The signing of tax information exchange agreements and meeting Solvency II equivalence were the main topics of debate at Business Bermuda's annual Bermuda Financial Services Reception held in Singapore last week.

The meeting, which was hosted at the Asian Civilizations Museum, saw Cheryl Packwood, CEO of Business Bermuda, address more than 100 lawyers, accountants and financial services executives, including Ambassador Dato' N Parameswaran of Malaysia, on international business developments on the Island and the significant progress Bermuda has made in signing tax information exchange agreements, establishing regulatory leadership, addressing Solvency II and developing a new range of financial products and services.

"We are excited to return to Singapore in 2010 having weathered the economic storm in 2009 and taken a number of steps to enhance our leadership position in international business," said Ms Packwood.

"Singapore is a dynamic and interesting place for global business that in many ways reminds me of Bermuda. We are seeing real signs of interest and activity in Singapore that provide opportunities for Bermuda to expand its presence here and drive business growth back at home.

"Many Malaysian and Indian business executives were present and keenly focused on doing business in Bermuda. There are three new Malaysian companies that have recently registered in Bermuda with many more beginning their efforts. There is no doubt that our relationships are growing here and that Bermuda is recognised as being well-regulated, economically stable and ready for business."

The event was organised by SJ Ventures, a Singapore-based firm, with assistance from Apex Fund Services, a Bermuda-based company with an office in Singapore, and had the support of seven lawyers, including Janice Oh from the Singapore office of Conyers Dill & Pearman, and several lawyers from the Singapore office of Appleby Global led by Jeffrey Kirk.

Business Bermuda will be hosting its Annual Financial SerBusiness Bermuda will be hosting its Annual Financial Services Reception at the Mandarin Oriental in Hong Kong on Monday. Ms. Packwood, Frances Woo, managing partner at Appleby Global, and Piers Alexander, partner at Conyers Dill & Pearman, will be present to provide an insight on key sectors of Bermuda's international business economy.