Conning tailors investment solutions to the needs and culture of small and mid-sized insurers. This segment tends to have less consistent experience compared to other larger players, particularly regarding access to strategic asset allocation tools and a broad range of asset classes.

Throughout 2019, historically low interest rates continued to squeeze insurers' traditional sources of portfolio income and evolving market standards, such as the announced Libor benchmark replacement and other regulatory changes, only added pressure on insurers' capital reserves.

Then in early 2020 came the tumultuous impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Despite the challenging circumstances, Conning continued to highlight opportunities regardless of the market environment.

In doing so it demonstrated a level of service and expertise not commonly available to small and mid-size insurers.

Conning has also broadened its ability to serve clients' needs by expanding its offerings, including floating-rate fixed income via its affiliate Octagon Credit Investors, convertible bonds, private debt and emerging markets debt through its affiliate Global Evolution.

Conning has maintained service throughout the pandemic conducting some 3,000 Microsoft Teams calls/conferences and more than 400 Skype calls by the end of March 2020 alone.

Judges praised its solutions for small and mid-sized companies to access markets, as well as its up-to-date response, reflecting the current market environment.

It is a level of dedication that wins the company this year's award for best insurance asset manager.