Shane MacDonald

The results of our Insurance Sector Working Policy Report in collaboration with the Insurance Times

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Making sure we constantly evolve our cyber products to meet the risks that businesses face online is a top priority for Aviva. A couple of months ago, we made the latest update, to include the services of RiskEye Online Reputation Security for all of our policyholders. Here, George Thomas and Sarah Holland talk a bit more about what this means in practice 👌 #cyber #cyberinsurance #digitalrisk #onlinesafety

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🌟R&D series - December Edition🌟 Each month we’ll share the latest insights to support your work in underwriting, actuarial, and beyond. At Optimum Re, we are committed to staying at the cutting edge of medical innovation, delivering the best solutions to help you overcome your challenges. This month, we focus on Mental health. 📝Future Biomarkers for Depression? (The Lancet, 2024): This study investigated the potential of using blood lipid profiles as a screening tool for detecting individuals with symptoms of anxiety or depression. By comparing lipid levels with self-reported symptoms depressive symptoms, they found a significant correlation between the blood lipids and the symptoms severity. Based on these findings, the researchers developed a predictive model that demonstrated the potential of lipid-based biomarkers in assessing depressive states. Source➡️ https://lnkd.in/ekV7wvZ8   📝Impact of Childhood and Adolescence Depression Symptoms (JAMA, 2024): This study found that adolescent depression symptoms were linked to higher depression, stress, and lower social support in young adulthood. Childhood and adolescent depression were not associated with binge drinking, unemployment, lack of education or training. The study emphasizes the importance of screening for depression in children and adolescents to reduce long-term symptoms and improve psychosocial functioning in adulthood. Source➡️ https://lnkd.in/g4Vft4hU   📝How AI Helps Figure Out Depression and Anxiety Categories (Nature Medicine, 2024): Using MRI results from 801 patients, researchers identified six clinically validated and distinct categories of depression and anxiety through hierarchical clustering, an unsupervised machine learning technique. They leveraged personalized brain dysfunction scores based on a taxonomy of brain dysfunction in mood disorders. Each of the categories differs in symptom profiles and performance on general and emotional cognitive behavioral tests. This study offers a promising start to precision psychiatry care. Source➡️ https://lnkd.in/d9dxCiQE   📝Healing Green: How Neighborhood Greenspaces Shape PTSD Recovery (JAMA, 2024): A study of 2,597 trauma survivors examined the relationship between residential greenspace and PTSD symptoms. Using satellite imagery to identify green areas within 100 meters of participants' homes, researchers found that access to greenspace was linked to a higher likelihood of resilient PTSD trajectories. Additionally, greenspace was associated with increased neural reactivity to rewards in the amygdala. Source➡️ https://lnkd.in/gtrwBecS #OptimumLifeReinsurance #ResearchandDevelopment

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What is the future for investments made by UK insurers? Ashish Dafria, Chief Investment Officer, Aviva, discusses investment in the UK and what he thinks the future of AI can offer investments made by insurers. "That path of inflation going hand-in-hand with interest rates is a trillion-dollar question," he said. "The approach we take is that we are not forecasters. I don't believe anyone is – instead, our approach is based on how we prepare for different scenarios." #ai #artificialintelligence #investment #insurance #ukeconomy #investmentstrategy #portfoliostrategy You can read more of his thoughts here 👇

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Today, we’re proud to again join the Pensions Policy Institute (PPI) to support the launch of their fourth edition of the UK Pensions Framework.    Michele Golunska, Managing Director for Wealth & Advice at Aviva, said “We’re delighted to support the PPI in delivering this important report, at a pivotal time for the future of UK pensions. We are reminded that tomorrow’s retirement challenges are shaped by today’s trends in health, wealth, housing, and employment.”   Titled Red Sky in the Morning?, the report examines the threat that growing inequality poses to retirement living standards in the UK. Read it today 👉 https://lnkd.in/eRSz5DSt #PPIPensionsFramework #SavingsAndRetirement

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🚨 New Episode Alert: From Underwriting to Broking, the Power of Embracing Opportunities with Alice Glenister 🎙️ Join us in this episode as Alice Glenister MSc ACII Glenister, shares her insightful journey through the insurance industry. Alice’s career journey shows that there isn’t one way to achieve success, as she navigates through underwriting, Insurtech and brokering. In this episode, Alice covers: 🌟 The significance of resilience in overcoming challenges and seizing opportunities 🌟 How embracing flexibility in career paths can help one adapt and thrive in an evolving professional landscape 🌟 The impact of mentorship on both personal and professional development 🌟 The importance of learning from rejection to foster growth and achieve success Alice's story is a powerful reminder of how personal and professional growth requires a blend of resilience, flexibility, and openness to change. This mindset not only helps navigate the complexities of the insurance industry but also turns potential setbacks into opportunities for advancement and success. 🎧 Tune in now to discover how you can apply these principles to your own career trajectory in insurance and beyond. Your feedback is valuable as we continue to empower and celebrate women in insurance. #insurancepodcast #careerpodcast #CareerDevelopment #insurancejobs #womenininsurance

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Is your pension scheme ready for the Pensions Dashboards? As the Pension Dashboard rollout approaches, many UK pension schemes are facing a critical challenge: data accuracy. Incomplete or outdated information could lead to mass confusion, incorrect allocation of pensions, and regulatory penalties from TPR. #PensionsDashboards

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UK utility companies were hit by 48 successful cyberattacks in 2023, a 586% increase on the seven cases in 2022, according to specialty (re)insurance group Chaucer. Figures obtained by the insurer show that sensitive data belonging to 140,000 individuals was compromised in the UK as a result of data breaches at utility companies last year, a 714% increase from the 17,000 individuals affected the year before. More here... https://ow.ly/YqaQ50SMomH #UKUtilities #cybersecurity Chaucer Group

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Storm chasing is the focus of this year's summer blockbuster. Great entertainment but we're keeping our feet firmly on the ground, delivering predictive perils data to the insurance sector. No need for UK insurance professionals to chase down storm data - LexisNexis® Windstorm Model does the job for them. The model aims to predict the maximum wind gust speeds as a better predictor for property and structural damage compared to sustained wind speeds, meaning better risk assessment for property or vehicles across the U.K.https://splr.io/6045lb3gS #Twisters #GeospatialData #riskintelligence

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🎥 In his latest video discussing current technology trends in the insurance sector, our Chief Product Officer, Colm Kennedy explores how we can improve the customer experience. Read the full article here... https://lnkd.in/e_AQ7hxT #LifeInsurance #Underwriting #Insurtech #CX

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Without support, events the scale of #HedronHorizon aren't possible, so we'd like to say a HUGE THANK YOU to the Insurers and Providers who contributed in every way. Your teams did you proud. 💚 Premier Sponsors: RSA/NIG, Carrolls, Miles Smith, Zurich Insurance, AXA UK, AXA Health. 💚 Sponsors: Acturis Limited, Allianz, Alps, ARAG, Aspray Ltd, BES Group, Broker Insights, Camberford Underwriting, Claims Equilibrium Club Limited (CEC), CFC, Chubb, Close Brothers Premium Finance, dart Compliance Limited, Digital NRG, Focus, FullCircl, Hiscox, HSB | UK and Ireland, Kroll, LONMAR GLOBAL RISKS, Lorega Ltd, Markel UK, Munich Re Specialty - Global Markets, UK, PathwayPort, Plum Underwriting, QBE Insurance, Quotezone.co.uk, RAC, Travelers, Victor Insurance UK, Vasek Insurance Services Ltd, Xenia Broking, Zing365 - Learning without limits

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Six months ago we held our inaugural Technician of the Year awards. Among stiff competition, Callum Brown was crowned #TechnicianoftheYear for Allianz Partners UK and Ireland. Callum has worked with us for many years and was commended for having great technical knowledge that underpins his performance. Since becoming Technician of the Year, he has supported nearly 600 customers – a fantastic result! He gives a bit of insight into his role: “As a technician, the main focus of my role is to ensure customers can continue with their journeys and resolve issues with their cars whether they’re parked at home, work or in the worst case scenario when they’ve broken down at the roadside. Callum remembers a recent time when he went the extra mile to help a customer: “A Lamborghini Huracan wouldn’t start at the customer’s house. There was an issue with the front lift suspension. When I arrived at the customer’s house, I realised the lane leading out to the main road was unmade, very narrow and bumpy. “We couldn’t drive the car down the lane without damaging the front lift suspension and we also couldn’t get a recovery truck down to collect the car! I therefore looked for alternative solutions. I discovered there was an issue with the compressor for the system which, if fixed, would also help lift the suspension, so that was my focus. After a lot of teamwork, I was able to fix the car at the customer’s house – the customer was delighted!” If anyone is considering working as a technician, Callum says go for it! “Being there for people at their time of need is really rewarding. The role tests your skills and encourages you to work as part of a team to ensure you can help our clients and customers. If you are good with cars and enjoy helping people - but don’t like being confined to a workshop, then this could be the perfect job for you!” For more information on roles as a technician at Allianz Partners, please visit this link: https://bit.ly/4fz0sjP #roadsideassistance #technicians #allianzpartners #customerservice #jobopportunities

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QuestGates Ltd CEO Chris Hall joined a panel of industry experts at the recent Chartered Insurance Institute Shaping the Future of Insurance conference. The discussion focused on critical challenges facing the profession, including the cost-of-living crisis and claims inflation.   Read more in The Journal here: https://lnkd.in/eDbNBndT

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Our Head of Motor Underwriting, Rob Clark, joined the panel at this week's Association of British Insurers Motor Conference in London, discussing 'The Road Ahead...' Focussing on the sector's complex challenges, from affordability and accessibility to rising costs and regulation, the panel of industry experts shared their views and insights on the factors impacting the risk profile of the motor insurance market. Rob said, "It was fantastic to be part of an ABI motor panel discussing how the market can come together to address structural cost challenges in the market and offer more value to our customers. There are so many opportunities for the market to work together to drive better outcomes for UK motorists." #ABIMotor24 #FixInsuranceForGood #Insurance #MotorInsurance #AssociationOfBritishInsurers

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The Next Chapter- Alistair McQueen of Aviva! ✳️ Alistair is Head of Savings & Retirement at Aviva UK plc, where he has spent over 23 years. He has been instrumental in raising awareness of the importance of older workers, and initiated the >45 mid-life review for Aviva’s staff and is an advocate for the importance of diversity within financial firms. ✳️Our conversation starts with Alistair’s own journey into pensions ✳️We describe in detail the elements of the mid-life review and its focus on Wealth, Work and Wellbeing and how well-received and impactful the initiative was! ❤️Age discrimination is an area that currently sits in the shadows of some of the diversity debate, and this series is an effort to bring it out of there. Let’s ensure that all of us can look forward to a future of dignity, purpose and security. https://lnkd.in/eTuDmew5 This series was made possible by the kind support of Darwin Alternatives. Darwin Alternative Investment Management Ltd offers innovative, alpha-driven investment solutions that are uncorrelated with traditional asset classes and feature business areas which have not previously been considered by investment funds. The firm aims to create new opportunities for investors to further diversify their portfolios and achieve stable absolute returns. #aging #ageism #agediscrimination #future #wellbeingatwork #olderworkers #pensions #aviva

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Last week, David Powell, Head of Technical Underwriting at the LMA, participated in a panel session on managing fusion risk at the first ‘Risk Revealed by Lloyd’s’ event of the year. The session brought together fusion experts who delved into the risks associated with fusion compared to traditional technologies. It was an opportunity to explore the potential for collaboration between the fusion industry and the insurance, finance and public sectors. These discussions are pivotal in accelerating the pace of fusion’s commercialisation, unlocking a sustainable and innovative future. #FusionEnergy #RiskManagement #Innovation #Insurance #Finance #Sustainability #LMA #Lloyds

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Is the UK insurance industry doing enough to support women in building successful careers within the sector? If you are a female working in the UK Insurance Industry we want to hear from you! Our Women in Insurance Study is here to capture real perspectives on career progression, workplace culture, and the unique challenges women face in this industry. Have your say today - it's completely anonymous and only takes a couple of minutes to complete! #Insurance #WomeninInsurance #Diversity #UKInsurance #Survey

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Celebrating Success in Neuro-inclusion With Zurich UK At Diversita we are thrilled to see organisations like Zurich UK making strides towards creating a more inclusive workplace for neurodivergent (ND) individuals. Starting in 2025, Zurich will offer free ND assessments to ALL of their UK employees, with coverage extending to their families. This is a huge step forward in recognising and supporting ND employees. As a ND recruitment partner to Zurich we at Diversita.co.uk are proud to see the change being made. In addition Zurich has released a series of their own research into the most important adjustments ND job seekers find most helpful. You can find the article on this research that covers the views of over 1000 ND individuals here: https://lnkd.in/eCT5mVCz By offering these assessments and providing accommodations, Zurich is not only improving the lives of its employees but also tapping into a huge talent pool that many companies might be overlooking. Congratulations to Zurich, we look forward to seeing how this model will inspire other companies to follow suit and prioritise neuroinclusion. Contact Diversita today at [email protected] today to see how we can help your organisation, or visit our website at diversita.co.uk #Diversita #Neurodivergent #Zurich #ADHD #Employeewellbeing #Autism #Dyslexia #Neurodiversity #Inclusion #Zurichuk

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STA Patron, Howden Insurance Brokers Limited, has published a report about the top HR, benefit and wellbeing priorities and challenges for employers in Scotland. Developed by the Employee Benefits team, the report covers: 📈Market Trends: An overview of emerging trends shaping the future of employee benefits in Scotland. 👍Employee Preferences: Insights into what employees value most in their benefits packages. 💡Employer insights: Five key areas Scottish employers are focusing on right now 📋Strategic Recommendations: Actionable strategies for enhancing benefit programs to attract and retain top talent. Find out more and download the report here 👉 https://lnkd.in/ehuksJna

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