Category: Claims handling · Reviewed by Taylor Watts, Broker · New Business · Last reviewed 2026-06-11
Electronic Claim Files (ECF) is the bureau-administered electronic system through which Lloyd’s market claims are notified, documented, agreed and settled — replacing the paper-based “follower’s slip” with a unified digital workflow.
ECF is the operational backbone of Lloyd’s market claims handling. It provides a single electronic repository for each claim, accessible to the broker, the leader, the followers and (subject to permissions) Lloyd’s central oversight. ECF was introduced in 2007 and progressively expanded to cover all Lloyd’s market business; it has been the standard for over a decade.
The system holds the notification documentation, the leader’s reserve and reasoning, the supporting documents (coverage opinions, panel firm reports, claim correspondence), the agreement records and the payment data. Each step in the claim lifecycle generates an audit trail visible to the agreement parties.
The framework includes:
Modernisation programmes — Blueprint Two and successor initiatives — are reshaping the technical infrastructure. ECF as a concept will continue but the underlying systems are evolving.
ECF operates as follows:
The broker logs the claim notification into ECF with the supporting documentation. The slip leader receives the notification and allocates a handler.
The handler reviews and acknowledges. Substantive work flows: coverage analysis, reserve setting, defence strategy. Each major step is recorded in ECF.
Followers monitor ECF feeds. They can review the leader’s work, query specific points and (above SCAP thresholds) provide formal agreement to settlements.
Settlement data flows from ECF through the bureau accounting system, which produces payment instructions for each market participant in proportion to their line.
The system handles tens of thousands of claims per year across all classes of Lloyd’s business. Performance, availability and security are critical operational concerns.
ECF has reduced settlement times substantially compared to the paper era. Where paper-based following could take weeks for an agreement to circulate the market, ECF can produce agreement within days for routine claims.
The system also enables Lloyd’s central market analysis. Aggregate claims data across the market is available for capital modelling, supervisory review, market-wide event response and reinsurance recovery coordination.
For brokers, ECF is the operational system through which day-to-day claims work happens. Broker claims teams typically have dedicated ECF specialists who manage the workflow.
For Lloyd’s central, ECF provides the data infrastructure for the regulatory and supervisory functions.
“Primary ECF” — main claims handling system.
“ECF Write-back” — managing agents’ integration with ECF for their internal claims systems.
“DOM” (Direct Outward Messaging) — the workflow integration with managing agents’ own claims systems.
“Blueprint Two” — the modernisation programme reshaping the London Market’s technical infrastructure, with implications for ECF’s successor architecture.
“International ECF” — extensions for international business through Lloyd’s overseas operations.
A major property loss is notified by the broker to the slip leader. ECF entry:
The leader’s handler acknowledges within 4 hours. Allocation to senior property handler. Initial reserve $4m loaded.
Day 1-7: adjuster appointed (recorded in ECF), preliminary site report uploaded, reserve revised to $6m.
Day 8-30: substantive investigation. Forensic accountant appointed for BI element; reports uploaded. Reserve revised to $9m.
Day 30: above-SCAP threshold reached. Formal market agreement sought from claims market (second-in-line syndicate). Agreement received within 48 hours.
Months 2-8: substantive handling continues. Interim payments at $3m and $4m made through bureau processing.
Month 14: final settlement at $11.2m. Above-SCAP agreement obtained; bureau payment processed; followers receive their shares within 14 days of leader sign-off.
Throughout the cycle, all 14 following syndicates have full visibility of the leader’s work through ECF. Three followers query specific points during the cycle and receive prompt responses from the leader. No follower attempts to overrule the leader.
By Matt Bartlett, Director, on 2026-06-11. Next review: 2026-12-11.
This entry is part of the Apex Insurance Wiki. Last reviewed by Matt Bartlett on 2026-06-11. Apex Insurance Brokers Limited, FCA FRN 724952, Companies House 07014570. Not regulated advice — consult your broker on your specific position.
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