
Santam strengthens Syndicate 1918 team as Lloyd’s operation scales up
Hina Shavdia joins as COO as Santam increases Lloyd’s capacity and expects a larger loss before the business reaches break-even.

Hina Shavdia joins as COO as Santam increases Lloyd’s capacity and expects a larger loss before the business reaches break-even.

Santam’s new Lloyd’s syndicate is expected to post a loss of up to R550m in 2026, even as group earnings and international premium growth remain strong.

The insurer says reinsurance protection has increased significantly, and it has secured full reinsurance for 2026/27 for the first time in three years.

Lower weather-related claims and disciplined pricing helped lift underwriting profitability in 2025, pushing margins above the insurer’s long-term target range.

For the six months to June, Santam reports net income growth of 19%, with a underwriting margin of 11.3% – well above its target range.

The operating profit more than doubled in 2024, while gross written premiums increased by 9%.

Nearly all business units report strong growth in new business volumes.

Santam will ramp up efforts to tackle increased weather- and fire-related risks by implementing measures such as adjusting premiums and setting stricter risk limits.