Global specialty insurer StarStone has established a casualty consortium targeted at the Australian and New Zealand markets.

It will initially offer $50 million capacity, shared between StarStone and four Lloyd’s syndicates, and focus on middle-market casualty risks not usually underwritten in London.

StarStone Australia Casualty Underwriter Mark Hunt will lead the consortium, with claims support provided by the company’s network already in Australia and New Zealand.

“We have identified clear market and broker demand for a solution that combines Lloyd’s expertise and local knowledge,” StarStone MD Robin Barham said.

StarStone, part of the Enstar Group, has been building its presence in the local market in the past couple of years.

Mr Hunt, who has more than 30 years’ experience in the insurance sector, says the consortium will support a tailored and client-centric approach that will allow brokers and customers to transact deals as though in the underwriting room of Lloyd’s in London.

“The collective expertise of those involved in this consortium will significantly increase the local capabilities and profile of Lloyd’s within the casualty space,” he said.