The London Market Forum of Insurance Lawyers has elected Ling Ong, Partner at law firm Weightmans, as President, succeeding Fleur Rochester, Partner at Kennedys.
London Market FOIL is a division of the Forum of Insurance Lawyers (FOIL) that focuses specifically on the needs of the global insurance and reinsurance markets operating in England’s capital.
Ong’s appointment follows the division’s 2025 rebrand, which took place to reflect the distinct operational complexities of the London Market and its specific legal and regulatory challenges.
The London re/insurance market is currently pressured by a number of challenges, including geopolitical and economic uncertainty, regulatory change, and increasingly complex global risks.
Ong, with over three decades of experience advising re/insurers in the London Market, is considered the best to lead the organisation in supporting the industry as it navigates issues such as cyber threats, evolving international trade dynamics, digitisation, claims inflation, ESG considerations, and talent acquisition in a competitive market.
“I am delighted to be appointed President of London Market FOIL at a time when the London Market is more international than ever,” Ong commented.
Adding: “Today, global capability is essential – insurers and reinsurers measure credibility by international reach, trusted networks, and the strength of long-standing relationships. My focus will be on supporting members as they navigate emerging pressures, while further strengthening the global connections that are central to the London Market.”
According to the announcement, Ong’s presidency aims to focus on the organisation’s international dimension, reflecting the global nature of London Market practice.
The executive is highly experienced in handling claims across multiple jurisdictions, including Ecuador, Türkiye, Malaysia and Germany, and regularly works in close collaboration with overseas counsel across Europe and North America.
Led by Ling, London Market FOIL will continue to track developments in jurisdictions across the globe, working closely with counsel and market participants to navigate complex legal landscapes effectively.
London Market FOIL provides a bespoke platform for lobbying, education and networking aiming to support both the London and international insurance and reinsurance markets.
By cultivating strong relationships with insurers, reinsurers, and trade bodies, while maintaining its independent stance on important market issues, London Market FOIL works to ensure its member firms have a stronger, unified voice.
Commenting on Ong’s appointment, FOIL CEO Laurence Besemer said: “Ling is ideally placed to lead London Market FOIL through its next phase. Almost every matter in the London Market has an international dimension, relying on trusted relationships with defence lawyers and counterparties across multiple jurisdictions.
“Unlike more transactional, price-focused insurance communities, London Market FOIL reflects the distinctive nature of the London Market, operating across multiple countries, legal systems, and cultures within a compact, highly interconnected international ecosystem.
“Under Ling’s presidency, this global community of lawyers and market participants will continue to navigate developments across jurisdictions ranging from Australia and Türkiye to Cyprus and beyond.”
