US insurance platform launches new underwriting arm to expand UK and Europe services

Global insurance platform United Risk has established a new underwriting arm to broaden its warranty and affinity insurance services across Europe and the UK.

Called Applied Affinity Underwriters, the division is fully authorised across the EU and UK markets and able to support clients who require local or cross-border propositions within the region.

Initial products include accident, sickness, travel and lifestyle products such as bicycle insurance and gadget protection. They have been launched in collaboration with carrier partner Aviva Insurance Ireland DAC.

Hayden Smith, United Risk’s regional chief executive, said: “Warranty and affinity are valuable insurance businesses that take years to cultivate and implement.

“Our approach to the market emphasises strategic alliances and distribution partnerships that include traditional and alternative distribution plans such as partnership models that resolve B2B2X requirements.”

Team

Headquartered in Stockholm, Applied Affinity Underwriters is led by Anna Clarving and Fredrik Müntzing.

Clarving is a business development leader and insurance expert with over 18 years of experience in the European and Nordic insurance markets.

She has driven digital transformation, business development and strategic partnerships in senior roles at Chubb, Zurich and Aon.

Meanwhile, Müntzing was previously head of product and underwriting at Europeiska ERV, ERGO and prior to that held senior underwriting roles at both Chubb and Allianz across Europe.

Smith said: “With a forward-looking vision for expansion as client demand engages us, our extraordinary leadership team combines strong technical knowledge and deep distribution expertise to deliver outstanding product agility.”