The Premier and Minister of Finance, the Hon. David Burt, JP, MP, is travelling to Riyadh to participate in the 9th Future Investment Initiative (FII9), one of the world’s leading gatherings of policymakers, investors, and innovators shaping the future of global growth.
FII9 brings together pioneering leaders from government, finance, and technology to explore how visionary investment can advance sustainable development and economic transformation.
Premier Burt will serve as Co-Chair of the Heads of State roundtable, “What’s the True Cost of Economic Security?”, a high-level, secure session discussion among world leaders on how to balance growth, stability, and inclusion in an increasingly complex global environment.
The Premier’s Co-Chairs include H.E. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, President of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana; H.E. Paul Kagame, President of the Republic of Rwanda; and, H.E. Gustavo Petro, President of the Republic of Colombia. The session will be facilitated by H.E. Matteo Renzi, Senator of the Italian Republic and former Prime Minister of Italy.
In Riyadh, the Premier will also participate in an invitation-only discussion on financial innovation examining the evolution of digital finance, including stablecoins, central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), and cross-border payments.
The forum will be chaired by H.E. Milojko Spajić, Prime Minister of Montenegro; Jeremy Allaire, Co-Founder, CEO & Chairman, Circle; and, Dr. Merit E. Janow, Chair, Board of Directors, Mastercard, Dean Emerita & Professor, Columbia University.
The objective is to bring together leaders in the digital-finance sector including payments, banking, and technology to discuss practical pathways for innovation consistent with sound regulation and international standards.
In addition, the Premier will Co-Chair a dialogue on the blue economy, “Can a Living Ocean Be an Investable Opportunity?”, alongside Dr. Ralph Chami, Co-Founder & CEO of Blue Green Future and Chief Economist of WAVE, an initiative founded by Her Royal Highness Princess Reema bint Bandar Al Saud, Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to the United States. The discussion will focus on investment in blue natural capital, such as seagrass, mangroves, coral, and kelp, and how these ecosystems can form the foundation for credible, investable projects that advance climate resilience and sustainable economic growth.
Premier Burt said, “I am honoured to be invited to attend the Future Investment Initiative. FII9 offers Bermuda a unique opportunity to engage directly with global leaders shaping the direction of capital and innovation. Our participation reaffirms Bermuda’s commitment to shaping the global dialogue on responsible innovation and sound governance, reinforcing our position as a trusted partner for high-quality, forward-looking investment.
“FII9 is a leading platform for practical dialogue between government, business, and academia on the future of investment and innovation.
Bermuda’s participation reflects our global market leadership in risk and (re)insurance, our early and comprehensive approach to digital-asset regulation, and commitment to marine conservation and climate-resilient finance.”
The Premier concluded, “Engaging with peers at FII9 heightens Bermuda’s visibility with global investors and policymakers, supports the Island’s economic diversification objectives, and reinforces our reputation as a trusted, well-regulated international financial centre that combines innovation with high standards.”