London-based global insurance and risk company Benfield Corporate Risk has opened an office in Perth as part of a move to strengthen its worldwide network.

The move will allow the company to focus on the development of specialty business in WA’s booming energy and mining sectors.

The office, Benfield Corporate’s first in Australia, will be led by Alex Lumby, former Managing Principal and Senior Vice President at Marsh’s Energy Practice in London. Most other senior officers are also internationally experienced managers from the major global brokers.

Benfield Corporate Risk CEO John Lapsley says the company sees an important opportunity to develop its broking and risk advisory services in the Australian market.

“The team’s combination of risk management, risk transfer and international market placement skills means we are fully equipped to meet the needs of corporate risk professionals in this growing market,” he said.