Bermuda-based insurer Argo Group International Holdings Ltd. yesterday announced the launch of a financial products unit in London.

Argo Financial Products Ltd. will focus on providing non-US domiciled clients lines including directors' and officers' liability, public offering of securities insurance, employment practices liability, pension trustee liability, crime, and bond and professional indemnity for financial institutions.

Limits will be up to £10 million, or $20 million.

With a team led by Colin Thompson, Argo Financial will underwrite through Heritage, which this year became a subsidiary of Argo Group.

Argo Financial underwriters initially will be seconded to Syndicate 1200 and will operate from the syndicate's box on the first floor of the Lloyd's building.

In addition to Mr. Thompson, Argo Financial's Board of Directors will consist of Joint Active Underwriter with Syndicate 1200 Mark Lawrence, Ian Whistondale, formerly of Lloyd's broker Whistondale and Partners, and Hugh Morland, previously CEO of both CNA Insurance Company (Europe) Ltd. and of Bowring Marsh and McLennan's Finpro Division.