FORTY Under 40: Minesh Ranchod

Minesh Ranchod, audit director, KPMG.

Ranchod, at KPMG in Bermuda, has spent more than a decade specialising exclusively in the reinsurance and captive insurance sector. During his time with the firm, he has led audit engagements across a wide range of Bermuda’s reinsurance and captive structures, giving him deep insight into the dynamics, regulatory expectations and evolving risk landscape of the island’s market.

Originally from Zimbabwe, Ranchod completed his studies and professional training in South Africa before relocating to Bermuda in 2013. He is proud to contribute to the growth of Bermuda’s reinsurance and captive sectors through industry engagement, collaboration with market stakeholders and a commitment to supporting clients as they navigate an increasingly complex environment. He remains passionate about the island’s role as a global reinsurance leader and the opportunity to help strengthen and elevate its story.

Looking back at your journey over the past year, what accomplishment are you most proud of, and how has becoming a FORTY Under 40 finalist influenced your perspective on that achievement?

I’m most proud of increasing my contribution to the market at an industry level – through engagement with the regulator, collaborating with the Bermuda Captive Network and supporting the Bermuda Captive Conference. This was reinforced by a greater focus on wellbeing (a reminder that small habits matter) and the support of my team (and a lot of coffee!). Looking after your own wellbeing allows you to show up more fully for your team – the same principle as the familiar ‘oxygen mask’ reminder.

Becoming a finalist has reminded me that I not only have the ability, but also the responsibility, to nurture our people, elevate our market and contribute meaningfully to Bermuda’s continued success.

What key challenge did you face in your work this year? How did you overcome it and what did it teach you about leadership at this stage of your career?

My biggest challenge was managing several team changes while protecting our bandwidth and morale. I navigated this by leaning into the qualities that define me and treating kindness as a daily operating principle. It reinforced that leadership is ultimately about tone, trust and steady execution.

In what ways have you tried to push innovation or rethink traditional approaches within your sector, and what impact has that had on your team or organisation?

Many colleagues will recall the sign that once sat on my desk: “The most dangerous phrase in the language is ‘We’ve always done it this way.’” I actively encourage disciplined, purpose-driven testing and thoughtful use of our technology tools. My focus is on integrating technology where it genuinely adds value, while deliberately avoiding over-engineering. This approach allows us to concentrate on what truly matters, and creates space for our junior staff to deepen their industry knowledge and professional judgment, rather than being consumed by tasks that can be effectively supported through technology.

“My focus is on integrating technology where it genuinely adds value, while deliberately avoiding over-engineering.” 

How do you see your role evolving over the next three to five years, and what initiatives are you most excited to pursue as you continue to grow professionally?

I see my role expanding as our practice adapts to evolving technology and changing expectations of the Bermuda captive and wider reinsurance market.

I’m excited about how technology will enhance the way we work – particularly the integration of audit technology and emerging agentic AI capabilities into the way we deliver external audits. These tools will fundamentally change how we gather evidence, identify risk and deliver insights – and I see myself helping shape how our teams use them responsibly and effectively as the profession evolves. 

I’m particularly interested in new structures emerging in the Bermuda market and in helping clients consider how their captives can complement a changing market cycle. I look forward to continuing to support both our clients and the industry.

Many of the FORTY Under 40 winners are recognised for both business success and broader impact – how do you balance professional excellence with contributions to your community or industry landscape?

While delivering excellence in my day-to-day role is essential, leaders must make time to contribute to our community and industry. Striking that balance can be challenging, but if you want to get involved or take initiative, the first step is simply putting your hand up and asking. 

I’ve been fortunate to receive unwavering support from KPMG throughout my career in Bermuda – something I’m deeply grateful for – and that support has enabled me to contribute beyond my core responsibilities. Bermuda teaches powerful lessons about balance, consistency and showing up for one another. Our size proves that greatness is a community effort.

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