What is Lloyd's?

Unlike many other insurance brands, Lloyd's is not a company; it's a market where our members join together as syndicates to insure risks.

Much of Lloyd’s business works by subscription, where more than one syndicate takes a share of the same risk. Business is conducted face-to-face between brokers and underwriters in the Underwriting Room. 

When we talk of Lloyd’s, we’re really referring to two distinct parts. The market, which is made up of many independent businesses, and the Corporation of Lloyd’s, which is there – broadly speaking – to oversee that market. These parts are distinct, but far from independent. Both work closely to maintain high standards of performance across the market.

The following pages will give you an insight into the unique way in which Lloyd’s is structured, the role of the market and The Corporation, and the different departments (directorates) that make up Lloyd’s.

The Lloyd's market

How Lloyd's works diagramThe Lloyd’s market is home to over 50 managing agents and over 80 syndicates, which offer an unrivalled concentration of specialist underwriting expertise and talent.

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The Corporation of Lloyd's

The Corporation of Lloyd's oversees and supports the Lloyd’s market, ensuring it operates efficiently and retains its reputation as the market of choice for specialist insurance and reinsurance risk.

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Three-Year Plan

Lloyd's Three Year Plan 2012-2014 Lloyd’s vision is to be the market of choice for insurance and reinsurance buyers and sellers to access and trade specialist property and casualty risks.

Lloyd's Three-Year Plan 

Corporate Governance and Management

The governance structure and rules under which Lloyd's operates are defined by an Act of Parliament - the Lloyd's Act, 1982

Council of Lloyd's      Franchise Board        
Executive Team         Regulation of Lloyd's

Tags: Corporation of Lloyd's , Council of Lloyd's , departments , Lloyd's Franchise Board , Society of Lloyd's

See Also

Useful Publications

Lloyd's Quick Guide 2011 - US version  pdf file
Lloyd's Quick Guide 2011

An introduction to who we are, what we do and where we work.

Key Facts | Fact or Fiction Graphic  pdf file
Key Facts: Fact and Fiction

Dispels some of the myths surrounding Lloyd's and sorts out fact from fiction...

Key Contacts

Key Contacts

Looking to talk to someone at Lloyd's? Here's where to start:

Key Contacts

Global reach

Lloyd's global reach thumbnail We accept business from over 200 countries and territories worldwide.

Lloyd's global reach 

Take a tour

Virtual tour

Take a virtual tour around the Lloyd’s building

Take the virtual tour

History of Lloyd's

Learn Lloyd's History

Learn about Lloyd's unique and colourful past.

Learn more