In October, a pioneering initiative took flight: the inaugural Lloyds Development Group (LDG) Study Tour, a two-week program designed to give early-career professionals from the Australian (re)insurance market firsthand exposure to Asia’s dynamic (re)insurance landscape.

The Study Tour was created to broaden horizons for emerging local talent, offering a unique opportunity for delegates to learn about (re)insurance markets, regulatory environments, and business cultures across Asia, all while representing their companies and the Australian (re)insurance industry.

The two-week tour spanned four key markets:

• Singapore: A deep dive into market segmentation, casualty trends, business culture and reinsurance dynamics, with sessions hosted by leading executives from Lloyd’s, MS Amlin, Steadfast, Aon Re Solutions, Liberty, Pinnacle Underwriting, Wotton Kearney and Trans Re, including several networking events. The delegates also had the opportunity to visit the PSA innovation centre overlooking the extensive Pasir Panjang terminal.
• Thailand: Insights into medical malpractice, regulatory frameworks, catastrophe claims, and challenges and opportunities in the local market provided by senior executives from Aon, Wotton Kearney, Crawfords, Lockton Wattana and ERGO alongside discussions with the Thai General Insurance Association.
• South Korea: A standout visit to Kia’s EV production plant, plus meetings with Marsh, Guy Carpenter, Samsung Fire & Marine, McLarens, Korean Re, and Munich Re, offering a comprehensive view of the Korean market.
• Hong Kong: Engaging sessions on financial lines, fintech / insurtech, agricultural (re)insurance trends, growth opportunities and market trends, hosted by industry leaders including Peak Re, Partner Re, Marsh, Markel, RPC, AXA, Asia Insurance, Guy Carpenter and the Hong Kong Insurance Authority, capped off with networking events overlooking the iconic city skyline.

Beyond the formal agenda, delegates immersed themselves in local culture – from hawker markets and Gardens by the Bay in Singapore to sunset river cruises in Bangkok, Korean BBQ and karaoke in Seoul, and the vibrant harbour lights of Hong Kong—building strong connections with their study tour cohort.

This initiative would not have been possible without the generosity of senior executives across Asia who opened their doors and shared their expertise. Their commitment underscores the strength of regional partnerships and the shared vision for developing talent.

Congratulations to the inaugural LDG Study Tour delegates, for showing curiosity and drive in signing up for this opportunity and for enthusiasm and professionalism on the tour. Recognition is also deserved for their sponsoring firms for making this bold investment in their future leaders.

2025 Delegates and sponsoring firms: Bronwyn Thomas (AUB Group), Jake Sutton (Axa XL), Ciaran Macmillan (Market Lane), Mitch Pack (HDI), Rohan Lalchere (Miramar), Connor Payne (Rural Affinity), Tom McEvans (Liberty), Jodie Banks (About Underwriting), Jamie Regan (QBE), James Vlasveld (Markel), Bree Sultana (SLE), Michael Kennedy (Pen Underwriting), Kelly Lieu (Gen Re), Damian Yan (Rural Affinity), Esther David (Gallagher Re)

The 2025 Study Tour was led by Sophie Lancaster (Gallagher Re), Gerrie Johnson (Munich Re) and Sam McNally (Wotton Kearney), whose vision and dedication brought this program to life.

The success of this inaugural tour has set the stage for future programs. The LDG is excited to announce that the Study Tour will return in 2027, continuing its mission to connect markets, foster knowledge exchange, and empower the next generation of (re)insurance leaders.

The LDG is a not-for-profit group providing targeted education and networking events for early career professionals in the Australian insurance and reinsurance market, with Wotton Kearney as their longstanding Gold Sponsor.