International General Insurance Holdings Ltd. (IGI) has announced the launch of Bermuda-based Cipher Underwriting Ltd., a specialty treaty reinsurance managing general agent (MGA) that will provide dedicated cyber treaty underwriting expertise and solutions globally, led by reinsurance specialist Ari Chatterjee.
IGI explained that Cipher’s launch represents an important milestone in the firm’s strategy to expand its specialty reinsurance capabilities through the development of focused underwriting platforms in attractive and growing markets.
“Cipher has been created to address the increasing demand for specialty cyber treaty reinsurance capabilities as cyber risk continues to evolve across businesses, economies and critical infrastructure worldwide,” IGI added.
The firm noted that it owns a 60% interest in Cipher through its wholly owned subsidiary IGI Managing Agencies Holdings Ltd. (IGI Managing Agencies), providing the AI-integrated MGA platform the ability to deploy capital into a diversified worldwide portfolio of specialty reinsurance business.
The initial focus of Cipher, according to IGI, is to develop a portfolio of cyber treaty business with lead capabilities, targeting high-growth emerging risks within an MGA structure.
Cipher also marks the first venture under the newly formed IGI Managing Agencies, which was established to provide a dedicated platform for strategic partnerships in developing new product lines and incubating teams within an MGA structure.
The commencement of Cipher’s operations remains subject to applicable regulatory approvals, including the registration and licensing of Cipher by the Bermuda Monetary Authority.
IGI President & CEO Waleed Jabsheh commented, “This is a significant and exciting development for IGI as we continue to strengthen our specialty reinsurance capabilities and invest in areas of the market where we see strong long-term growth potential.
“By embedding Cipher within the IGI framework, we achieve immediate product and geographic diversification into non-correlated classes of business.
“Cyber treaty reinsurance is a highly specialised class requiring deep technical expertise, disciplined underwriting and a thorough understanding of an evolving risk landscape. Ari brings significant experience and leadership within the cyber reinsurance market, and Cipher provides a strong platform from which to build a differentiated and sustainable specialty treaty reinsurance business.
“At IGI, we are always evaluating opportunities to facilitate profitability-driven portfolio diversification in a measured and disciplined manner. Our strategy has always been to enter new markets thoughtfully, with the right talent and structure in place. This partnership embodies that approach, giving us access to new opportunities while maintaining the underwriting discipline that has defined IGI for almost 25 years.”
Chatterjee, who brings more than 20 years of industry experience, including over a decade specialising in cyber reinsurance and helping to set market standards for data and policy wordings, said, “We are privileged to partner with IGI in launching Cipher.
“IGI brings institutional credibility, excellent financial security, strong governance, and an experienced, stable leadership team that will help us capitalise on attractive opportunities and deliver sustainable, risk-adjusted profitability.”
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