Industry veteran Laura Hay shared insights on global trends in insurance and reinsurance, as well as risk-taking strategies for women to expand their leadership opportunities in the financial services industry, at the most recent education event hosted by the Bermuda branch of the 100 Women in Finance organisation.

Ms Hay, KPMG’s global head of insurance, discussed the industry’s shift towards digitalisation, stressing the need for companies to digitise in order to keep up with online insurers. She described the importance of collecting and utilising data through insurtechs and blockchain solutions to improve business agility.

Shifting to her own career successes, Ms Hay talked about her passion for helping to develop and promote women in financial services for leadership roles, through her new blog series, Mind the Gap.

Designed to inspire women through sharing stories, the series features global women pioneers in finance and insurance who discuss career progression, professional failures and successes, and why women should embrace taking risks to ensure professional growth.

Alison Morrison, chairwoman of 100 Women in Finance in Bermuda, said: “We were delighted to have the opportunity to hear Laura speak on her personal journey and finding her passion and purpose, which resonated with members of the audience.

“She provided great insight and tips that everyone could utilise at any stage of their career and with a broad cross section of women from the financial services industry. This was valuable advice to receive.”

The event was hosted by KPMG, a leadership council member of 100 Women in Finance, and moderated by Julie McDonald, senior manager at KPMG in Bermuda. Members from WiRE (Women in Reinsurance) were also invited to attend the session.

The Bermuda branch of 100 Women in Finance has a broad base of members from all financial service industries on the island. Education, peer leverage and philanthropy are the key pillars of the organisation, which holds events throughout the year.

The group’s next education event will be held May 30 beginning at 5.15pm at Ascot’s restaurant on Rosemont Avenue in Pembroke. The session will feature a fireside chat with Erinn King, formerly a professional ballerina and now managing principal of Payden & Rygel, one of the largest privately-owned investment managers in the United States. Ms King is also chairwoman of the board of directors of the CFA Society, Boston. The discussion will be moderated by Allison Pedro, director of financial reporting at Fortitude Re.

The annual fundraising gala for 100 Women in Finance will be on June 22 at waterfront estate Sandymount, a stately private home on 2.5 acres in Bailey’s Bay with structural origins dating back to the 1600s. “Bermuda Summer Sunset” starts at 6.15pm, with funds raised going to benefit The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Bermuda. Corporate sponsorship opportunities and limited tickets are available.

• To register your attendance for either of these events, visit https://100women.org/location/bermuda/