Novae has recruited an underwriter to focus solely on writing financial institutions business in emerging markets and commercial crime in the UK regional market.

David Leaper, class underwriter – emerging markets, will predominantly write bankers blanket bond and electronic and computer crime covers for commercial banks. The emerging markets remit covers in developing countries will be areas of particular interest. The account will also cover commercial crime business, targeted primarily at medium to large UK regional commercial entities.

Leaper commented: ”These emerging markets are undergoing very rapid change and development. In fact, some businesses I've looked at are experiencing asset growth in the region of 40% to 50%. So there is much profitable business to write in these territories. With many predicting a hardening of current market conditions over the next 18 months, now is a good time to establish our market offering.”

Leaper has experience of senior underwriting positions at Chubb, Trenwick and Sorema.

The 2025 Insurance Times Awards took place on the evening of Wednesday 3rd December in the iconic Great Room of London’s Grosvenor House.

Hosted by comedian and actor Tom Allen, 34 Gold, 23 Silver and 22 Bronze awards were handed out across an amazing 34 categories recognising brilliance and innovation right across the breadth of UK general insurance.
Many congratulations to all the worthy winners and as always, huge thanks to our sponsors for their support and our judges for their expertise.