British underwriting agency Ignite Specialty Risk has expanded to Australia, offering an “extensive range” of litigation covers for lawyers and third-party legal action funders.

The move comes after the litigation risk underwriter entered the European Economic Area in March last year and the US in 2024.

“Australia is an important strategic market for Ignite and establishing our Australian operations marks a significant milestone in our international growth,” chief underwriting officer David Green said. “We see strong demand for our proven expertise and product suite, and we are committed to supporting the market with the expertise and service that have underpinned our success internationally.”

The agency has recruited Lucinda Stormont-Sainsbury – most recently HDI Global senior legal counsel – as head of Australian operations.

“We are making a long-term commitment to the market by investing in local leadership and building strong relationships with brokers, legal advisers and strategic partners,” Mr Green said.

Ms Stormont-Sainsbury, based in Sydney, says Ignite has “a clear vision and a specialist proposition that is well suited to the Australian market. Australia is a sophisticated insurance market with an increasingly complex risk landscape.

“I look forward to working with our partners as we prepare to introduce innovative specialist solutions that help clients manage their specialty insurance needs with confidence.”

Ignite says it helps claimants with meritorious legal disputes, litigation funders and law firms transfer risk so they can “confidently pursue justice”.

“We bring expertise in risk mitigation solutions for claimants, litigation funders and other investors as we establish our presence in Australia,” Ignite said.

“Subject to regulatory approval, Ignite will offer its core specialist product suite in Australia while also supporting selected risks throughout Asia-Pacific through its established international underwriting platform where local regulations permit.”

Ignite’s Australian website lists four products: after the event, capital protection, tax liability and contingent risk insurance.