Africa Specialty Risks (“ASR”) is pleased to announce the launch of its parametric division, alongside the appointment of Dr Raveem Ismail as Head of Parametric Underwriting and Ian Bishop as Parametric Product Manager. 

ASR Parametric brings together underwriting, technology and analytical expertise to offer innovative risk solutions. Cover will be provided for both direct and indirect loss, with no requirement for property damage.   

Using technology-enabled triggers to provide the most precise coverages, ASR will work with insureds to create structures reflecting their experience of risk. This protection will also offer near immediate response for insureds, providing settlement within days of a triggering event – enabling clients to increase resilience.  

Dr Ismail brings over a decade of experience in risk analysis, modelling and underwriting. Prior to joining ASR as Head of Parametric Underwriting, he was Chief Underwriting Officer and General Manager at QOMPLX:UNDERWRITING, a UK MGA where he launched the first multi-peril parametric insurance cyber and terrorism product, tailored for small to medium-sized enterprises and backed by Chaucer.  

An experienced management consultant, Ian Bishop specialised in technology and innovation in the insurance and financial services sectors. He has held several senior roles over the past ten years at Deloitte Consulting and QOMPLX:UNDERWRITING, where he worked alongside Dr Ismail as Chief Operating Officer. Ian will be responsible for co-ordinating and managing the development of ASR’s parametric product factory, working with underwriters across the group.  

Mikir Shah, CEO of ASR, commented: “The establishment of the parametric division demonstrates our commitment to de-risking investment and increasing resilience across the African continent. Our vision is to unlock greater and more streamlined protections for insureds, ensuring that inward investment in Africa continues to boost economic activity and growth on the continent, via the integration of innovative, technological solutions. 

“Providing this sort of coverage is even more important in today’s market following the substantial impact of the global pandemic. We welcome Raveem and Ian as they develop our parametric insurance products.” 

Dr Raveem Ismail, Head of Parametric Underwriting, commented: “The digital revolution across Africa has provided much needed coverage for customers who would otherwise be cut off from obtaining necessary financial services and protection.  

“Our parametric insurance solutions at ASR will aim to cover risk that would otherwise be excluded in conventional insurance products – expanding the scope of insurability, eliminating complexity and giving our customers confidence.”  

The launch of the parametric division and appointment of Raveem and Ian continues the rapid growth at ASR, following the recent launch of the Group’s Liability, Political Violence and Construction lines.  

ASR was launched by Helios Investment Partners LLP (“Helios”) in partnership with Mikir Shah, former CEO of AXA Africa Specialty Risks and Bryan Howett, former CEO of Old Mutual’s pan-African reinsurance operations. The group announced in February that it had secured an additional multi-year binder capacity of up to $25 million per risk through a partnership with GIC of India and annual capacity from Peak Re. 

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