Growing demand for specialist fine art and specie insurance continues to attract investment from leading carriers across Europe and the London Market, as insurers strengthen underwriting expertise to address rising asset values, theft risks, and natural catastrophe exposures.
In response, Liberty Specialty Markets and Markel Insurance have both made strategic moves to reinforce their Fine Art & Specie (FA&S) capabilities. Liberty has introduced a revamped leadership structure for its European operations, while Markel has expanded its London team with a senior underwriting appointment—highlighting sustained commitment to this niche but increasingly important segment.
Liberty restructures European FA&S leadership
Liberty Specialty Markets, part of Liberty Mutual Insurance Group, has unveiled a new leadership framework for its European FA&S portfolio, effective May 1, 2026.
Under the changes, Bjoern Reusswig has been appointed European underwriting manager for contingency, fine art & specie, and war & terrorism. He takes on additional responsibility for the FA&S portfolio from David Saillen, chief underwriting officer for Europe.
Meanwhile, Paolo Frassetto has been named fine art & specie European underwriting manager. He will continue in his existing role as underwriting manager for FA&S Italy and will remain based in Milan.
Markel strengthens London FA&S team
Markel Insurance, the insurance arm of Markel Group, has appointed Katie McGrath as senior underwriter for its London fine art & specie team, effective immediately.
In her new role, McGrath will focus on identifying, pricing, and placing complex risks, contributing to the sustainable growth of Markel’s London Market portfolio. She will also work closely with brokers to build relationships and collaborate with claims and actuarial teams to monitor emerging trends and develop tailored insurance solutions.
McGrath brings nearly two decades of experience in the insurance sector, with a strong focus on fine art and specie risks. She previously spent over seven years at Antares Underwriting Services Limited as deputy specie underwriter, handling portfolios including fine art, jewellers’ block, general specie, and cash-in-transit risks.
She later joined Talbot Underwriting as underwriter – specie, where she managed large international client accounts within the fine art & specie segment before moving to Markel.
