Specialty (re)insurance underwriting platform, K2 International has announced the establishment of European operations with the launch of a new office in Brussels.

The office will be led by Michael Butcher, head underwriter for K2 International Europe S.A who reports to Richard Coello, managing director, K2 International.

K2 states the new operation will further strengthen the firm’s existing international business and will initially focus on responding to any absence of EU passporting rights at the end of the Brexit transition period.

In time, the benefits of the Brussels office will be rolled out across K2 International, to produce direct distribution benefits to brokers across Europe.

Richard Coello, managing director K2 International commented: “This is an exciting moment for K2 International as we build and strengthen our business in Europe with the opening of our Brussels office. While immediately supporting the development of our financial institutions business, the new office will help us to deliver on our strategic goal of expanding into additional business classes across Europe. I am confident Michael will bring dynamism and outstanding technical skill to deliver risk management and insurance solutions to clients and brokers across the continent.”

Michael Butcher, head underwriter for K2 International Europe S.A. added: “K2 International has a reputation for exacting underwriting standards in the financial institutions markets across Europe. Our new office location will give us the opportunity to get closer to existing clients and brokers and build new relationships in an expanding list of business classes throughout the whole of Europe.”