B.F. Lorenzetti & Associates Inc., an independent commercial insurance broker, announced today that it has become the first Canadian broker to be granted direct access to the Lloyd’s of London insurance market.

The accreditation, a milestone for Canadian insurance brokers, enables BFL to contact underwriters directly, further building the firm’s capacity to provide leading edge products and solutions to the commercial insurance market in Canada and abroad.

“BFL is known throughout Canada for its ability to offer specialist and niche products for all commercial risks,” said Barry F. Lorenzetti, president and CEO of the company. “The Lloyd’s accreditation gives us wider latitude and more flexibility in developing solutions for our clients that meet their specific objectives.”

The Lloyd’s of London accreditation provides a number of growth opportunities for BFL, including the option to establish its own operation in London, England. It enables BFL to provide service more rapidly, because the firm will no longer need to rely on intermediaries to gain access to underwriters in the Lloyd’s of London insurance market. The accreditation also provides a conduit, through BFL, for Canadian brokers wishing to access the London market.

Nicholas Smith, president of Lloyd’s Canada Inc. in Montreal, said “Lloyd’s has always enjoyed a special relationship with its Canadian brokers, and we are delighted that a firm of the size and standing of BFL has been accredited. We look forward to a long and fruitful relationship.”