StarStone To Begin Underwriting In Australia
StarStone, the global specialty insurer and subsidiary of Bermuda-based Enstar Group Limited, announced the creation of an underwriting capability in Australia. The new hub will operate alongside Enstar’s existing Australian operation, subject to regulatory approval.
StarStone Australia will be led by Robin Barham and will target specialty business emanating from Australia and New Zealand on behalf of Lloyd’s Syndicate 1301.
Through Syndicate 1301, StarStone offers a range of niche marine, property, casualty and specialty products for small and middle market to multinational accounts, and the new operation will provide direct access to those classes for brokers in the Australasian region.
Demian Smith, StarStone International’s CEO said: “The ability to offer our products locally in the Asia-Pacific region is key to our growth strategy. Our majority parent, Enstar, has had a presence in the Australasian market since 2008, and the opening of an underwriting operation signals our continued commitment to the region and to supporting Lloyd’s in pursuing its 2025 vision.
“Robin brings with him an impressive network of relationships, and has the business-building experience and technical expertise to help bolster StarStone’s capabilities in Australia.”
Barham joins StarStone with 28 years of insurance experience, both at Lloyd’s in London and with Catlin in Sydney, and has underwriting and management experience across a broad range of classes. Most recently, he led the Arch Syndicate’s operation in Australia as its regional director, and set up a digital underwriting agency, Agile Underwriting Services.
Barham said: “Australia is a highly sophisticated and mature market, with a wealth of talented underwriters. We see exciting opportunities to increase the depth of StarStone’s current product offerings and to provide a tailored local service to existing and future clients.”
StarStone’s Syndicate 1301 trades with the benefit of the Lloyd’s chain of security. Lloyd’s is rated A+ rating from Standard & Poor’s, AA- from Fitch and A from A.M. Best.
