Axis is to launch a Lloyd’s syndicate that aims to start writing business from January 1.

The $US180 million ($193 million) operation will underwrite a wide range of specialist classes including marine, energy, aviation, terrorism, property, casualty and professional indemnity.

Axis says it will be founded largely on the transfer of business from the company’s London, Bermuda and Dutch operations.

Asta Managing Agency will establish and manage the syndicate.

The announcement comes as AM Best has upgraded Axis’ financial strength rating to A+ (superior) from A (excellent).

The ratings agency says the upgrade reflects Axis’ risk-adjusted capitalisation, track record of strong performance and robust risk enterprise controls.

It says these are offset partially by Axis’ exposure to large catastrophe losses and the soft market.