Allianz, Oaktree Set Up Reinsurance Syndicate on Lloyd’s Market

Core Viewpoint - Allianz SE and Oaktree Capital Management have established a reinsurance syndicate named "Syndicate 1890" in the Lloyd's of London market, marking a significant move of private capital into the non-life insurance sector [1][2]. Group 1: Syndicate Formation - The syndicate will commence underwriting operations on January 1, with Oaktree investing hundreds of millions of US dollars to fund and manage the syndicate's assets [2]. - Allianz will share its reinsurance programs with the syndicate, allowing for a more efficient capital provision without the collateral demands typical of traditional special-purpose vehicles [3]. Group 2: Market Trends - Alternative asset managers, traditionally focused on life insurance, are increasingly entering the property-and-casualty reinsurance market, as evidenced by Blackstone Inc.'s recent backing of another Lloyd's syndicate [4]. - The establishment of Syndicate 1890 is seen as a template for the convergence of alternative asset management and insurance, streamlining market entry and governance for these managers [5]. Group 3: Industry Implications - Fitch Ratings noted that while such partnerships introduce new third-party capital into the reinsurance market, they may also increase structural complexity and credit risks, particularly in stress scenarios [5]. - Allianz has engaged with approximately 10 other private capital firms regarding the syndicate, indicating a broader trend of collaboration between traditional reinsurers and alternative investment firms [6].