Underwriting the risks of the shipping business
Larry Kwok Ming-tat (left) has a law and logistics education background. He started his career in insurance as a claims executive in the Shipowners' Protection and Indemnity Club, moving to underwriting nine years ago. He is now marine underwriting manager for the Greater China region for ACE Insurance. He shares some tips with Wong Yat-hei
What's your academic background?
I studied for my bachelor in business transport and logistics management from Royal Melbourne Institute Technology University. I obtained my LLB from Manchester Metropolitan University part-time. I'm currently studying for an LLM in maritime and transportation law stream at City University of Hong Kong.
How do you start your day?
My day starts with reading the news on the way to the office. I pay attention to news about shipping, trading, economics, legal updates and issues affecting the insurance business. I also check my e-mails on my phone.
What does your job entail?
My job is to assess and select the risks that our company will insure. Underwriters need an extensive knowledge of areas such as the nature and risk exposure for different kinds of goods, trading and economic conditions and legal knowledge.
What are the major challenges you've encountered so far?
