W. R. Berkley Corporation has launched Lifson Re, a special purpose insurer (SPI) registered in Bermuda and licensed by the Bermuda Monetary Authority (BMA). Lifson Re has been capitalised with more than $250 million of equity from a small group of sophisticated global investors with long-term investment horizons, including a minority participation by W. R. Berkley Corporation. The SPI will participate alongside traditional reinsurers in a broad portfolio of property and casualty reinsurance treaties ceded by W. R. Berkley Corporation’s subsidiaries on a fully collateralized basis, which started 1 January 2021. Lifson Re’s assets will be managed by an aliate of W. R. Berkley Corporation. Commenting on the launch, Robert Berkley, president and CEO of W. R. Berkley Corporation, said: “The creation of Lifson Re is part of an important strategic initiative to efficiently manage our risk and capital. This venture is a significant step forward in allowing us to partner with knowledgeable third-party capital that has extensive experience in the insurance industry.” He continued: “Over the past several years, we have considered a variety of opportunities to partner with alternative capital sources. Lifson Re is a natural fit with our business and complements our strong, long-standing relationships with traditional reinsurance partners.” “Through a unique long-term arrangement, Berkley will be the sole source of risk ceded to Lifson Re, providing Lifson Re’s investors with access to an attractive, specialised and diverse book of insurance risk,” Berkley concluded.
