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How we are Different

Home About Us How we are Different
How we are different

The experienced underwriting team of Syndicate 1967 is committed to adding value to our brokers and clients through quickly assessing the clients’ real needs and has the ability to deliver key decisions and solutions in a competitive timescale. We bring extensive expertise in our chosen classes of business, a successful track record of working in partnership with clients and brokers and a highly motivated and empowered team. We have an outcomes focused approach.

Syndicate 1967 holds a unique position in the Lloyd's market. As a member company of W. R. Berkley Corporation, one of the world's leading insurance group, the syndicate supplements its own operations with the expertise and resources of the wider Group.

How W. R. Berkley Corporation is different

W. R. Berkley Corporation’s competitive advantage lies in the long-term strategy of decentralised operations, allowing each unit to indentify and respond quickly and effectively to changing market conditions and local customer needs. This decentralised structure provides financial accountability and incentives to local management to attract and retain the highest calibre professionals, thereby delivering the expertise and resources to respond to whatever opportunities the future may hold.

How we are different:

  • Accountability The business is operated with an ownership perspective and a clear sense of fiduciary responsibility to shareholders.
  • People-oriented strategy New businesses are started when opportunities are identified and, most importantly, when the right talent is found to lead a business. Of the company’s 43 units, 36 were developed internally and seven were acquired.
  • Responsible financial practices Risk exposures are managed proactively. A strong balance sheet, including a high-quality investment portfolio, ensures ample resources to grow the business profitably whenever there are opportunities to do so.
  • Risk-adjusted returns Management company-wide is focused on obtaining the best potential returns with a real understanding of the amount of risk being assumed. Superior risk-adjusted returns are generated over the insurance cycle.
  • Transparency Consistent and objective standards are used to measure performance — and, the same standards are used regardless of the environment.

“One should never take a risk no matter how small if you cannot afford to be wrong. When assessing potential returns, one has to examine both the optimistic and pessimistic outcome.  But more importantly, one must look ahead with respect to the intrinsic long term value being created by seizing any particular opportunity.” 

William R. Berkley, Chairman’s letter, W. R. Berkley Corporation’s 2008 Annual Report