British Virgin Islands Reports 10% Overall Increase in Captives

According to figures released by the British Virgin Islands (BVI) Financial Services Commission the territory posted 10 percent overall growth in its captive insurance business in 2005.

“Since the captive legislation was introduced in the BVI, a total of 543 captives have been formed in the domicile,” the bulletin notes; “of which 380 renewed or were issued licenses during 2005, solidifying the BVIs’ position as the third largest offshore center for captives in a year when many domiciles posted decreased volumes.” A total of 68 new captive licenses were issued during the year, with licenses for six new insurance managers.

Humphry Leue, COO of BVI’s International Finance Centre, commented: “2005 was another very good year for the BVI captives industry, especially in light of the fact that the pace of captive insurer formations slowed globally. The majority of offshore captive domiciles have reported a decrease in volumes, as did a number of European onshore domiciles. In contrast, the British Virgin Islands’ insurance sector can be proud of the fact that it has achieved the best reported growth amongst offshore domiciles; a significant feat and one we are very proud of!”

The bulletin notes that the U.S. “continues to be the region of origin of parent companies for most BVI-licensed captives. However, the jurisdiction has global appeal and captives originating from countries such as Switzerland, Guernsey, Taiwan, the Middle East and South America have also been formed in the BVI. The construction industry accounts for the most BVI captive licenses, with 21 percent of the sector. Finance/insurance (18 percent), Real Estate (16 percent) and Healthcare (16 percent) are the other major industries represented.”

It also indicates that “Segregated Portfolio Companies (SPC’s) continue to gain momentum in the Territory, sparked by the introduction of SPC Regulations at the end of 2005 and expanded SPC provisions in BVI’s enhanced Business Companies law regime.”

Simon Owen, Chairman of the BVI Association of Insurance Managers, added: “Posting 10 percent net growth rate is an impressive achievement for any business sector, particularly when considering the challenges the global insurance industry faced in 2005. The BVI has long been established as a leading captive domicile, primarily attracting small and medium-sized single-parent captives. Whilst this area remains an integral part of our business model, we are now reaping the benefits of an enhanced regulatory environment and have seen a considerable increase in the number of high-premium volume formations in the BVI. Our diversity continues to be a key factor of our success.”

Topics Legislation