MIAMI BEACH – The Bermuda International Business Association today announced that a delegation of Bermuda international business executives are in attendance at the GAIM USA 2009 Conference in Miami Beach, Florida from January 25 through January 28.
Bermuda’s delegation is led by Cheryl Packwood, Chief Executive Officer of BIBA and includes Greg Wojciehowski, Chief Executive Officer of the Bermuda Stock Exchange as well as Stephen Castree, Chief Executive Officer and Rod White, Group Manager of Equinoxe Alternative Investment Services and Philip Gee, Vice President of Dundee Leeds.
One of the leading events in the fund of hedge funds space, GAIM USA provides Bermuda and its business community with direct access to more than 500 of the leading advisors and fund managers in the market today. With critical decision makers from some of the most influential investment institutions in the world in attendance, the conference offers a unique opportunity to establish and continue to develop the key partnerships that have allowed Bermuda to grow and develop its financial services industry.
This year, the conference is focusing on the strategies being considered by investors in order to confront the enormous challenges they face in today’s global economy. Among other topics, panel sessions are addressing the global economic outlook for 2009, strategies for evaluating and mitigating risk in the current economic environment, and an evaluation of the investment opportunities that will be present in 2009.
Commenting on the conference, Ms. Packwood said, “There is no doubt that we are in the midst of one of the worst global economic downturns in recent memory. While the challenges the investment community faces are severe, Bermuda is well-positioned with access to capital and a business environment that continues to be far more efficient and affordable than the competition. By striving for innovation and excellence, we continue to make Bermuda an attractive alternative for funds to consider as their domicile of choice in this turbulent and chaotic environment. GAIM USA gives us the opportunity to continue to drive our message through our expert advocates to some of the leading players in the alternative investment space.”
Continued Ms. Packwood, “In our discussions with fund managers, lawyers and other advisors, they are telling us that Bermuda stands apart. Our sound reputation, innovative ideas, high-quality service providers and proven ability to work through complicated issues, unlike many other jurisdictions, is a clear differentiator and gives us a substantial competitive advantage.”
Mr. Wojciehowski added, “I am encouraged by the level of interest in Bermuda and the numbers of conference attendees who have capital, compelling ideas and are in search of business partners who can help them bring their funds, investment strategies and products to market. In this sense, Bermuda is really the only truly viable partner for them and so I am optimistic that Bermuda can grow its share of business.”
