Howden Re secures full reinsurance license to operate from Dubai International Financial Centre

Howden Re, the global reinsurance broking arm of Howden Group, has received a full reinsurance license from the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) to operate from the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), with Julian Samengo-Turner and Attilio Tornetta to co-lead the firm’s Dubai operations.

This new Dubai license strengthens Howden Re’s growing presence across major growth markets, and is an important milestone in the reinsurance broker’s long-term commitment to the Middle East.

The broker’s expanded Dubai operations will build on its current broking services, with a focus on its treaty, facultative, and MGA reinsurance offering.

Co-lead Samengo-Turner, Head of IMEA, continues to oversee fac and MGA broking, and will focus on fac growth and supporting clients across established and start-up MGAs with reinsurance broking, strategic, and capital advisory services.

Tornetta, also co-lead of the Dubai operations, joined Howden Re in 2023 as Managing Director for the Middle East and Africa, has been appointed Head of Treaty & Regional Retro, EMEA. He will focus on developing the company’s treaty proposition and expanding its footprint across the Middle East and Africa.

Additionally, Sheena Kotecha, Head of Operations IMEA, has been appointed Senior Executive Officer. Howden Re states that this appointment is to ensure that it aligns with the highest regulatory and governance standards, in line with the DIFC’s internationally recognised framework.

“The Middle East is a rapidly evolving market, where demand for sophisticated reinsurance support is booming. We appreciate DIFC’s ongoing confidence in Howden and their partnership in enabling our growth through this license. This development clearly demonstrates Howden Re’s continued international expansion, our ambition to deepen our regional presence, and our commitment to delivering exceptional value to our clients globally. It marks a significant step forward in strengthening our global footprint and reinforcing our long-term strategy in key markets,” said Mario Baotic, Head of International Growth Markets, Howden Re.

“We are delighted to expand into Dubai through DIFC, a strategic gateway to growth across the UAE and the wider MEASA region, supported by a robust regulatory framework. Our enhanced reinsurance operations in Dubai mark a significant milestone in our strategy. I look forward to working alongside Julian to strengthen our presence and deliver innovative, client-centric solutions across the region. Together, we will continue to drive Howden Re’s ambition to build a market-leading platform and deliver long-term value throughout the Middle East and Africa,” added Tornetta.

The expanded Dubai operations follow with a dedicated reinsurance operation offering.