Trade credit insurer Equinox Global has announced its expansion into the French market, hiring Vladimir Malenic to its Paris office.

With more than a decade’s experience in the trade credit industry, Malenic’s previous roles include a four-year stint working for Coface in both France and Germany, overseeing a team of risk analysts.

Chief market officer at Equinox, Alex Paton, tells GTR that Malenic joins from Euler Hermes, where he spent the last two years in a credit analysis role specialising in exports.

Commenting on the hire, Equinox CEO, Mike Holley, says: “Vladimir’s appointment adds his considerable expertise of the European trade credit markets, to the heart of our ambitious plans in the French market”, adding that Equinox has “identified numerous opportunities to grow its presence there”.

“The French market is dominated by the big three credit insurers,” adds Paton in a statement to GTR. “As a result, there is room for a player like Equinox to offer flexible and tailor-made solutions for French companies and further establishing our Paris office brings us even closer to our clients.”

Equinox, a Lloyd’s managing general agent (MGA) and cover holder, has also increased the number of carriers on its binder panel from seven to nine with the recent addition of Amlin and The Channel Syndicate.

With a total capacity of US$50mn, underwriter Beazley continues to lead the Equinox panel into 2015, offering 31% of its total capacity. “It is testament to the strength of the business that both Amlin and Channel are joining our binder,” says Holley.

Earlier this year, Equinox opened offices in the Netherlands and New York. The firm’s total operations now include five offices and teams. “We will maintain our capacity at US$50mn for the next year, continuing our focus on growing the business profitably,” adds Holley.