Jenna Cooke, an actuary at Suncorp Commercial Insurance, was awarded the prize for her essay on the topic, “Will the Google car end automobile insurance as we know it?”

As part of her prize, Ms Cooke will attend the 49th annual Aon Benfield Global Clients Reinsurance Seminar in London in June, where she will gain an understanding of the principles and practices of arranging reinsurance on a global scale.

“I’m very excited and thankful to Aon Benfield for providing me with this wonderful opportunity. The chance to not only deepen my knowledge of reinsurance but also to connect with other insurance professionals from around the world is an invaluable experience. I’d also like to thank my managers and colleagues throughout Suncorp for encouraging my participation in this competition and being so supportive of my efforts,” said Ms Cooke.

Aon Benfield has funded the Scholarship for ten years. It was established to recognise an outstanding insurance professional in the Australian and New Zealand insurance markets and emphasise the importance of continuing professional development in all aspects of insurance.

Robert De Souza, President APAC/CEO Australia and New Zealand, Aon Benfield said, “This year’s competition attracted a large number of submissions of an extremely high standard. Congratulations to Ms Cooke on an outstanding accomplishment with an essay that included an emphasis on the need for continuous industry innovation. I am sure that her experience at the 49^th Annual Aon Benfield Global Clients Reinsurance Seminar in London in June will provide her with invaluable reinsurance knowledge.”

Speaking on behalf of the Institute, CEO Prue Willsford said, “Jenna’s essay showed innovation and breadth of vision regarding the complexity of change and the ongoing evolution of the insurance industry. Her personal commitments to further education and leadership within the industry are also impressive and demonstrated that she is a great example of the future leaders of our industry.”

The Scholarship was determined by a judging panel of industry figures, including:

• Robert De Souza – President APAC / CEO Australia & New Zealand, Aon Benfield
• Prue Willsford – CEO, ANZIIF
• Jacki Johnson – CEO, IAG New Zealand Limited
• Rob van den Honert – Co-Deputy Director, Risk Frontiers, Macquarie University NSW
• Tony Smith – Executive Manager Group Reinsurance, Suncorp
• Stefan Golling – General Manager Non-Life, Munich Reinsurance Group

The post 2014 Aon Benfield Scholarship winner announced appeared first on AdviserVoice.

Insurers have many opportunities to grow: AON Benfield

Aon Benfield, the global reinsurance intermediary and capital advisor of Aon plc (NYSE:AON),  reveals eight trends that create opportunities for insurers at the Aon Benfield 13th Biennial Hazards Conference in Australia.

Bryon Ehrhart, Chief Strategy Officer for Aon Benfield and Chairman of its Analytics and Investment Banking divisions, will be introducing the conference by discussing the emerging global trends impacting insurance markets. This is part of the ‘Think Outside the Risk’ theme, which aims to stimulate thinking among delegates about big picture trends.

Mr. Ehrhart will discuss the business drivers and influences that are now changing key segments of the global insurance markets. These include:

1. Auto safety

2. Urbanization

3. Low interest rates and longevity

4. Pace of technology change

5. Segmentation

6. Changing governmental roles

7. Catastrophic corporate liability

8. Strained government finances

Mr. Ehrhart commented: “Insurers have so many new opportunities to grow. The products and services insurers can offer to address the new financial risks faced by consumers as employers and governments eliminate or reduce their participation in programs that have heretofore provided stability for short and long-term risks of families.”

The post Aon Benfield analyzes 8 key trends facing insurers at 13th Hazards Conference appeared first on AdviserVoice.