One year after the launch of its global cyber insurance product, QCyberProtect, insurer QBE is expanding its capabilities and reach, reflecting continued investment in cyber risk amid a volatile digital landscape.
Since its debut in July 2024, QCyberProtect has evolved from a unified product into what the company describes as an international network of cyber underwriting and risk professionals. The firm’s strategy focuses on adjusting coverage, pricing, and risk mitigation services to meet rapidly shifting threats and client needs across multiple regions.
Key personnel changes and new roles were introduced in late 2024 to support this growth. Among them was the appointment of Desiree Spain as global head of cyber underwriting management, a newly created role aimed at strengthening oversight and aligning underwriting practices worldwide.
“As we enter the second year of delivering our globally consistent cyber offering, we’ve continued to adjust our appetite and pricing to align with the feedback of our valued broker partners and customers across the globe,” Spain said.
In Australia, regional underwriting leaders say the integrated approach has helped accelerate product development.
“Our underwriting team brings together leaders from the North America, Asia, Europe and Australia. Collaborating and sharing insights has helped fast-track our cyber product into the Australian market,” said Ben Richardson, QBE cyber underwriting lead for Australia. “It’s exciting to be part of a passionate community of people who share the same focus on delivering the best possible product for our brokers and customers. The insights we share globally help us respond faster and more effectively to emerging cyber risks.”
QBE also expanded its cyber services arm with the appointment of Dominic Keller as global head of cyber services. His team now provides threat intelligence, incident response tools, and simulation exercises designed to help clients prepare for cyber incidents.
The company now offers clients access to sample incident response plans, management documents, and connections to third-party vendors offering breach response services.
Technology is also playing a growing role in QBE’s underwriting operations. An AI-powered underwriting assistant, initially used in North America, has been deployed to teams in Europe and Asia. The tool is intended to speed up the review of broker submissions and allow underwriters to focus on risk assessment.
Looking ahead, QBE plans to expand its cyber offering into New Zealand by late 2025. A local product lead has already been appointed to guide the launch.
