Collaboration Underwriting (CoLab), a Queensland-based managing general agent (MGA) specialising in directors and officers (D&O) liability insurance, has been approved as a Lloyd’s coverholder as of Aug. 5.
The development is expected to provide CoLab with greater underwriting capacity and access to Lloyd’s global network, supporting its expansion within the Australian and New Zealand insurance sectors.
CoLab, which operates under the umbrella of Quick, Ralf & Grant (QRG), delivers D&O and professional indemnity (PI) insurance solutions to a diverse client base across Australia and New Zealand.
The business, previously known as Resilience Professions, underwent a rebrand to align with the underwriting philosophy of principal underwriter Alistair Sandilands.
Commenting on the approval, Sandilands said CoLab’s approach as an underwriter is to align its objectives with those of its capacity providers, and now, with Lloyd’s.
“The combination of Lloyd’s renowned capacity and CoLab’s local insight, agility, and expertise presents exciting new opportunities for the Australasian insurance market. We look forward to working closely with our partners, brokers, and insureds as we expand our client base in the months ahead,” he said.
QRG’s head of MGAs, Richard Gildea, added: “Alistair identified a clear market need for quality, tailored products underpinned by the highest quality capacity. We have been pleased to support CoLab on its journey to becoming a Lloyd’s coverholder and are excited to work with them as they grow.”
Recent industry analysis has provided context for the evolving D&O landscape in Australia. According to Gallagher Specialty’s D&O State of the Market Report, the Australian market continues to experience a surplus of capacity, which has contributed to favourable conditions for policyholders.
The report notes that as price reductions stabilise, brokers are shifting their focus to enhancing policy coverage through bespoke wording and by reducing exclusions. There is also an increased appetite among underwriters for lower excess layers and for innovative product offerings, particularly from London-based insurers.
Another perspective comes from WTW’s Global D&O Survey Report 2025, which surveyed directors, officers, and risk managers internationally, including those in Australia. The report identified health and safety as the primary concern for boardrooms, a trend consistent for the second consecutive year.
The introduction of industrial manslaughter laws across all Australian states and territories, along with workplace legislative reforms implemented in 2024, were highlighted as key factors.
The survey also found that while concerns about cyberattacks have lessened compared to previous years, issues such as data loss, regulatory breaches, and civil litigation remain significant.
Notably, artificial intelligence was not identified as a major risk by respondents, and climate change concerns have also diminished, although social risks are reportedly on the rise.
CoLab operates as the trading name of QRG MGA Pty Limited, focusing on D&O and PI insurance for professionals in Australia and New Zealand.
QRG, headquartered in London, is a specialist insurance group and Lloyd’s broker with a presence in several international markets, including Greece, Spain, and Australia. The company provides a range of specialty insurance and reinsurance solutions and supports new MGA ventures through its incubator platform, which includes CoLab, Ithaca Underwriting, and Karve.
