Hamilton Insurance Group Ltd has, through its Hamilton ILS business unit, sponsored its first 144A industry loss index-triggered catastrophe bond through the issuance of Series 2020-1 Class A Principal-at-Risk Variable Rate Notes by Easton Re Pte Ltd.

Bermudian-headquartered Hamilton said Easton Re will provide the company's operating platforms with multiyear risk transfer capacity of $150 million to protect against named storm and earthquake risk in the United States.

Tony Ursano, group CFO at Hamilton, said: “We’re extremely pleased to announce the success of this new cat bond transaction, which is the first of its kind for Hamilton.

“That we were able to attract significant investor interest and to execute the transaction at highly competitive pricing well below initial market guidance, underscores our position as a growing and respected global specialty insurance and reinsurance carrier, focused on becoming a best in class underwriter."

Hanni Ali, SVP, Strategic Partnerships, added: "This transaction, together with the recent launch of Ada Capital Management Limited, underwriting on behalf of Ada Re, Ltd, a Bermuda-registered special purpose insurer, illustrates how we are gaining momentum in our ILS strategy.

"We aim to build a significant third-party capital management platform through the continued development of partnerships with institutional investors across the globe."

Formed in Singapore as a special purpose reinsurance vehicle, Easton Re is the first index-based transaction approved for issuance by the Monetary Authority of Singapore, Hamilton said.

The risk period for Easton Re will run from January 1, 2021 to December 31, 2023.

Hamilton said GC Securities acted as sole structuring agent and sole bookrunner. Sidley Austin LLP acted as deal counsel.