Catlin Group has founded a branch in Singapore.

It began operations on January 1, writing specialty lines of direct insurance in Singapore and reinsurance throughout the Asia-Pacific region.

The international specialty property/casualty insurer and reinsurer announced the formation of the South Singapore Branch of Catlin Insurance Company Ltd of Bermuda in a press release, which said the new entity was established on December 3 following the grant of a direct licence on by the Monetary Authority of Singapore.

The South Singapore branch will be managed by Catlin Singapore Pte Ltd, Catlin’s current Singapore-based underwriting operation.

The press release explained: “Catlin has been underwriting local and regional business from its Singapore office since 1999 on behalf of Catlin’s syndicate at Lloyd’s of London. The establishment of CICL (SG Branch) allows Catlin Singapore to write business on behalf of either the new branch or the Lloyd’s Syndicate, depending on broker or client preference.

“Focus areas for the new branch include treaty reinsurance, accident and health, property, aviation, war and terrorism, casualty and financial lines, energy, credit and political risk, marine and construction and engineering,” it said.

Mark Newman, chief executive officer of Catlin’s Asia-Pacific underwriting hub based in Singapore, said: “The formation of CICL (SG Branch) underscores Catlin’s firm commitment to our clients in Singapore and the Asia-Pacific region and allows Catlin to expand our product offering in the region.”

Catlin Group Limited headquarters are located in Bermuda, and the company is an international specialist property/casualty insurer and reinsurer that underwrites worldwide through six underwriting hubs.