Artemis London 2023 gathered insurance-linked securities (ILS) and re/insurance market participants for a full day of presentations, panels and networking in central London, creating an active forum for industry dialogue.
Keynote addresses set the tone
The opening remarks came from Artemis editor-in-chief Steve Evans, who outlined the event’s objectives and highlighted the importance of collaboration across the sector. He was followed by a keynote from Burkhard Keese, chief financial officer of Lloyd’s. Keese detailed the market’s activity in third-party capital and ILS, emphasizing recent financing trends that are reshaping the environment.
Later, Jorge Familiar, vice president and treasurer of the World Bank Group, discussed the institution’s role in disaster-risk financing and explained how ILS can be applied to support vulnerable economies around the globe.
Panels explored investor sentiment and new product development
The first panel examined ILS investor sentiment. Led by Lorenzo Volpi of Leadenhall Capital Partners, the discussion featured analysts from Albourne Partners, LGIM and SIGLO Capital Advisors, who described how current market conditions are shaping investment outlooks and influencing allocation decisions.
Mid-morning, a second panel addressed the emerging cyber catastrophe bond market. Kyle Freeman of AXIS ILS led the session, joined by experts from Sidley Austin, CyberCube, Aon Securities and Credit Suisse Insurance Linked Strategies. They outlined the practical steps needed for a full cyber cat-bond issuance and highlighted regulatory considerations.
In a brief interlude, attendees refreshed with coffee and snacks before reconvening for a third panel on sustaining returns in cat bonds and private ILS. Philipp Kusche of Howden Tiger Capital Markets chaired a conversation with senior figures from Twelve Capital, SCOR, Tenax Capital and K2 Advisors, focusing on whether improved reinsurance conditions can be maintained over the longer term.
A fourth panel, led by Rowan Douglas of Howden Group, considered the future of parametric triggers in cat bonds and ILS. Participants from ICEYE, the World Bank Treasury and Descartes Underwriting discussed how accelerated innovation could influence future issuances and affect underwriting practices.
Closing sessions and networking
The day concluded with a discussion on strategic talking points for the upcoming Monte Carlo conference, moderated by Alex Mican of Verisk. Panelists from McGill and Partners, Credit Suisse, Guy Carpenter and Securis Investment Partners offered perspectives on market messaging and highlighted key themes for the next gathering.
A brief closing remark from the chair wrapped up the agenda, after which a cocktail reception allowed participants to network with speakers, sponsors and peers, extending the conversations begun on the conference floor.