In response to the publication of the LMA’s report Lead and Follow in the Lloyd’s and London Market: Beyond the Binary
Matthew Yeldham, Chief Underwriting Officer, AEGIS London, said:
“The LMA’s report is a timely contribution to an important debate about how underwriting in the Lloyd’s and London market is evolving.
“The London Market’s standing as a global centre for insuring complex risk depends on its ability to combine underwriting excellence with thoughtful innovation. For leading syndicates, the responsibility is to continue setting the standard for true lead underwriting, while embracing new ways of trading that support – rather than dilute – that expertise. Getting the balance right will be critical to the market’s success over the next decade.
“Being a lead underwriter is not simply about position on the slip; it demands deep engagement, a clear understanding of the client’s business and objectives, and the ability to apply expertise and judgement to complex risks. That depth of insight and leadership is what leading Lloyd’s syndicates are renowned for and preserving that standard is critical to London’s continued global relevance.
“At the same time, we cannot ignore that the market is evolving. Risk is increasingly accessed through a broader mix of lead, follow and digital channels, and the challenge for market participants is to meet the changing needs of the market while remaining true to their deep underwriting expertise.”
Tom Squires, Head of Distribution and Digital Trading, AEGIS London, added:
“As distribution models evolve, the follow market is becoming more sophisticated and more digitally enabled. For the market as a whole, this creates an opportunity to deploy capacity more efficiently, provided it is done in a way that remains anchored to underwriting discipline.
“At AEGIS London, we see this as a question of proportionate balance: maintaining underwriting-led leadership in complex classes, while investing in scalable, technology-enabled routes to market such as our Portfolio Solutions team, the OPAL quote-and-bind platform and digital follow initiatives. These developments reflect how the market is changing and how it can continue to serve brokers and clients effectively.”
ENDS/
Media contact:
Adam Holden, Omnia Partners
07917 000028
Adam.holden@weareomniapartners.com
Bijal Tanna, Omnia Partners
07772 877364
Bijal.tanna@weareomniapartners.com
Notes to Editors
About AEGIS London:
AEGIS London operates Lloyd’s Syndicate 1225 and comprises the UK-based subsidiaries of AEGIS (Associated Electric & Gas Insurance Services Limited), a mutual insurance company that serves the needs of the North American energy industry. From its origins in 1999, AEGIS London has become a top quartile diversified Lloyd’s Syndicate, leading and participating in a wide range of business classes with a talented team of over 230 people.