Poland joins Aon from Marsh, where he most recently served as digital asset leader for UK FINPRO. He brings experience in designing insurance solutions specifically for digital asset companies and in establishing risk quantification frameworks recognised across the market.
In his new position, Poland will work alongside colleagues across Aon’s global network to support the expansion of the firm's digital asset practice. The team, comprising more than 60 professionals, will focus on developing risk solutions and specialist insurance offerings for the digital asset sector.
Aon has expanded its digital asset insurance capabilities through its dedicated Web3 team. This unit works with insurers and blockchain service providers to address industry-specific risks, including staking losses, slashing risks, and vulnerabilities in smart contracts.
The company also highlighted its evolving suite of digital asset insurance products, which includes coverage for theft, loss and destruction of digital assets. The firm is also advancing emerging solutions, such as staking insurance, which is becoming an area of growing interest.
In 2024, Aon completed a pilot program for placing insurance using blockchain and smart contract technologies. Conducted in collaboration with Nayms SAC Ltd. and Copper.co, the initiative demonstrated blockchain's potential to enhance insurance transactions by increasing transparency, lowering administrative costs, and facilitating access to new capital sources.
Meanwhile, Aon's recent market overview indicated that the EMEA insurance market has experienced moderate conditions across key lines, including cyber and directors and officers coverage.
Increased competition among insurers has led to broader coverage offerings, creating opportunities for firms to tailor products to meet the evolving needs of clients, particularly in emerging sectors like digital assets.
“As our digital asset client base increases and their needs evolve, it is imperative that we build on our market-leading position. Rupert’s deep sector expertise and client-centric approach make him an invaluable addition to Aon, so we are very pleased to welcome him into this new role,” Davis said.
In April, Aon also appointed Erlantz Urbieta as chief broking officer (CBO) for the EMEA region, where he continues to oversee Aon's Commercial Risk operations in Spain during a transition period.
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