New financial institutions MGA launched by London-based incubator

London-based incubator Beat Capital Partners has partnered with former Crum and Forster executive Blair Bartlett to launch 1889 Specialty Insurance Services.

1889 Specialty is a financial institutions MGA that offers management liability and professional lines insurance coverage to SME financial institutions, asset managers, insurance companies, insurance agents and brokers.

Bartlett will serve as the president and chief executive at 1889 Specialty. He has more than 20 years of financial lines experience at market-leading firms and most recently he was vice president of financial institutions at Crum and Forster.

Prior to that, he held similar underwriting leadership positions at CapSpecialty and Allied World.

John Cavanagh, chairman at Beat, said, “Bartlett has a long-standing track record of building profitable portfolios in the SME financial institutions segment and a market reputation for outstanding service.

”With his leadership and expertise, 1889 Specialty has the potential to become a leading underwriter in this space.”

Firm details

Products are written on an excess and surplus (E&S) basis and distributed primarily through wholesale channels.

Backed by A+ rated capacity, 1889 Specialty writes on behalf of a consortium led by Beat Syndicate 4242 at Lloyd’s.

Bartlett said: “Our mission is to profitably underwrite superior products while also delivering the highest levels of service to our appointed brokers.

”Our detailed knowledge of financial institutions’ business practices and exposures enables us to tailor coverage to provide protection against key risks. Our expertise, product suite and responsiveness set us apart.”