The International Underwriting Association (IUA), a representative body for insurance and reinsurance companies operating in the London Market, has announced the formation of a new underwriting group aimed at professionals in the early stages of their careers.
Known as the NextGen Underwriting Committee, the initiative is designed to support emerging talent within the London Market and contribute to the delivery of education and training through the association’s IUA Futures programme.
According to the IUA, the committee is made up of individuals from member firms with up to ten years of industry experience. Its members represent a broad mix of insurance and reinsurance classes, reflecting the diversity of the London company market.
The IUA Futures programme is overseen by Ela Metalia, who joined the association in 2022 after graduating from Queen Mary University London.
Metalia commented: “The NextGen Underwriting Committee will be at the centre of underwriting talent development across the London company market. Its crucial function will be to ensure industry training initiatives are useful and relevant. It will also liaise with industry leaders from across the IUA’s senior underwriting committees to understand the skills and knowledge that will be required in the future.”
She added: “Our IUA Futures programme aims to furnish people with the essential skills and professional networks they need to establish successful careers. Now it is being driven by a group that can provide a perspective directly aligned with those it seeks to benefit.”
The IUA noted that the committee has already held its first meeting. During the session, members were introduced to current underwriting activities within the association and discussed approaches to expanding educational engagement with member companies. The group is also expected to contribute ideas for the ongoing Underwriting Essentials webinar and workshop series.
