DUAL Europe, part of the Howden Group, has established a trade credit insurance business, signifying a notable expansion of its specialty lines throughout Europe. 

Frank Masteling has been appointed as the head of trade credit, bringing with him more than 25 years of experience in the trade credit industry.  

Before his role at DUAL, Masteling was managing director at Nexus Trade Credit, where he managed operations across the UK and Europe.  

His previous positions also include senior roles in commercial and underwriting at Atradius and Rabobank.  

The new division’s capacity is supported by Axeria, a pan-European carrier. 

The division’s focus will be on launching two credit insurance products: Top-Up and Non-Cancellable Credit Limits.  

The Top-Up option is designed to provide clients with additional coverage beyond what they receive from their primary insurers, helping to maintain trade flows with principal buyers with Top-up Easy Start and Top-up Easy Limits.  

The Non-Cancellable Credit Limits product aims to offer consistent coverage that is not affected by market volatility, the company stated.  

In conjunction with the launch, DUAL Europe has set up dedicated trade credit teams in the Netherlands, Germany and Spain, with plans to establish a presence in Italy soon.  

The company appointed Joost van Steen for DUAL Benelux, Frederik Weiss for DUAL Deutschland and Robert de Bruyn for DUAL Iberica as heads of trade credit.  

Almudena Arribas joins the team at DUAL Ibérica as financial analyst. 

DUAL Europe CEO Olaf Jonda said: “With a dedicated team of professionals across Europe, bringing over 100 years of cumulative expertise, we are confident that Frank’s appointment and these new products clearly strengthen our position as the partner of choice for brokers, particularly in Trade Credit where we see significant opportunities to help our brokers deliver bespoke solutions to their clients.”  

In April, DUAL Europe opened a new marine hub in Hamburg, Germany.