, Greenlight Re
Gokul Sudarsana, CIO, Life Insurance, Hudson Structured Capital Management
5:00pm – 5:10pm
5:10pm – 6:45pm