Bridgehaven Specialty UK Limited (Bridgehaven), a hybrid insurer in commercial and specialty lines, has become the latest member of the Association of British Insurers (ABI). As a hybrid carrier, Bridgehaven provides managing general agents (MGAs) with long-term capacity while offering reinsurers greater diversification opportunities. The model is designed to foster durable partnerships and bring new approaches to market, reinforcing the adaptability of the UK insurance sector.
ABI membership connects Bridgehaven to the broader voice of the UK’s insurance and long-term savings industry, which represents more than 300 firms including Aviva, Lloyd’s of London, and AIG UK. The ABI works closely with government, regulators and consumer organisations on policy matters and on promoting the value of the sector to the economy.
Paul Jewell, CEO of Bridgehaven, said the move signals a new stage in the company’s development.
“Becoming an ABI member marks an important milestone in our journey, and we see this as an opportunity to further cement our reputation in the market as an insurer promoting high value products and practices,” he said. “We look forward to collaborating with the ABI and its members to shape the future of the insurance industry.”
Sheryl Fernando, the ABI's director of membership and commercial development, said Bridgehaven's hybrid approach reflects the market's ongoing evolution.
“Their innovative hybrid model and commitment to long-term partnerships with MGAs and reinsurers reflect the evolving nature of our industry,” she said. “We welcome the expertise and perspective their European expansion will bring to the UK’s world-leading insurance sector.”
For the wider market, Bridgehaven's membership underscores how hybrid platforms are gaining ground as a recognised part of the industry's structure. MGAs have become an essential distribution channel in recent years, but capacity remains a persistent challenge, particularly for specialist and emerging risks. By bringing both MGAs and reinsurers into alignment, Bridgehaven's model provides a longer-term and more stable solution to capacity deployment.
