Created: June 11, 2025 05:42 PM (Updated: June 11, 2025 08:53 PM)
Launch of the KPMG Captive Scholarship
This week, the Bermuda Captive Conference saw a significant milestone in the local captive insurance sector with the unveiling of a pioneering internship and scholarship initiative worth $30,000. This program aims to cultivate homegrown talent in Bermuda’s insurance landscape.
Introduction of Scholarship Recipients
During the conference, a partner from KPMG Bermuda introduced the inaugural beneficiaries of the KPMG Captive Scholarship—Kiara Burcher and Taj Lowery. The program was designed to not only support students financially but also provide essential mentorship and growth opportunities within the industry.
A Vision for the Future
The partner emphasized that this scholarship serves as a “launch pad” for students, focusing on mentorship, growth, and leadership in the captive insurance domain. Collaborating with the Bermuda Captive Network, the initiative seeks to foster interest and develop the potential of Bermudian youth.
“With this scholarship, we aspire to ignite interest, unlock potential, and empower the next generation of Bermudians to excel in the captive insurance industry,” the partner stated. “Our commitment is to create a steady flow of enthusiastic, locally developed talent that will shape the future of this vital sector.”
Internship Structure and Experiences
The KPMG Captive Scholarship offers a comprehensive rotational internship covering various aspects of the company, including audit, tax, and advisory services. Moreover, recipients will gain firsthand experience through a secondment with a Bermuda-based captive insurer, allowing them to delve into real-world applications of underwriting, claims management, compliance, and finance.
Competitive Selection Process
The scholarship drew considerable interest, with a total of seventy-four Bermudian students applying. Due to the high caliber of candidates, the selection process proved challenging. The partner remarked, “There wasn’t just one standout applicant; we saw several impressive submissions.” This led to the decision to award the scholarship to two deserving students in its inaugural year.
Profile of the Recipients
Kiara Burcher is currently pursuing her studies in mathematics at the University of Western Ontario, where she is also preparing for her actuarial exams. Meanwhile, Taj Lowery is studying enterprise regulations with a minor in business administration and international studies at St John’s University. Both students exemplify the commitment to academic excellence that the scholarship aims to support.
Future of the Scholarship Program
Looking ahead, the partner expressed optimism about the program’s sustainability and growth, indicating plans to continue the scholarship in the upcoming year. The goal is to broaden opportunities for young Bermudians aspiring to forge careers in the international business arena, particularly within the captive insurance sector.
Significance of the Initiative
The establishment of the KPMG Captive Scholarship program not only signifies a commitment to local talent development but also highlights the growing importance of the captive insurance industry in Bermuda’s economy. As this industry continues to evolve, investments in education and mentorship will be essential for ensuring a skilled workforce capable of meeting future challenges.
Conclusion
In summary, the KPMG Captive Scholarship is poised to make a lasting impact on the landscape of captive insurance in Bermuda. By fostering a new generation of professionals, the initiative aims to secure the industry’s future and empower Bermudians to take on pivotal roles in this vital sector. It reflects a forward-thinking approach to workforce development and represents a significant investment in the country’s youth.
