Global reinsurer MS Amlin has opened its first branch in Australia and appointed Matt Botfield to lead it.

The group sees “significant untapped potential” here, according to Asia-Pacific CEO Will Ho.  

“We’re excited to expand our presence in the Asia-Pacific region with the launch of a dedicated branch in Australia,” he said. “Matt’s appointment highlights our ambition to grow in this dynamic region and secure new, high-quality business, including domestic risks that typically wouldn’t come into Lloyd’s.”  

MS Amlin reinsurance products are already available through conventional structures and via its Phoenix insurance-linked securities. 

But it says a growing proportion of risks written by the Asia-Pacific team stem from Australia and New Zealand, and opening the Sydney branch will give “on-the-ground presence and impact”.  

“With a growing reinsurance portfolio in the region, this new office strengthens our local presence and commitment to the Australian market,” the company said. “Under the leadership of William Ho, our Asia-Pacific team continues to provide high-quality reinsurance solutions across casualty, property and specialty lines.” 

Australia and New Zealand head Mr Botfield has spent 22 years at Aon, including 14 as head of property for Australia and New Zealand and almost eight as Greater China COO. 

He says he is “privileged to be the first employee of MS Amlin in ANZ” and is “looking forward to engaging with existing and new clients and bringing our global resources down under”. 

Mr Botfield will support the client portfolio in Australia and New Zealand and broker relationships managed by the Asia-Pacific team in Singapore. He will also oversee new business development.  

The Australian operation will be accretive and not disruptive to the portfolio written from London, the reinsurer says.