Austbrokers representatives will meet Lloyd’s top executives next month when they visit the market to discuss challenges and opportunities in Australia.

Lloyd’s Chairman John Nelson will host 120 brokers and their partners at a banquet attended by Head of Global Markets Vincent Vandendael, Australian General Representative Chris Mackinnon and recently appointed Senior Market Development Manager International Markets Christopher Rummery, who is based in Singapore.

A day of educational sessions will include a presentation by Head of Performance Management Tom Bolt, who is responsible for underwriting discipline, a key factor in the market’s reconstruction and renewal strategy.

Manager of Emerging Risks and Research Nick Beecroft will outline known emerging risks and ones that are not yet on the radar in Australia.

There will also be an afternoon panel discussion, which Mr Mackinnon says will be a two-way information exchange between the London market and Australian brokers.

“This is a great opportunity for us at Lloyd’s in London to learn from the practitioners on the ground about their concerns… in Australia,” he said.

“We can share our knowledge from a global perspective on emerging risk, the future of where risk is growing and what we are doing about it.”

Mr Mackinnon will moderate the discussion with panellists Mr Vandendael, Lloyd’s Senior Manager Regulatory Affairs Kim Swan, Senior Manager Claims Helen Ashenden and Head of Global Operations Joe Dainty – a key figure in the market modernisation program.

Broker Paul Butler from Thompson Heath & Bond, Catlin Casualty Underwriter Jacqui Ferrier – both London-based Australians – and Aegis Specialist Cyber Underwriting Director Rick Welsh will give a broking and underwriting perspective.

The Austbrokers delegation will stay in London on April 9-10 on their way to the Austbrokers & IBNA Member Services conference in Barcelona.

It is thought to be the largest Australian contingent to visit Lloyd’s.

Austbrokers MD and CEO Mark Searles told insuranceNEWS.com.au he flagged a visit to the “spiritual home of insurance” when the Barcelona trip was first planned.

He says the Austbrokers’ delegation will gain deeper insights on the Lloyd’s market and the role it plays globally, while London representatives can tap into the views of a diverse group of Australian brokers.