US / Americas

Unison Risk Advisors acquires $200mn+ GWP wholesale-only MGU Avondale

Unison Risk Advisors has acquired E&S MGU Avondale Insurance Associates, adding its first non-retail business and its fifth platform deal overall, Program Manager can reveal.

Relaunched ClearView Underwriting adds construction/renovation program with A rated paper

ClearView Underwriting – the repositioned former Strata program – has launched an innovative construction/renovation offering with an A rated carrier as it looks to diversify and drive growth after a multi-year turnaround, Program Manager can reveal.

Clear Blue adds duo to support continued growth of repositioned portfolio

Clear Blue has hired Falls Lake’s Bakari Watkins as head of claims along with Dave Horn in a senior actuarial role as it continues to add to its senior ranks to support the growth trajectory of its repositioned portfolio, Program Manager can reveal.

Delos raises $9mn in HSBC Ventures-led Series A

Wildfire MGA Delos Insurance Solutions has secured $9mn of Series A funding in a round led by HSBC Ventures, a raise that comes as the insurtech expects to hit $80mn in premium for 2024, Program Manager can reveal.

The risk selection differentiator

Fresh from launching an E&S habitational program alongside its established admitted offerings, Honeycomb is looking to translate its low loss ratio built on data-driven risk selection to other areas, according to founder Itai Ben-Zaken.

RedBird-backed Bishop Street working on pipeline of M&A and start-up MGAs

Bishop Street Underwriters has a pipeline of M&A deals and de novo MGAs in the works as it targets entrepreneurial talent for the rapid buildout of its platform with the support of private equity backer RedBird Capital, Program Manager understands.

Programs an integral part of Munich Re Specialty buildout

Munich Re’s recent move to bring its global specialty operations under one brand has reinforced the company’s commitment to the sector, with the firm poised to make further investments in its programs offering as it targets greater returns and growth in the segment, Kevin Johnson has told Program Manager.

Casualty concerns, property trajectory and talent influx among top TM topics

Continuing casualty concerns and the potential for a stabilization or even rehardening of the property market in the wake of Hurricanes Helene and Milton will be top of mind as attendees arrive in Scottsdale for the Target Markets Program Administrators Association’s Annual Summit.

Former Icat CEO Butler linked with Helix for potential US launch

Expansive Bermuda-based (re)insurance MGA Helix is preparing to launch a US platform to write a portfolio of property business, with former Icat CEO Greg Butler linked with the initiative, Program Manager can reveal.

Gillingham: Record TMPAA attendance “speaks very highly” of programs market

More than 1,600 delegates are registered for this year’s Target Markets Program Administrators Association Annual Summit, with the record attendance highlighting the ongoing strength of the specialist market the event serves, according to Tom Gillingham.

RB Jones’ Engel: New and existing products driving MGU’s growth

It is now just over five years since RB Jones was rebooted under Mark Engel’s leadership. The historically marine-focused MGU has already extended into new lines, and is now looking to further build on its existing programs and enter additional classes like transportation.

Munich Re Specialty committed to casualty even as challenges abound

Munich Re Specialty – North America retains a strong appetite to support casualty-focused programs and MGAs even as it, and the wider industry, contend with rising loss cost trends fueled in part by legal system abuse.

Beat launches Dupre-led Fallow Grove for US E&S market

Ambac Financial-owned Beat Capital Partners has launched US-based managing general agent Fallow Grove Insurance Services with Brett Dupre as president and CEO.

AM Specialty secures strategic capital partnership with Veritex Bank

Dallas-based E&S provider AM Specialty Insurance Company has agreed a strategic capital partnership with Veritex Bank facilitated by Stonybrook Capital.

The Mechanic Group partners with Palomar for security alarm and investigator program

The Mechanic Group, a division of Hub’s Specialty Program Group, has partnered with Palomar Excess and Surplus Insurance Company to enhance its "best in class" security alarm and investigator program.

Starwind confirms Padula’s arrival to lead environmental

Starwind Specialty Insurance Services has confirmed the arrival of Mike Padula from Aspen to lead its new environmental unit, the latest senior figure to join the TIH subsidiary.

Distinguished expands Berkley community associations partnership to crime/D&O coverage

Distinguished Programs has expanded its partnership with Berkley Program Specialists to underwrite its community associations crime and D&O products.

Ambac confirms backing of Miller-led MGA Pivix

Ambac Financial Group has confirmed that it has partnered with surplus lines veteran Mike Miller and his team on the launch of excess and surplus lines MGA Pivix Specialty Insurance Services.

Amwins and Floodbase launch parametric flood insurance program for California municipalities

Broker Amwins and parametric flood data company Floodbase have announced a flood insurance program for California’s public sector, with some policies already bound.

Concert’s new sidecar Harmony Re being positioned to take on third-party funds

Concert Group’s newly launched reinsurance sidecar Harmony Re will be positioned to secure additional capital support from third parties, although the fronting carrier itself has put the initial funding into the platform to get it off the ground.