Africa Specialty Risks

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.

We are delighted to have completed our exit from Africa Specialty Risks ASR, on 22 September 2026.

ASR is a great example of how we partner with exceptional teams to build businesses that create real-world impact. Since 2020, we have supported ASR’s growth into a differentiated insurance platform serving clients across Africa and other growth markets.

We are proud of what the team has built and look forward to seeing ASR’s next chapter with Vitruvian Partners.