Why have reinsurance start-ups remained so rare in recent years, even as underwriting conditions have improved?

Mereo Advisors is one of the few carriers to successfully raise capital, although Mereo Insurance CEO and CUO David Croom-Johnson told Behind the Headlines that the process was at times “torturous”.

Croom-Johnson explains how the business has now written its first $100mn of business, and how he aims to build a diversified portfolio to weather market cycles. And although he sees “great attractions” in the Lloyd’s market, to begin with the business will focus on building as a Class 3B Bermudian reinsurer, without the distraction of launching a syndicate.

Plus, Insurance Insider editor Fiona Robertson discusses what Donald Trump’s tariffs might mean for the sector.