Strategic Political & Financial Risk Underwriter

AEGIS London is seeking to expand its Political & Financial Risk Team to support growth aspirations. PFR is multi-faceted and touches many areas of banking, finance, exporting, commodity trading, foreign direct investment and other “real economy” activities. It requires a solid understanding of contracts and wordings, a handle on current affairs and changing risk environments, the ability to analyse sovereign and credit risk in detail, the capability to understand structuring and security in lending, and an understanding of the institutions and frameworks governing international lending and emerging market development.

PFR also requires underwriters who understand complex claims scenarios and restructuring situations. All this should be combined with experience across product types, strong broker connections and long-standing dealings with the key clients. Accordingly, there is an opportunity for an Underwriter to join the team to help further their career whilst developing the underwriting strategy and maintaining strong underwriting discipline.

Duties and Accountabilities

• Underwrite the Political & Financial Risk account on behalf of Syndicate 1225 in accordance with personal underwriting authorities and the Syndicate’s underwriting procedures, referring risks to the Class Underwriter, Head of Department or Active Underwriter when or if required.
• Assist in delivering the required business mix, planned premium income and ULRs as agreed within the syndicate business plan (SBF), and contribute new ideas and concepts, where appropriate, to support risk selection and portfolio management.
• Analyse and evaluate a range of Political & Financial Risk opportunities with a view to recommend, benchmark and price transactions.
• Prepare detailed internal political and credit risk analysis, working closely with the team’s Credit Analyst to support underwriting decision making.
• Lead negotiations on insurance policy wordings with distribution partners, alongside review of related facility documentation and transaction structure.
• Proactively monitor the existing portfolio, including assisting with the preparation of data and reporting for underwriting strategy, exposure management and Outwards Reinsurance reporting.
• Establish, maintain and service strong relationships with Insureds, distributions partners, and reinsurers, including appropriate business travel to deepen relations and knowledge.
• Ensure entries are properly recorded onto relevant internal systems in a timely manner whilst ensuring accuracy of data with relation to both underwriting and aggregated line exposures.
• Work alongside the Claims division to manage problem risks, restructuring proposals, and workout areas.
• Comply with all applicable internal and external laws, regulations, sanctions, policies, procedures and guidance.

Skills, Knowledge and Experience

• A thorough working knowledge and underwriting experience of the Political and Financial Risk insurance market, including detailed comprehension of policy wordings, coverages, premium rates and risk factors.
• Experience in managing a book of PFR business and ownership of such.
• A proactive and entrepreneurial approach.
• Strong technical knowledge & analytical skills across traditional PFR book.
• The ability to work collegiately as part of a team, as well as individually when required.
• Excellent presentation and communication skills, with an ability to forge and maintain long-term relationships with key stakeholders.
• Strong organisational and planning skills, including the ability to prioritise and manage time effectively.
• Proficient in the knowledge and use of standard underwriting systems, process and procedure.
• Preferably ACII qualified.

AEGIS Values

• Fairness and respect: We make decisions considering the best interests of key stakeholders. We are direct and straightforward in our actions, working collaboratively to create a culture of fairness and respect.
• Open and inclusive: We act with integrity, valuing diversity of thought and background. We take time to listen to the needs of our customers, stakeholders and colleagues working together to seek and share information.
• Ambitious: We have a passion for success, aspiring to be recognised as best in class. We embrace new opportunities, encouraging innovation in pursuit of our goals.
• Striving to be better: We strive to improve at all times, challenging complacency, being agile and adapting to change. We always seek to improve our customers’ experience with us.
• Investing in people’s potential: We provide an environment where each employee can reach their personal potential. We encourage personal accountability for performance and individual ownership for growth and success.

AEGIS London is an equal opportunities employer and recognises the value of a diverse workforce in facilitating better decision making and business growth. We encourage a variety of differing views, perspectives and insights to create a collaborative working environment. Diversity and Inclusion are fundamental to our business and we encourage applications from all backgrounds recognising the diversity of society and our customers.

It’s important to us that you are able to perform at your best when applying for a role with AEGIS London. If there are any adjustments we can reasonably make to ensure that the process is accessible for you please telephone us on +44(0)20 7856 7856 or email recruitment@aegislondon.co.uk.

As a business, we understand individual circumstances may differ and aim to be adaptable and to support flexible working practices. Talk to our recruitment team to understand how AEGIS London can help support you in reaching your full potential.