Open Market Correspondents

What is an Open Market Correspondent (OMC)?


For Lloyd's purposes an OMC is an insurance intermediary, that does not have the status of a Lloyd's approved coverholder and that introduces business to Lloyd's, either directly or through a Lloyd's broker for placement at Lloyd's on an open market basis.

When does an overseas broker need to be registered/approved as an Open Market Correspondent?
An intermediary, located in one of the territories listed below, who wishes to place any class of business with Lloyd's underwriters, on an open market basis, must be registered/approved by Lloyd's as an open market correspondent (Please note that this requirement also applies to reinsurance business for South Africa and Spain).

If an intermediary located in one of the territories listed above proposes to place business with Lloyd’s underwriters, but is not dealing directly with a Lloyd’s broker, it is recommended that they contact the relevant Lloyd’s Representative’s office.

Intermediaries must be aware of all the regulations for placing insurance with Lloyd’s and must undertake to comply with all legal and fiscal obligations.

Process for registering/approving a new OMC

  • Download the application form.
  • Sponsoring Managing Agent or Lloyd's broker and applicant to complete the application form, sign and return to the relevant General Representative (contact details can be found under Lloyd's International Offices on the right hand side of this page in the 'See Also' section).
  • Where necessary a General Representative may require further details and will contact the applicant (OMC) and/or the Managing Agent or Lloyd's broker directly.
  • Lloyd's General Representative will notify the sponsoring Managing Agent / Lloyd's broker and OMC once an application has been successful


Please note:

  • The sponsoring Managing Agent / Lloyd's broker is responsible for notifying the General Representative of any changes to the OMC's details and status.
  • Managing Agents / Lloyd's brokers should notify a General Representative if arranging business with an existing OMC by completing the Application form for additional sponsor of a Lloyd's OMC located above.
  • Completing this form ensures that Lloyd's central records remain current allowing Lloyd's to contact relevant Lloyd's brokers when necessary.


OMC application forms

The OMC application forms can be accessed in PDF and Word format by clicking on the appropriate link below:

OMC application form for all countries except Canada and Italy:


Application form for Canada


Application form for Italy


Application form for additional sponsor of a Lloyd's OMC

The table set out below details those countries where a requirement exists for a local broker to be approved:

    Approval required
    Canada
    Kentucky
    Italy
    Switzerland
    Namibia
    US Virgin Islands
    Illinois1
    South Africa2
    Israel
    Spain3
    Portugal4



The following territories are former OMC territories where registration with Lloyd’s local General Representative is still a requirement:

Belgium, Cyprus, France including Monaco, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Malta, Netherlands, Spain5, Portugal6.

1 Applies to both Illinois licensed and Surplus lines buisness.
2 Applies to both Direct and Reinsurance business.
3 Applies to intermediaries who are “exclusive insurance agents” for a Lloyd’s managing agent.
4 Applies only to intermediaries who are “insurance agents” for a Lloyd’s managing agent.
5 Other than “exclusive insurance agents” (see note 3).
6 Other than “insurance agents” (see note 4).

Market bulletin:

Lloyd’s Open Market Correspondents (‘OMCs’) – changes to requirements (Y4276), 12 May 2009 (58.7KB, pdf)

Changes to Lloyd's Open Market Correspondent Approval/Registration Process, (Y3600), 22 July 2005 (795KB, pdf)


Contact us

Please contact Lloyd's International Trading Advice with any enquiries on +44 (0)20 7327 6677 or LITA@lloyds.com   

Last updated on 30 Oct 2009