Specialist Risk Group has appointed Simon McMahon to its credit and political risk insurance team.

Mr McMahon, who joins the Sydney office, has more than 25 years’ experience in banking, underwriting and broking, with expertise in structured credit, working capital solutions, guarantees and political risk insurance.

He has held senior leadership positions at financial institutions and insurance organisations including Atradius, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, HSBC and Aon.

SRG’s global credit and political risk team, led by John Lentaigne in London, comprises more than 20 people managing about $25 billion of risk for clients including multilateral development finance institutions, international banks and multinational corporations.

“Simon ... is an important addition to our global team and reflects our commitment to building a truly international credit and political risk capability,” Mr Lentaigne said.

Australia MD Laurence Basell says SRG remains focused on growing locally.

The appointment also supports SRG’s wider ambitions in credit insurance. Alongside its growing credit and political risk capability, it has an established trade credit insurance practice in Europe, with plans to extend into Asia-Pacific.

Mr McMahon says SRG’s specialist approach, entrepreneurial culture and global ambitions “create a compelling opportunity to deliver innovative solutions for clients”.