What does it mean when the London Market is described as a 'subscription' market?

In the context of the London Market, describing it as a 'subscription' market signifies that risks are predominantly shared among multiple insurers. Each insurer takes on a portion of the total risk, which allows for diversification and helps spread the potential impact of any losses across a broader base. This model is particularly advantageous for large or complex risks that may exceed the underwriting capacity of a single insurer. By working together, insurers can collectively cover substantial liabilities, enhancing their ability to manage risk while simultaneously protecting their financial stability.

The subscription market structure is essential in high-capacity and high-risk situations, making London a global hub for specialty insurance and reinsurance. This collaborative approach among insurers helps in sharing the potential financial burden, which would be riskier if handled by only one insurer.