Willis Re has launched a global life reinsurance practice offering independent advisory and broking services to life insurers, reinsurers, and pension and annuity providers.

The strategic partnership with WTW’s insurance consulting and technology business will be led by Christian Howells.

Mr Howells, recently appointed head of life reinsurance, joined Willis Re from Macquarie Asset Management, where he was head of international insurance solutions.

He previously worked at asset manager Schroders, where he served global insurance clients and led insurance solutions across the Asia-Pacific region.

Willis Re says the launch reflects a need for sophisticated risk transfer, capital management and balance sheet optimisation solutions as the market becomes more complex.

“Life insurers are operating in a market defined by capital pressures, regulatory change, longevity risk and accelerating product innovation,” Mr Howells said.

“The new life practice is designed to support clients beyond the transaction itself, bringing together market insight, analytical rigour and strategic advice to help clients capitalise on market opportunities and strengthen their overall business performance.

“As companies look for innovative ways to manage risk, unlock capital and adapt to a changing market, our role as a trusted and technically differentiated reinsurance broker is key.”

WTW’s insurance consulting and technology senior MD Duncan Briggs said: “By combining WTW’s ... advanced modelling, data-driven insights and transaction experience with Willis Re’s broking platform, we are creating a proposition that is genuinely unrivalled, enabling clients to take more informed decisions, optimise capital and unlock value across increasingly complex portfolios.”