Several insurance sector businesses have announced new appointments in Asia, reflecting ongoing efforts to adapt to changing client demands.
FM, a commercial property insurer, has appointed Calvin Kuan (pictured) as client service manager for Southeast Asia, effective Nov. 1.
Based in Singapore, Kuan will oversee underwriting and client service operations, managing both existing and new business relationships. His responsibilities include supporting the company’s growth strategy and ensuring the delivery of insurance products and services in line with FM’s objectives.
Kuan joined FM in 2013 as a consultant engineer and has since held roles as account engineer and account manager. His earlier career included engineering positions in the electronics and semiconductor industries. He holds a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering and an MBA from the National University of Singapore, as well as professional certifications in risk management and insurance.
James Thompson, senior vice president and division manager for Asia-Pacific at FM, said Kuan’s “deep client experience over 12 years with FM makes him the ideal choice for the CSM role. He truly understands the unique risks and challenges faced by our Southeast Asia clients.”
Willis, a WTW business, has announced the appointment of Vijay Nair as head of tax insurance for Asia-Pacific.
Nair will be based in Singapore and will lead the company’s tax insurance business within its Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) and Financial, Professional and Executive Risks (FINEX) specialty.
His mandate includes expanding Willis’ tax insurance offerings, implementing M&A tax strategy, and building relationships with stakeholders such as legal advisors, investment banks, and corporate clients.
Nair’s experience includes leading tax insurance solutions for a multinational broker in Asia and a decade at PwC, where he focused on financial services tax and transfer pricing. His background covers advising on risk mitigation for M&A, restructuring, and complex transactions.
Steven Torresan, head of mergers & acquisitions, international at FINEX, Willis, said: “Vijay is recognised as one of the most senior and respected tax insurance advisors in APAC. His deep expertise ensures our clients have in-region access to specialist advice to navigate complex or uncertain tax risks, both within and outside the context of an M&A transaction.”
Willis reports a 50% year-on-year increase in tax insurance submissions in Asia-Pacific, highlighting the growing use of tax liability insurance to address corporate risk.
Namit Mahajan, head of FINEX Asia, Willis, said the appointment aligns with the company’s investment in financial lines and its response to evolving regulatory and legal challenges in the region. “Vijay’s expertise and leadership will further strengthen our capabilities and ensure we continue to deliver innovative FINEX solutions to our clients across the region,” Mahajan said.
Clyde & Co, an international law firm, has promoted Priya Gobal to partner in its Singapore office, effective Nov. 1.
Gobal’s practice focuses on financial lines, general liability, and trade credit claims, where she advises re/insurers on coverage, monitoring, and defence matters across a range of policy types. Her experience includes handling complex claims in Asia, Mauritius, and the US, as well as advising on policy wordings and product development. Before specialising in insurance, Gobal worked in commercial litigation, arbitration, and criminal defence, and is admitted to practice in Singapore and as a solicitor in England & Wales.
Simon McConnell, partner and Asia-Pacific board chair at Clyde & Co, said: “Priya’s promotion is testament to her expertise, leadership, and dedication, which will further strengthen our ability to support clients in the region.”
Ian Roberts, partner in Singapore and London, added: “Continued organic growth will allow us to seize opportunities arising from the everchanging risk environment, where we see strong demand for help from our insurance clients.”
Clyde & Co’s insurance practice includes more than 2,400 lawyers in over 70 offices worldwide.
