Frank Monaco Strengthens Latham & Watkins’ Corporate Insurance Practice in New York

Latham & Watkins LLP has announced the addition of Frank Monaco as a partner in its New York office, specifically joining the Mergers & Acquisitions and Private Equity Practices. With an extensive background in insurance transactions and regulatory matters, Monaco is set to enhance the firm's already robust capabilities within the corporate insurance sector.

Monaco specializes in complex reinsurance transactions, focusing particularly on large blocks of reinsurance business. His considerable knowledge in this area will deepen Latham's platform, contributing sophisticated regulatory insights that are increasingly vital in various insurance company undertakings, including acquisitions, restructurings, and the establishment of new entities on the market.

Marc Jaffe, the Office Managing Partner at Latham & Watkins in New York, expressed his enthusiasm about Monaco’s arrival, stating, "Frank is a terrific addition to Latham's premier corporate insurance team. We are thrilled to welcome him to the New York office." This addition signifies a strategic step towards providing clients with comprehensive support through the lifecycle of their insurance businesses.

Monaco has a proven track record in guiding insurers and reinsurers through a range of challenges, from mergers and acquisitions to pension risk transfers and reserve financing arrangements. His work encompasses advising on significant insurance regulatory matters, including the pivotal Insurance Holding Company Act and various licensing issues. Furthermore, he has experience advising private equity and credit funds, assisting them in capitalizing on reinsurance vehicles, thereby ensuring his role is multifaceted and influential in the firm’s growth.

Alex Kelly, the Global Co-Chair of Latham's Mergers & Acquisitions and Private Equity Practice, stated, "Frank's experience structuring, negotiating, and navigating reinsurance arrangements perfectly complements Latham's existing top-tier insurance M&A capabilities within our #1-ranked global M&A and private equity practice." His insight will undoubtedly augment the firm’s ability to counsel corporate, financial institution, and private equity clients on significant, complex matters with unmatched expertise.

The firm’s commitment to providing world-class service in the corporate insurance realm is well-matched by Monaco's vision. He noted, "Latham's world-class corporate insurance team offers the scale and sophistication to match clients' ambitions. The firm's integrated practice, with incredible strength spanning private equity, insurance, capital markets, and large-ticket insurance M&A transactions, and so much more, presents a tremendous and unique opportunity in the market."

This announcement marks the third partner addition to Latham's Mergers & Acquisitions and Private Equity Practice in January alone, following the influx of notable figures like sports M&A experts Matthew Eisler and Russell Hedman. Monaco's arrival from Clifford Chance is poised to strategically position Latham & Watkins even further ahead in the competitive corporate insurance landscape. To underline his credentials, Monaco earned his Juris Doctor from Fordham University School of Law and his Bachelor of Arts from Trinity College, signifying a solid academic foundation to support his prosperous legal career.

As a leading global law firm, Latham & Watkins continues to enhance its stature through strategic partnerships and augmenting its services within the insurance sector, ensuring it remains at the forefront of legal excellence in financial centers worldwide.