RSA Middle East region record 45% growth

Commenting on the half year results, Scott Pickering, CEO Asia and Middle East said:

"RSA has had much to celebrate in the first six months of 2008. We have received various industry awards, hired top industry talent, grown exponentially and have significantly increased our profile in the region through our successful re-brand."

RSA rolled out various initiatives since its successful re-brand in April 2008, adding a number of accolades to its portfolio including the Middle East 'General Insurer of the Year' Award for the second year running; the Middle East Training Award; and the Health Insurer Award in collaboration with Goodhealth.

RSA has seen very strong growth in the UAE, with its unique online personal insurance portal, supporting the rapidly growing personal insurance segment.

RSA operations in Oman, KSA & Bahrain have also seen significant business growth and the overall Asia & Middle East region reported a 59% growth with its Construction & Engineering (C&E) proposition.

Pat O'Flynn, RSA CEO for the Middle East said: "The Middle East itself has achieved profitable growth of 45% in its top line premium income and we have developed the Middle East businesses in our targeted areas, notably Construction & Engineering, Motor and Marine. There are significant business opportunities currently in the pipeline and we are confident the momentum will continue through the second half of the year and position us for a strong full year result in 2008."

RSA continues to strengthen its ambitious regional growth strategy by hiring some of the leading underwriters in the insurance industry in the Marine Cargo, Property, Construction & Engineering and Risk Management sectors; a strategy that underpins its position as a preferred insurer among both individual and commercial customers.