Bermuda-based Platinum Underwriters Holdings Ltd opened the New York Stock Exchange trading on Monday.

Group chief executive officer, Jerry Fadden, pressed the buzzer which commences trading and several other members of the company also visited the exchange where Platinum's stock is now listed.

Bart Hedges, chief operating officer of Platinum Underwriters Bermuda Ltd said: "This was an excellent day for Platinum Underwriters. It represents the culmination of the IPO process which was completed in November and it was a great opportunity to experience first hand the inner workings of the NYSE."

Platinum had its initial public offering on the New York Stock Exchange at the end of October after being spun off by US insurance company The St. Paul.

It writes international property and casualty insurance.

The company's shares closed at $24.99 yesterday, down 44 cents.