Livestream: Day 1 | Bermuda Digital Finance Forum 2026

Why It Matters

Bermuda’s regulatory clarity and on‑chain national economy initiative position it as a premier testbed for digital finance, attracting global fintech investment and reshaping how sovereign entities manage and distribute assets.

Key Takeaways

• Bermuda adopted digital asset business act in 2018, pioneering regulation.
• Government plans to let governor invest in digital assets officially.
• Stellar network chosen for Bermuda's on‑chain national economy rollout.
• Private‑sector stablecoins to enable digital Bermuda dollars for everyday use.
• Fintech Development Fund amended to accept crypto, supporting local startups.

Summary

The opening day of the Bermuda Digital Finance Forum 2026 highlighted the island’s aggressive push to become a global hub for regulated digital finance. Officials outlined a series of legislative milestones, from the 2018 Digital Asset Business Act to recent cabinet approvals allowing the governor to hold and invest in digital assets, and amending the Fintech Development Fund to accept crypto. Key insights included the creation of a government‑run digital asset account, a pilot with the Transport Control Department, and a clear policy framework designed to keep insurers, accountants and other legacy firms from migrating offshore. The partnership with Stellar Development Foundation was presented as the cornerstone of Bermuda’s on‑chain national economy, with Stellar’s tokenization, freeze, and claw‑back features tailored for institutional confidence. Stellar’s executive declared, “Bermuda’s national economy will move on‑chain on the Stellar network, making Stellar the network of choice for the world’s first fully on‑chain national economy,” and promised a live demo of digital wallets converting to fiat via partners like MoneyGram. Government representatives emphasized that private‑sector stablecoins, not a sovereign digital currency, will power everyday transactions, from wages to merchant payments. The announcements signal Bermuda’s intent to blend cutting‑edge blockchain technology with its reputation for rigorous regulation, aiming to attract fintech startups, lower transaction costs, and democratize access to sophisticated financial products for residents and global investors alike.

Original Description

SALT is partnering with Penrose Partners to host the 2nd annual Digital Finance Forum, with a focus on the future of digital asset management and financial applications of artificial intelligence. The invitation-only, 300-person event will feature leading asset allocators, asset managers, protocols and entrepreneurs in the crypto ecosystem.

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