Sector developments and company hires

BWIC platform
CLO auction technology platform KopenTech has launched its online BWIC service, which aims to streamline the BWIC process for both buyers and sellers. The first live BWIC was conducted on the platform in late December.

EMEA
Floreat has appointed Phil Griffiths as md within Floreat Aviation Capital, its specialist aircraft leasing investment arm. Griffiths has closed over US$10bn in aircraft finance and leasing transactions since 2003 and joins from DAE Capital, where he headed the company’s corporate finance and capital markets team. Prior to this, he held various senior roles at AWAS, PK AirFinance, Rolls-Royce Capital and Airbus.

ILS platform rebranded
Hamilton Insurance Group has rebranded its ILS platform from Hamilton Capital Partners to Hamilton ILS. Concurrently, Hamilton Re risk and analytics svp Hanni Ali has been appointed to the newly established role of svp, strategic partnerships. Ali will report to Jonathan Reiss, president, strategic partnerships at the firm. Ali previously worked at Allied World Assurance Company and Montpelier Re.

Real assets partnership
Venn Partners has partnered with ARA Asset Management to expand its investment management business in the European real assets credit markets. Subject to regulatory approvals, the transaction is expected to complete in 1Q20 and will see ARA providing cornerstone capital and working capital to drive expansion of the business – which will be known as ARA Venn – into new products and geographies. Under the transaction, ARA will acquire a majority equity stake in Venn and replace Siem Industries as Venn’s corporate partner. The remaining equity in Venn will continue to be held by its management team.