CORRECTED-Rokstone launches surety division with DRS Bond Management's Guymer

By Navneeta Nandan

July 15 - (The Insurer) - Aventum Group's Rokstone has launched a surety division led by Darren Guymer, who has joined the company from specialist surety broker DRS Bond Management.

The specialty MGA said on Tuesday that the new offering complements its existing credit and surety treaty division and is backed by A-rated capacity.

Guymer most recently served as a director at DRS Bond Management. He has also held senior underwriting positions at First Underwriting Limited and Aviva.

Ian Anson, global CEO at Rokstone, said: "The surety market has been tough since the COVID pandemic and following a string of high-profile insolvencies, especially in the construction sector. This has made it harder for businesses of all sizes, but especially SMEs, to obtain bonds."

In May, Rokstone launched its international casualty division and appointed Convex's Sam Wylie as portfolio manager. The Insurer exclusively reported earlier that month that the firm had launched a UK and Ireland casualty division, led by Convex's Lewis Goodearl.