Agile Underwriting Services has consistently sought to challenge traditional assumptions about what drives an insurance business to thrive. The leadership team believed that geography shouldn’t limit talent and that flexibility, transparency and trust could form the backbone of a high-performing culture.
That vision has helped Agile earn recognition as one of Insurance Business Australia’s Top Insurance Employers 2025, a milestone that reflects the values on which the company was built. “This award recognises what we set out to prove when we launched Agile: that geography doesn’t define talent, and great culture doesn’t need four walls,” says CEO and Co-Founder Robin Barham. “From the beginning, nearly 10 years ago, we built Agile as a remote-first business. That decision gave us access to the best people and allowed us to build a high-performing, globally distributed team. Importantly, it enables our people to lead a more flexible and balanced life, on their own terms. So, what unites us isn’t where we work, but how we work: with trust, transparency and shared purpose.”
Agile’s model has allowed it to grow quickly and sustainably. Over the past year, the business launched a new Lloyd’s Syndicate in London, established a UK service company to support it, and launched a new Lloyd’s Service Company in New Zealand. Through all of this, the focus on people has remained central. “What I’m most proud of is the wonderful and talented people that are the heart of the business,” adds Barham.
The company operates with a flat hierarchy. There is no middle management, and every employee has direct access to the co-founders and department leads. The open structure means everyone has the chance to learn from senior leaders and build their skills without unnecessary barriers. Direct mentorship, regular training and one-on-one reviews help people grow in their roles while making a real impact at Agile. These supports are part of how the business helps its team succeed.
Annual one-on-one performance reviews, targeted training, and development opportunities are standard. Employees also receive an extra five days’ leave after two years of service, and 100% of roles are offered with flexible work arrangements. Nearly half of Agile’s team identifies as female, and the business continues to prioritise inclusion as it grows.
“We built Agile as a digitally native business, designed to run on smart systems, lean processes and talented people, not geography,” Co-Founder and Head of Product, Ben Webster explains. “From day one, our goal was to create a company that could move faster, adapt quicker and attract the best talent regardless of location. That’s enabled us to grow a high-performing, connected team across Australia, New Zealand and the Philippines, while giving everyone the autonomy and trust to do their best work.”
Nick Goritsas, Co-Founder and Group CFO, adds, “I’m proud that we’ve proven that a lean, modern insurance business can still be personal, connected and high performing. Our team spans regions and time zones, yet we operate with the shared values of accountability, accessibility and mutual respect. Being recognised as a Top Insurance Employer validates the decision we made early on to put people and flexibility at the heart of our model.”
For leadership team members such as Arlene Sinangote, Senior Finance Accounts Officer, the impact is notable. “I love how flexible Agile is. It lets me do really meaningful work from where I am, and I always feel part of the team. Even being in the Philippines, I feel completely included, supported and appreciated for my contributions. It’s a workplace that values people and their contributions. Ideas and results matter, not location.”
Agile’s motto, “We work to live, not live to work,” is a mindset that continues to define the business as it grows across markets and builds for the future.
This article is sponsored by Agile Underwriting Services
