Howden, an insurance intermediary, has acquired Granular Investments Limited and Granular Investments EU SAS, reinforcing its position in the European credit risk transfer market.
The acquisition enhances Howden’s solutions for major financial institutions, particularly in the areas of credit risk and capital efficiency.
Established in 2019 by Giuliano Giovannetti and Richard Sullivan, Granular Investments operates as a specialist intermediary and advisor in credit risk transfer and capital relief.
The firm is known for its expertise in synthetic securitisation and bespoke credit risk solutions for banks and insurers.
This acquisition further strengthens Howden’s expertise and reach in the credit risk transfer sector, offering greater support to banks, insurers, and the broader financial system.
Giovannetti and Sullivan will join forces with Howden CAP’s global credit and political risk team, helping to deepen the firm’s capabilities in this complex and specialised field.
Alessandro Minucci, Head of Financial Institutions, Howden Europe, commented: “I am delighted to welcome Giuliano and Richard to Howden. Their decades of experience working with banks and insurers as peers, combined with their deep regulatory expertise and strong track record, will be instrumental in broadening insurer participation in the credit risk-sharing market alongside banks and funds – to the benefit of the real economy.”
Giovannetti and Sullivan added: “Joining Howden is an exciting next step for us. Granular Investments was built on competence and trust with both insurers and banks, and at Howden, we have found a team of experienced, like-minded entrepreneurs, working together with a shared focus on delivering for clients.
“As part of Howden, we will expand the range of our solutions and our reach, engaging both global insurers and local financial institutions. Howden has seen extraordinary growth in recent years, and we are excited to be part of its future.”
Luigi Sturani, CEO, Howden Europe, said: “At Howden, we continue to build a business that attracts the best talent, the most innovative teams, and the strongest expertise in the market. The acquisition of Granular Investments is a prime example of that ambition in action.
“Giuliano and Richard’s decision to join us reflects the compelling opportunity we offer – an entrepreneurial environment with global reach, where experienced professionals can thrive. Their expertise in credit risk transfer and securitisation enhances our ability to provide cutting-edge solutions for banks and insurers, reinforcing Howden’s position as the partner of choice for financial institutions across Europe.”
