LLOYD’S is not an insurance company but an insurance market, whose members – either individuals and corporations – join together as Syndicates to conduct the insurance business and accept risks. The Lloyd’s Syndicates do not have legal personality and, therefore, they are managed by entities which are known as Managing Agents.
Origin of Lloyd’s
Lloyd’s begin over 1688, when ships owners and merchants met in London, at the Edward Lloyd’s Coffee Shop, to insure their ships and cargo in exchange of a premium. Till his death, in 1713, Lloyd reputation among his clients was crucial and the “Lloyd’s” name became recognised worldwide as the place for obtaining marine insurance.
Along the XVIII century, the informal meeting of merchants was gradually becoming more coherent and structured. In 1871, the Society and Corporation of Lloyd’s was officially incorporated by virtue of a Law of the UK Parliament. This Law allowed Lloyd’s to buy properties and approve its own Bye-Laws, always with the authority of the UK Parliament behind.
After the 1871 Lloyd’s Act, other Acts conformed what Lloyd’s is nowadays. Due to its importance, the 1982 Act and the reform in 2008 must be highlighted, as they give raise to important changes in the Lloyd’s structure and way of functioning.
Lloyd’s or the Association of Underwriters known as Lloyd’s was recognised as a form of insurance undertaking in the EU Directive 73/239/EEC, of 24 July, 1973 (First Non-Life Directive) and ratified lately by the Directive 92/49/EEC, of 18 June, 1992 (Third Non-Life Directive).