Specialty MGA and Lloyd’s broker Optio has established a European office in Malta after receiving the necessary regulatory approvals.
Optio Europe has been launched to serve as the growth engine for the company’s underwriting and broking portfolios across the region.
Optio Europe’s Malta-based team comprises Martin Rimmer as director and general manager and Paul Darmanin as non-executive director.
Its London-based directors include Kevin Hastings, Group CEO, John Mawson, Group COO and Kevin Cleary, Group CCO, who will also serve as branch manager for Optio Europe.
Concurrently, Optio has launched its professional indemnity proposition with Accredited. It will provide capacity and licenses to underwrite UK and Irish domiciled business.
Previously underwritten by Optio co-founding business Ascent Underwriting, the professional indemnity product suite will now be underwritten using the trading name Optio Underwriting Limited and, for EEA risks, Optio Europe.
Josh Smith leads the division as head of professional indemnity with support from Josh Breeze.
