Inspire is helping a China-based insurance-tech group to establish a new-life insurance company in Bermuda. We are seeking a founding CEO who will be solely responsible for leading the entire venture from ground-zero through to successful licensing and commercial launch. This is a hands-on, builder role requiring a unique blend of deep regulatory expertise, strategic vision, and operational execution skills.
The ideal candidate must have a proven, verifiable track record of successfully securing a full (re)insurance license for Long-Term business from the Bermuda Monetary Authority (BMA) and building the subsequent operational infrastructure.
**This role requires you to be based in Bermuda**
Key Responsibilities
Phase 1: Pre-Licensing & Corporate Establishment (Months 0-12+)
- Lead the entire BMA license application process as the primary point of contact and responsible officer. This includes the preparation and submission of all required documents (Business Plan, Capital Model, P&P, etc.) in strict adherence to the BMA's Supervisory Principles (SPMs).
- Structure the company's capital solution and oversee the initial capitalization process.
- Establish the Bermuda legal entity, and design the corporate governance framework (Board, committees).
- Build trusted relationships with key local stakeholders, including the BMA, legal counsel, auditors, and corporate service providers.
Phase 2: Post-Licensing Build-Out & Commercial Launch
- Develop and articulate the company's long-term vision, product strategy (e.g., High-Net-Worth Life, Annuities, etc.]), and market positioning.
- Recruit, hire, and lead the founding team across all critical functions: Actuarial, Underwriting, Finance, Risk, Compliance, and Operations.
- Oversee the selection and implementation of all core operational systems (policy administration, claims, etc.).
- Establish a robust risk management and compliance culture that meets the highest standards of the Bermuda regulatory environment.
- Develop and manage the annual budget, ensuring financial discipline and sustainability from inception.
Ongoing: Strategic Leadership & Stakeholder Management
- Serve as the primary liaison between the Board and the company's operations, providing transparent and regular reporting on progress, risks, and performance.
- Act as the external face of the company to investors, reinsurance partners, and potential distribution channels (e.g., private banks, family offices).
- Foster a high-performance, collaborative, and ethical work culture.
Qualifications & Experience (Mandatory)
- Non-Negotiable Experience: A minimum of 15+ years of progressive experience in the life insurance industry, including direct, hands-on experience in successfully leading the application for and obtaining a full insurance license from the Bermuda Monetary Authority (BMA) for a new or growing entity.
- Leadership Profile: Proven experience as a founder, founding CEO, or a similar C-level builder role (e.g., COO, CFO) with P&L responsibility, demonstrating the ability to build a company or significant business unit from the ground up.
- Regulatory Expertise: Deep, authoritative understanding of Bermuda's insurance regulatory framework (SPMs) and a established professional relationship with the BMA.
- Strategic & Financial Acumen: Exceptional strategic planning and financial management skills, including expertise in capital modeling, investment strategy, and building realistic business plans for a start-up insurer.
- Bilingual Proficiency: Fluency (verbal and written) in both Mandarin Chinese and English is mandatory to effectively liaise with the parent company and Bermuda regulators/partners.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in the specific target market(s) for the company, such as High-Net-Worth life insurance, annuities, or cross-border business.
- An advanced degree (e.g., MBA) or professional designation (e.g., FIA, ASA, CFA).