The London Insurance Lawyers Market Forum has elected Weightmans partner Ling Ong as chairman, succeeding Kennedys partner Fleur Rochester.
London Market FOIL is a division of the Forum of Insurance Lawyers (FOIL) and focuses exclusively on the needs of the global insurance and reinsurance markets operating in the English capital.
Ong’s appointment follows the division’s rebranding in 2025, which reflects the unique operational complexities of the London market and its specific legal and regulatory challenges.
The London re/insurance market is currently under pressure from a number of challenges, including geopolitical and economic uncertainty, regulatory changes and increasingly complex global risks.
Ong, who has more than three decades of experience advising London market reinsurance/insurance companies, is considered the best person to lead the organization in supporting the industry as it grapples with issues such as cyber threats, changing international trade dynamics, digitalization, claims inflation, ESG considerations and talent recruitment in a competitive market.
“I am delighted to be appointed President of London Market FOIL at a time when the London market is more international than ever,” Ong commented.
Adding: “Today, global capabilities are crucial – insurers and reinsurers measure credibility by international reach, trusted networks and the strength of long-term relationships. My focus will be on supporting members to respond to emerging pressures while further strengthening the global connections that are vital to the London market.”
According to the announcement, Ong’s chairmanship is intended to focus on the international dimension of the organization, reflecting the global nature of London market practice.
The executive has extensive experience handling claims in multiple jurisdictions, including Ecuador, Turkey, Malaysia and Germany, and regularly works closely with offshore counsel in Europe and North America.
Under Ling’s leadership, London Market FOIL will continue to track developments in global jurisdictions and work closely with lawyers and market participants to effectively navigate the complex legal environment.
London Market FOIL provides a bespoke platform for lobbying, education and networking to support London and international insurance and reinsurance markets.
By building strong relationships with insurers, reinsurers and trade bodies, while maintaining an independent stance on important market issues, London Market FOIL works to ensure that its member firms have a stronger, unified voice.
Commenting on Ong’s appointment, FOIL CEO Laurence Besemer said: “Ling is ideally suited to lead FOIL in the London market into its next phase. Almost all cases in the London market have an international dimension, relying on trusted relationships with advocates and counterparties in multiple jurisdictions.
“Unlike the more transactional, price-focused insurance community, London Market FOIL reflects the unique nature of the London market, operating across multiple countries, legal systems and cultures in a compact, highly interconnected international ecosystem.
“Under Ling’s leadership, this global community of lawyers and market participants will continue to drive growth in jurisdictions from Australia to Turkey to Cyprus.”