Lloyd's achieved a record profit of ?3.87 billion–that's $5.9 billion, in current exchange rates–to go along with a sparkling combined ratio of 86.1 last year despite a severe economic contraction and stubbornly soft commercial insurance pricing. But while that performance puts the London market in an enviable position, experts from across the pond agree that 2009 will be tough to beat this year and next, especially with the threat of catastrophes always looming on the horizon.

Lloyd's modestly described its record profitability for 2009 as "a strong performance during challenging economic conditions," which "reflects ongoing underwriting discipline, a recovery of confidence in financial markets and an absence of severe catastrophe losses."

However, as in most industries, a "what have you done for me lately" mentality prevails in insurance, prompting Lord Peter Levene, chair of Lloyd's, to concede to National Underwriter that while "last year was a record year for Lloyd's," the big question now is "what is in store" for 2010 and beyond.

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