Bermuda insurer Allied World Assurance Company Holdings Ltd. yesterday announced the opening of a branch office in Singapore in order to further expand its operations in Asia,and has appointed Bruce Ford as its principal officer and head of treaty Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa.

Allied World's operations have received authorisation from the Monetary Authority of Singapore to conduct general insurance business operations. The office will be the Allied World hub for all classes of treaty business for the region, as well as offering direct insurance products for South Asia with an initial focus on professional lines and casualty classes.

Scott Carmilani, Allied World's president and chief executive officer, commented: "Allied World sees great potential in Asia and in our ability to address growing risks for clients.

"Our new Singapore office will complement and expand the services and expertise we already bring to the region.Together with our Hong Kong branch office, which we opened in March 2009, we will be able to further respond to the needs of this market."

The office will be located at 1 Fullerton Road, Singapore.