Lloyd's opens up to small investors

THE ADMISSION of corporate capital to Lloyd's gained approval last week, paving the way for small investors to have a punt in the insurance market, writes Alison Eadie.

Some 20 or more corporate capital vehicles have been launched, nearly all aiming for investment trust status with a PEP option.

Although many boast blue chip sponsors, the test is the clout of their Lloyd's advisers. Murray Lawrence Members Agency has warned that advisers lacking relationships with existing underwriters will have problems finding capacity on the best syndicates. Many of the new vehicles claim they have been promised capacity on good syndicates from January.

Prospective investors wanting to check past performance can obtain syndicate tables from Chatset, the Association of Lloyd's Members (pounds 50) or Limelight from Lloyd's (pounds 35).

Dunbar Boyle & Kingsley, the London stockbroker, has just launched an advice service on new vehicles.

Chatset 071-823 6980; ALM 071-283 4026; Lloyd's 071-623 7100.