Airmic Guernsey opens with strong message on risk and captives
The 2025 Airmic Guernsey one-day conference has opened with a warm welcome from Julia Graham (pictured), chief executive of Airmic, who expressed delight at seeing the event return for its second year with a full house.
Addressing her capacity audience, Graham noted that demand for places had been so strong that registrations had to close ten days early – a marked difference from the slower uptake of the inaugural conference. Delegates included risk managers, captive owners, board members, insurers, consultants and managers travelling from both Guernsey and international markets.
Reflecting on the uncertain global environment, Graham drew attention to the Economist Intelligence Unit’s World Uncertainty Index, which she said is currently “literally off the scale”. She warned that the protection gap is widening as risks become more complex and interconnected. This, she argued, reinforces not only the importance of captive insurance but also Guernsey’s position as more than just a hub for captives, underlining its broader role as a respected international business and insurance centre.
Graham, who has served as a director on Guernsey-domiciled captives for more than two decades, emphasised her personal and professional connection with the island. She recalled her long association with its insurance community, noting past collaborations with figures such as Sir Peter Walpole, Paul Eaton and Mark Owen.
Looking ahead, she anticipated lively discussion about the UK’s recent decision to establish its own captive insurance domicile. She stressed that this development should not be seen as a threat to Guernsey but rather as a reflection of the growing mainstream role of captives in strategic risk management. “It is about choice and increasing demand,” she explained, insisting that Guernsey remains central to AIRMIC’s work. Indeed, AIRMIC was among the first organisations to publicly reaffirm its loyalty to Guernsey following the UK announcement.
In closing, Graham praised Guernsey’s trusted global reputation, highlighting the depth of talent and governance that underpin its insurance sector. She urged delegates to take advantage of the day’s programme of panels, speakers and breakout sessions exploring emerging risks and hot topics, wishing all attendees a productive and enjoyable conference.
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