KPMG opens door for new generation of Bermudian captive insurance leaders

KPMG announced the first-ever recipients of its newly launched captive insurance scholarship programme at the 2025 Bermuda Captive Conference. 

The scholarship, developed in collaboration with the Bermuda Captive Network, aims to empower Bermudian talent and build a long-term pipeline of local professionals within the captive insurance industry. Bron Turner, a partner at KPMG in Bermuda who has helped lead the initiative, told the conference audience how the scholarship would benefit Bermuda’s long-standing captive industry.

“This scholarship was launched with a bold vision, to ignite interest, unlock potential and empower the next generation of Bermudians to thrive in the captive insurance industry,” he said. “It’s not just a monetary award, it’s a launch pad — a platform for mentorship, growth and leadership.”

The recipients of the inaugural scholarships are Kiara Burcher and Taj Lowery. 

Burcher is a graduate of the University of Western Ontario with a degree in Mathematics and Computer Science, an MDA in Data Analytics, and is currently progressing through her actuarial exams. Lowery holds a degree from St John’s University, where he majored in Enterprise Regulations and minored in Business Administration and International Studies.

The programme offers a hands-on rotational experience through KPMG’s audit, tax, and advisory services. 

“In advisory they’ll dive into captive feasibility studies and strategic reviews, working closely with our actuarial team on loss reserve studies and opinions,” Turner explained. “In tax they’ll explore what a 953(d) company is, learn how to calculate tax provisions, manage filing requirements and navigate the complexities of the Bermuda Corporate Income Tax and Pillar II.”

Participants will also gain in-depth audit experience with a wide range of captive insurance companies, and will be seconded into a Bermuda-domiciled captive insurance company. 

“There they’ll rotate through underwriting, claims, compliance, legal, operations and financing, gaining unmatched exposure to the inner workings of a sophisticated captive,” Turner added.

KPMG received 74 applications for the programme, which Turner said was a strong indicator of young Bermudians’ interest in the industry. 

“As we reviewed the candidates, one thing became clear – there wasn’t just one stand-out, there were several,” Turner noted. “After a rigorous three-stage selection process we were blown away by the calibre of the finalists. So much so that we made a unanimous decision. In this inaugural year we are awarding two scholarships.”

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