FRANCIS WEE CHERN LIM

Responsible for the key markets in the Asia Pacific (excluding Australia and New Zealand) region, with a focus to expand on regional facultative ceding strategy with strategic clients as a key distribution channel. Acted as a bridge between Asia Pacific market needs to key decision-makers in London, leading to a more tailored and competitive underwriting appetite. Main referral underwriter across the whole Financial Lines space.

Key Achievements

• Co-chair of Lloyds Asia Financial Lines Development Group 2023-2024

• Managing capacity and realigned portfolio mix to reduce risk exposure, with improved underwriting performance of single digit claims ratio for the past 5 years

• Maintained strong performance across market cycle through proactive portfolio steering and underwriting controls

• Introduced and managed 6 key cedant partnership arrangements and facilities

• Mentored new junior underwriters, accelerating onboarding and development of team capability

Joined as the first and only Casualty Underwriter in the region. Responsible for marketing activities and profitable underwriting of all direct and wholesale financial lines business across the Asia Pacific region. Drive processes and ensure strict compliance with Syndicate, Lloyds, and Monetary Authority of Singapore’s regulations.

Key Achievements

• Built a highly profitable portfolio with 5 years average loss ratio of 11%, from scratch to ArgoGlobal becoming a recognised financial lines reinsurer in the Asia Pacific market
• Established 6 long-term partnership arrangements and two binders across Asia Pacific region
• Crafted and launched Argo’s unique suite of financial lines policies in the region

• Responsible for the overall direction and profitability of ProFin business of RSA in Asia and negotiation of treaty reinsurance to derive the best outcome for the company.

Key Achievements

• Successful execution of an extensive review of the existing portfolio and developed a growth strategy for Asia to ensure long term success of the ProFin division
• Crafted RSA revised Professional Indemnity wording
• Successfully negotiated improved treaty reinsurance term

Started my career with QBE as an Executive in Dec 2001, promoted to Singapore Professional Liability Manager in Jan 2004, before moving to Regional Underwriter in Jul 2008.

Enhanced stakeholder wealth through a sustainable business model built on principal of operational excellence and strategic execution, by setting country product strategy and providing innovative products through up-skilled. Lead 9 teams of experienced underwriters across the Asia Pacific to enhance the generation of superior returns to stakeholders. Main referral underwriter for large and complex risks for the region.

• Region Coverage – Asia Pacific (excluding Australia and New Zealand)
• Key Achievements
• Achieved an average annual GWP/ NEP growth of 20% exceeding budget between 2004-2008 as Singapore branch Professional Liability Manager
• Successfully performed and delivered a Financial Lines portfolio for Asia Pacific, achieved a GWP of USD28m across the region with NCOR well below 70% during my period as Regional Underwriter
• Crafted and launched QBE suite of professional liability products across the region
• Involved in setting up of underwriting controls/ authorities across the region.
• Crafted and launch the 1st Medical Malpractice Insurance for Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners in Singapore and the region