London-based AmTrust has been granted a standalone general insurance licence by the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority.

AmTrust Specialty will offer legal expenses cover here, and says establishing a licenced presence enables it to scale, compete effectively and support long-term growth.

Its products will be distributed through brokers, litigation funders and solicitors.  

“This expansion reflects our long‑term commitment to Australia and our ambition to build a sustainable presence that brings AmTrust’s global strength and expertise closer to our customers,” AmTrust Specialty CEO Bruce Whitmee said.

“With a highly skilled underwriting team and a clear demand from intermediaries, funders and legal professionals, we are exceptionally well positioned to grow.

“We look forward to building a sustainable, long-term presence in Australia and continuing to expand access to innovative legal expenses solutions.”

Underwriter Simon Warr says Australia’s mature legal landscape presents a “significant opportunity to further grow our presence ... We are excited to continue building our legal expenses product offering.”

Mr Warr works alongside underwriter Chiara Stoehrmann, who says capital has been established in Australia in line with the prudential regulator’s requirements. “We are well positioned to support long‑term, sustainable growth in this line,” she said. 

AmTrust International also specialises in property, mortgage and credit, warranty, professional lines and medical malpractice covers.

In July, legal expenses insurance specialist Arag quit the Australian market. Market Lane Insurance Group is offering renewals for expiring policies.