In September 2020, Helios announced the launch of Africa Specialty Risks Group (“ASR”) in partnership with Mikir Shah, former CEO of AXA Africa Specialty Risks, and Bryan Howett, former CEO of Old Mutual’s pan-African reinsurance operations. ASR is a reinsurer and managing agent (quoting, pricing and placing risk on behalf of a panel of reinsurers) that writes corporate and specialty risk on the African continent. The company is focused on becoming the partner of choice to corporations and insurers through the provision of comprehensive and bespoke risk mitigating insurance solutions. ASR will create tailored solutions for local and global customers, using Africa-specific pricing models coupled with a deep understanding of African risk and cultural environments. ASR intends to work proactively with local regulators and clients to develop skills and provide training to local underwriters. Environmental, social and governance considerations are central to ASR’s values, particularly in relation to local capacity building.