Lee Harris
@leeharris.ft.com
Journalist at the Financial Times
Contact: lee.harris@ft.com
Contact: lee.harris@ft.com
Reposted by Lee Harris
"My 'we do very, very normal due diligence' shirt has people asking a lot of questions already answered by my shirt."
November 10, 2025 at 1:07 PM
"My 'we do very, very normal due diligence' shirt has people asking a lot of questions already answered by my shirt."
Tfw your credit ratings are very normal
November 10, 2025 at 1:02 PM
Tfw your credit ratings are very normal
Reposted by Lee Harris
I’m quite proud of this one, it feels like the concentrated essence of a wealth story —> on.ft.com/4nJf9DW Private jet owners rent out aircraft engines amid supply crunch
Private jet owners rent out aircraft engines amid supply crunch
[FREE TO READ] Some travellers prefer to borrow engines to use with their own customised jets
on.ft.com
November 1, 2025 at 7:27 AM
I’m quite proud of this one, it feels like the concentrated essence of a wealth story —> on.ft.com/4nJf9DW Private jet owners rent out aircraft engines amid supply crunch
The insurance industry has stepped up efforts to limit future payouts over for petrochemical disasters, following a record judgment by Sri Lanka’s supreme court over the world’s biggest recorded plastic spill. on.ft.com/4n49rvU
October 14, 2025 at 8:11 AM
The insurance industry has stepped up efforts to limit future payouts over for petrochemical disasters, following a record judgment by Sri Lanka’s supreme court over the world’s biggest recorded plastic spill. on.ft.com/4n49rvU
Reposted by Lee Harris
Credit insurance is back in the spotlight – my personal fomo. scoop from @leeharris.ft.com @bondhack.ft.com www.ft.com/content/de37...
Insurers prepare for wave of First Brands claims
Allianz, Coface and AIG among groups to have written credit insurance policies linked to bankrupt car parts maker
www.ft.com
October 10, 2025 at 6:52 AM
Credit insurance is back in the spotlight – my personal fomo. scoop from @leeharris.ft.com @bondhack.ft.com www.ft.com/content/de37...
“It’s like when they took away free bags on airlines — it took a number of years for customers to accept it”. How US home insurers have changed the fine print on policies, paring back their losses & boosting a recent jump in profits on.ft.com/4872W7M
Home insurers’ latest trick: stealth increasing your deductible
[FREE TO READ] Millions of Americans are being hit by tighter policy terms from groups including Progressive, State Farm and Travelers
on.ft.com
October 3, 2025 at 7:48 AM
“It’s like when they took away free bags on airlines — it took a number of years for customers to accept it”. How US home insurers have changed the fine print on policies, paring back their losses & boosting a recent jump in profits on.ft.com/4872W7M
Reposted by Lee Harris
Speaking of throwing good money after bad, here's one I did earlier on why the US backstop for Argentina is really an IMF backstop for Argentina, when 46% of total IMF GRA credit outstanding is already, well, Argentina. www.ft.com/content/75d6...
US lifeline for Argentina relies on IMF backstop, say analysts
Trump administration’s $20bn swap line threatens to load even more debt on to struggling South American country
www.ft.com
September 29, 2025 at 3:34 PM
Speaking of throwing good money after bad, here's one I did earlier on why the US backstop for Argentina is really an IMF backstop for Argentina, when 46% of total IMF GRA credit outstanding is already, well, Argentina. www.ft.com/content/75d6...
Reposted by Lee Harris
49. textbook stuff here, nice work everyone
@leeharris.ft.com on the weird and wonderful world of cyber insurance. as usual, even if you have it, you may not have it
www.ft.com/content/84da...
@leeharris.ft.com on the weird and wonderful world of cyber insurance. as usual, even if you have it, you may not have it
www.ft.com/content/84da...
September 26, 2025 at 3:18 PM
49. textbook stuff here, nice work everyone
@leeharris.ft.com on the weird and wonderful world of cyber insurance. as usual, even if you have it, you may not have it
www.ft.com/content/84da...
@leeharris.ft.com on the weird and wonderful world of cyber insurance. as usual, even if you have it, you may not have it
www.ft.com/content/84da...
Reposted by Lee Harris
“South Korean companies have routinely used unsuitable visas for workers sent to the US to build multibillion-dollar advanced manufacturing sites, according to Seoul-based executives and industry groups,“ as the US failed to facilitate short-term work visas despite a FTA. www.ft.com/content/c677...
Korean companies admit cutting corners on US visas but say they have little choice
US is ‘two-faced’ in pushing Korea to complete multibillion dollar projects on time but refusing to facilitate necessary work documents
www.ft.com
September 8, 2025 at 3:07 PM
“South Korean companies have routinely used unsuitable visas for workers sent to the US to build multibillion-dollar advanced manufacturing sites, according to Seoul-based executives and industry groups,“ as the US failed to facilitate short-term work visas despite a FTA. www.ft.com/content/c677...
Reposted by Lee Harris
“It’s a way for insurers to monetise good credit ratings.” 👀 on.ft.com/46CguXE
The niche debt tool at the heart of Apollo’s private credit machine
How Apollo’s in-house insurer has raised capital to fund the group’s lending, without turning to policyholders
on.ft.com
September 15, 2025 at 6:33 AM
“It’s a way for insurers to monetise good credit ratings.” 👀 on.ft.com/46CguXE
The world’s biggest reinsurer has warned that the growth of private investment in cat bonds could raise volatility in insurance markets, if hedge funds + other private investors suddenly pulled out. My story: on.ft.com/47piXpb
September 2, 2025 at 8:02 PM
The world’s biggest reinsurer has warned that the growth of private investment in cat bonds could raise volatility in insurance markets, if hedge funds + other private investors suddenly pulled out. My story: on.ft.com/47piXpb
Reposted by Lee Harris
On the fight for easier access to CATASTROPHE BONDS!
It's 2025: Bet on natural disasters for your retirement security.
From @leeharris.ft.com @emdunks.bsky.social.
www.ft.com/content/82c7...
It's 2025: Bet on natural disasters for your retirement security.
From @leeharris.ft.com @emdunks.bsky.social.
www.ft.com/content/82c7...
Retail investors fight for right to bet on natural disasters
Asset managers push back against an EU attempt to curb access to fast-growing market for catastrophe bonds
www.ft.com
August 19, 2025 at 12:54 PM
On the fight for easier access to CATASTROPHE BONDS!
It's 2025: Bet on natural disasters for your retirement security.
From @leeharris.ft.com @emdunks.bsky.social.
www.ft.com/content/82c7...
It's 2025: Bet on natural disasters for your retirement security.
From @leeharris.ft.com @emdunks.bsky.social.
www.ft.com/content/82c7...
Reposted by Lee Harris
the details about the Wong Kar Wai /Christopher Doyle inspo and the naturalistic sound editing are so fascinating
"Listen, we're not on a studio set. We're not on the backlot at Sony. We're in New York City, and it's going to feel like it."
for @defector.com, i talked to the team behind @zohrankmamdani.bsky.social's campaign videos to learn their secrets (see: a lot of sincerity; and a dash of Tim & Eric)
for @defector.com, i talked to the team behind @zohrankmamdani.bsky.social's campaign videos to learn their secrets (see: a lot of sincerity; and a dash of Tim & Eric)
Selling Zohran | Defector
On a cool Sunday in November, a few days after Donald Trump’s re-election, Zohran Mamdani stood on a street corner in Jamaica, Queens, holding up a hastily drawn cardboard sign that read “DID YOU VOTE...
defector.com
August 18, 2025 at 2:33 PM
the details about the Wong Kar Wai /Christopher Doyle inspo and the naturalistic sound editing are so fascinating
Apollo has hit back against criticism of the close ties between its asset management arm and in-house insurer in an investor filing that instead points the finger at its chief rivals. Story: on.ft.com/3Uuo8g1
Apollo’s insurer points finger at rivals over potential conflicts
[FREE TO READ] US life insurers’ related party assets have come under scrutiny as private equity has piled into the sector
on.ft.com
August 18, 2025 at 11:18 AM
Apollo has hit back against criticism of the close ties between its asset management arm and in-house insurer in an investor filing that instead points the finger at its chief rivals. Story: on.ft.com/3Uuo8g1
Credit insurance once meant a policy that would pay out if a banana shipment didn’t show up. It has come to mean whizzy financial engineering, from shifting capital off banks' balance sheets to helping startups raise cash. New lawsuit sheds some light:
www.ft.com/content/8891...
www.ft.com/content/8891...
Aon sued for alleged fraud linked to credit insurance for start-ups
Lawsuit representing AI business Vesttoo sheds light on push by insurance broker into growing market
www.ft.com
August 14, 2025 at 2:06 PM
Credit insurance once meant a policy that would pay out if a banana shipment didn’t show up. It has come to mean whizzy financial engineering, from shifting capital off banks' balance sheets to helping startups raise cash. New lawsuit sheds some light:
www.ft.com/content/8891...
www.ft.com/content/8891...
Interesting new study from NY Fed compares how lenders treat unmapped flood risk (due to FEMA’s outdated maps). Big banks are lending less and charging more in risky areas. Non-banks and local banks are still originating the loans but then securitizing or moving them off their balance sheet
August 7, 2025 at 4:58 PM
Interesting new study from NY Fed compares how lenders treat unmapped flood risk (due to FEMA’s outdated maps). Big banks are lending less and charging more in risky areas. Non-banks and local banks are still originating the loans but then securitizing or moving them off their balance sheet
Reposted by Lee Harris
Brookfield's way in to the UK retirement market: start a new insurer AND buy one
Also, after Apollo's Athora/PIC, the North American private capital groups are really in town... to invest your pension
@leeharris.ft.com reports
www.ft.com/content/f460...
Also, after Apollo's Athora/PIC, the North American private capital groups are really in town... to invest your pension
@leeharris.ft.com reports
www.ft.com/content/f460...
Brookfield strikes £2.4bn deal to buy London-listed insurer Just Group
Chancellor Rachel Reeves welcomes deal amid concerns over UK stock market departures
www.ft.com
July 31, 2025 at 9:20 AM
Brookfield's way in to the UK retirement market: start a new insurer AND buy one
Also, after Apollo's Athora/PIC, the North American private capital groups are really in town... to invest your pension
@leeharris.ft.com reports
www.ft.com/content/f460...
Also, after Apollo's Athora/PIC, the North American private capital groups are really in town... to invest your pension
@leeharris.ft.com reports
www.ft.com/content/f460...
A senior industry figure has accused asset managers of chasing fees at insurers’ expense, as he launches a contrarian fund he says will do things differently: on.ft.com/44FFoop
Insurance veteran launches fund to combat asset managers chasing fees at insurers’ expense
[FREE TO READ] Former American Equity Insurance Life boss Anant Bhalla launches private assets investment fund with different fee model
on.ft.com
July 21, 2025 at 12:28 PM
A senior industry figure has accused asset managers of chasing fees at insurers’ expense, as he launches a contrarian fund he says will do things differently: on.ft.com/44FFoop
Sat down with the new boss of Flood Re to discuss his concerns that the national flood reinsurer is not on track to wind down by its deadline — and why, despite recently issuing a catastrophe bond, he is pricing in stubbornly high reinsurance costs: on.ft.com/3IFcUmg
Investors hitting ‘limit’ for insuring against UK floods, warns Flood Re chief
[FREE TO READ] CEO of reinsurer says exposure to risks is now ‘worse’ than when the scheme started in 2016
on.ft.com
July 21, 2025 at 12:28 PM
Sat down with the new boss of Flood Re to discuss his concerns that the national flood reinsurer is not on track to wind down by its deadline — and why, despite recently issuing a catastrophe bond, he is pricing in stubbornly high reinsurance costs: on.ft.com/3IFcUmg
Reposted by Lee Harris
“It won’t be a question of how much you’re willing to pay — the cover won’t be available"
Everest CEO Jim Williamson speaking to me at this year's FT Global Insurance Summit about a creaking US casualty insurance market
Important story from @leeharris.ft.com
www.ft.com/content/5ff1...
Everest CEO Jim Williamson speaking to me at this year's FT Global Insurance Summit about a creaking US casualty insurance market
Important story from @leeharris.ft.com
www.ft.com/content/5ff1...
US liability insurance on verge of ‘breakdown’ from tide of claims
Insurers say companies could struggle to obtain cover for harms to workers and consumers
www.ft.com
June 25, 2025 at 8:09 AM
“It won’t be a question of how much you’re willing to pay — the cover won’t be available"
Everest CEO Jim Williamson speaking to me at this year's FT Global Insurance Summit about a creaking US casualty insurance market
Important story from @leeharris.ft.com
www.ft.com/content/5ff1...
Everest CEO Jim Williamson speaking to me at this year's FT Global Insurance Summit about a creaking US casualty insurance market
Important story from @leeharris.ft.com
www.ft.com/content/5ff1...
NEW: The boss of the world’s biggest litigation funder has accused Chubb of abusing its market power, after the insurer said it would freeze out lawyers, bankers and asset managers who worked with the sector
May 27, 2025 at 12:35 PM
NEW: The boss of the world’s biggest litigation funder has accused Chubb of abusing its market power, after the insurer said it would freeze out lawyers, bankers and asset managers who worked with the sector
>Insurance regulator: Small credit rating agencies like Kroll are giving higher scores to private credit, vs bigger groups like Fitch
>Fitch calls attention to this
>Regulator retracts the study
>JPM note warns of “potential ratings inflation” in private credit 👀
>Fitch calls attention to this
>Regulator retracts the study
>JPM note warns of “potential ratings inflation” in private credit 👀
May 24, 2025 at 12:43 PM
>Insurance regulator: Small credit rating agencies like Kroll are giving higher scores to private credit, vs bigger groups like Fitch
>Fitch calls attention to this
>Regulator retracts the study
>JPM note warns of “potential ratings inflation” in private credit 👀
>Fitch calls attention to this
>Regulator retracts the study
>JPM note warns of “potential ratings inflation” in private credit 👀
Reposted by Lee Harris
Excl: L&G, one of Europe’s largest asset managers, is merging divisions and cutting jobs in an attempt to slash costs and focus on faster-growing markets www.ft.com/content/7df4... with @leeharris.ft.com
Legal & General merges divisions and cuts jobs across asset management
Move comes amid FTSE 100 company’s wider restructuring in push to acquire more private assets
www.ft.com
May 23, 2025 at 12:30 PM
Excl: L&G, one of Europe’s largest asset managers, is merging divisions and cutting jobs in an attempt to slash costs and focus on faster-growing markets www.ft.com/content/7df4... with @leeharris.ft.com
Reposted by Lee Harris
US friends, $1tn of your life and annuity liabilities have been offshored through reinsurance deals, assets going too. This is a lot. Important story from @leeharris.ft.com
www.ft.com/content/d0a5...
www.ft.com/content/d0a5...
US life insurers’ offshore reinsurance liabilities breach $1tn
More than $130bn of liabilities offloaded in 2024 despite regulatory concerns
www.ft.com
May 21, 2025 at 7:19 PM
US friends, $1tn of your life and annuity liabilities have been offshored through reinsurance deals, assets going too. This is a lot. Important story from @leeharris.ft.com
www.ft.com/content/d0a5...
www.ft.com/content/d0a5...
NEW: US life insurers have shifted more than $1 trillion of liabilities offshore, offloading more risk despite regulators’ concerns about protections for retirement savings and broader financial stability.
May 21, 2025 at 3:41 PM
NEW: US life insurers have shifted more than $1 trillion of liabilities offshore, offloading more risk despite regulators’ concerns about protections for retirement savings and broader financial stability.