MNK International, an independent Lloyd's broker, has launched MNK International North America, a new broking business that will give North American producers and clients access to specialist insurance solutions through the London and Bermuda markets, the company said Tuesday.
MNK International North America will be led by new CEO Julian Ball (pictured), who brings over 35 years of experience in the North American insurance market. Ball has held senior roles in London and New York, including establishing and building North American specialty businesses at United Insurance Brokers, leading a wholesale business serving the US market at Marsh, and overseeing US growth and client development at Bowring Marsh.
Based in London, Ball will lead the development of specialist teams in the city, broadening the firm's product offering and strengthening relationships with clients across the region.
The business will target opportunities in transportation and auto, commercial property, delegated authority business, professional and financial, marine hull and cargo, health care and life science, natural resources, construction and engineering, crisis management, renewable energy, and cyber.
Ball will also oversee development of a digital platform for North American clients and explore proprietary solutions with other MNK Group businesses.
Naman Kumar, chief executive officer of MNK International, said: "As we continue to strengthen our international reach, North America is a significant growth market for MNK International and Julian is ideally placed to lead the development of our broking platform in the region. He brings deep market knowledge, a strong record of building successful teams and a clear understanding of what clients and distribution partners need."
Ball said: "What attracted me to MNK International was the clear ambition across the business, together with a willingness to invest in people, technology and new capabilities."
"North America presents an important opportunity for MNK International. Changes in the broking market are creating demand for an independent and collaborative alternative that can give producers access to specialist expertise and capacity in London and Bermuda. I am excited to build out our broking platform, develop specialist teams and expand our offering across both established and emerging areas of the market," he said.
The launch lands as Lloyd's enters 2026 with a record initial market stamp capacity of £58.2 billion ($76.8 billion), a 3% rise on the prior year, with at least 51 syndicates approved to expand their business plans. Lloyd's entered 2026 with a record initial market stamp capacity of £58.2 billion pounds ($76.8 billion), with at least 51 surveyed syndicates having received approval to expand their business plans for next year.
Lloyd's has also named delegated authority and consortium-led facilities a primary growth vehicle for the year: delegated authority accounts for approximately 45% of Lloyd's premium income, and Lloyd's 2026 business plan projected 67.4 billion pounds in gross written premium, with 62.5% of accretive growth expected from new entrants and structured solutions. Delegated authority business is among the sectors MNK International North America has named as a target.
The move also follows a broader expansion pattern at MNK Group, which unified its broking, MGA and risk-taking entities under a single brand in April 2025, connecting operations across the UK, Europe, North America, Latin America, Africa, the Middle East and the Far East.
