AM Best has placed Lancashire Insurance's A- financial strength rating under review with negative implications for the start-up reinsurer.

The rating agency has taken the step following the departure of vice-president and retrocession underwriter Alex Richards from Lancashire. Richards was one of the reinsurer's founders.

AM Best indicates: “Mr. Richards' previous expertise and expected retrocessional underwriting results for Lancashire were a major component of the business plan presented to AM Best at the time of the initial rating and consequently were integral in the final rating decisions.

"With Mr. Richards' departure, AM Best will proceed with a due diligence process regarding the named appointments and the effect on Lancashire's overall business plan."

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.