Stuck in a Lift with an Underwriter | Matt Rawle

We are enthused to welcome our latest edition to the underwriting team. Matt Rawle will add another layer of success to our Facilities team with almost 20 years in the Insurance market. We know our coverholders are just as excited as we are to get to know Matt.

Tell us a bit about being an Underwriter?

We need to be able to understand our insureds business, dive into what they do and how they do it. What quality control processes and policies and procedures do they use to manage their risks. How qualified are they? What are their credentials and qualifications?

We also need to understand the regulatory environment within which a particular profession operates as this can influence outcomes for any business or professional that is seeking cover. You will never know everything about a particular risk or profession, but a key skill of an Underwriter is to know where to look for information and who to speak with.

When in doubt, be the question master, discussion is the best and fastest way to find out about their business and to understand the risk.

How do you like your coffee?

Flat white or in summer I am partial to an iced coffee – no later than 3:00 pm otherwise I’m up all night.

What is your biggest achievement to date – personal or professional?

One of the most rewarding and challenging roles I had was leading the development of white label products. Owning the project end to end from initial concept, engaging internal stakeholders, conducting customer research, preparing business cases, canvassing the insurance market, negotiating cover and pricing, service and claims handling agreements, marketing communications, legal approvals, and an endless list of other moving parts. They were challenging projects to get to launch, but we always got there, and I was proud of everyone involved.

What does a typical day look like for you and what are you currently working on?

I’m new to BIA. Initially, I will be getting to know the business, the facilities we have in place, the systems and processes and key contacts in our clients’ businesses. It is exciting.

There are quite a few people I have worked with at other organisations working at BIA, so I am looking forward to reacquainting myself with them and getting to know the others that I don’t know.

What are three words to describe Berkley Insurance Australia?

Innovative, Responsive and Approachable.

What is something people in insurance have to deal with that you want to fix?

More broadly, community awareness. There seems to be a lack of understanding in business and the wider community as to the importance of getting good advice across the financial services industry.

What do you like most about working with coverholders and brokers?

I like working with brokers who partner with their clients and insurers and value long term relationships. A good broker will always understand their client’s business, the insurance market within which they are seeking to get insurance and be able to manage their clients’ expectations.

Coming back to the commercial insurance market, I am looking forward to working with insurance professionals, brokers, cover holders and their clients to provide mutually beneficial products and facilities.

When was the last time you laughed so hard you cried?

I laugh a lot. Above the line, the last time I laughed so hard that I cried was when watching “This is 40”.

What podcasts or books are listening to/reading right now?

Apples Don’t Fall by Liane Moriarty. Fiction helps me switch off, so I like to read light content from time to time.

What is your guilty pleasure?

Kmart (not kidding).

Chocolate, Coconut Rough or a Bounty.

Escaping to the beach, for a day in the sun.

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