After more than two decades at the International Underwriting Association (IUA), Chris Jones (pictured) has stepped into the top job with a clear agenda: strengthen underwriting and claims expertise, reframe how the market views risk, and retain top talent.
"London lives or dies by its underwriting and claims expertise," said Jones, who was appointed CEO earlier this year after serving in senior roles at the IUA. "In a more challenging market cycle, that technical depth becomes even more important."
Founded in 1998, the IUA represents the London company market - insurers and reinsurers operating outside Lloyd's. Its 80 members, many of them international groups, rely on the association for advocacy, technical support, and a platform to help shape the market's future.
Jones' priorities reflect both continuity and renewal. Underwriting and claims capabilities are first on the list.
"We already have over a thousand professionals engaged through our committee system," he said. "We're now aiming to build on that with more thought leadership and visibility, especially as we see conditions softening in several classes."
The second focus is on risk - not in traditional class-by-class silos, but across emerging and systemic threats. From cyber to AI, parametric models to geopolitical instability, Jones sees a need for more structured engagement.
"We're developing leads within the association to go deeper on these issues and working with external stakeholders on joint initiatives," he said. "It’s about giving our members the frameworks to navigate complex, evolving risks."
The third piece is talent retention. While attracting new entrants is largely the remit of other bodies, the IUA is targeting professionals in their first five years in the market through its "IUA Futures" initiative.
"These are our future committee leaders," said Jones. "We want to ensure they get the same access to technical knowledge and are integrated into the fabric of the association."
One of the IUA's core strengths is policy engagement. Jones notes a subtle but important shift in how UK regulators are approaching the market.
"Competitiveness and growth are now formally embedded in the objectives of the FCA and PRA, and we're seeing that reflected in our engagements," he said.
Recent work on simplifying insurance rules and addressing non-financial misconduct highlights how the IUA has helped shape regulator thinking alongside Lloyd's and other market bodies.
On the innovation front, the association is closely involved in Blueprint Two - the London market's infrastructure upgrade project. With the tech build complete, Jones stresses the need for rigorous testing.
"We're now in a crucial phase. The solutions we deliver must be faster, cheaper, and more accurate - that’s non-negotiable," he said.
When presenting to stakeholders in Asia recently, Jones outlined eight emerging risks facing the market. Chief among them: social inflation, protectionism, pollution liability, and geopolitical instability. "Some of these, like PFAS exposure or third-party litigation funding, are already testing the boundaries of existing coverages," he said.
While the IUA can't mitigate every global trend, it can create forums for discussion and coordinated responses. "We're not just responding - we're convening," said Jones. "Whether it's developing clauses, leading thought pieces, or working with government, we're helping members adapt proactively."
Jones is quick to dismiss the idea that efficiency and expertise are in tension. To him, they go hand in hand. "The underwriter of the future will look very different, but their core function - technical judgement - remains," he said.
The IUA is taking practical steps: appointing a director of claims to underscore the value of service, evolving its committee structure to include younger voices, and working with consultancies and risk managers on shared challenges. "We want to be more visible about the value we add. Our goal is to be the extra team member every company needs," he said.
As he looks ahead, Jones is measuring success by impact. "Tangible output is everything," he said. "Whether it's helping embed Blueprint Two, publishing new guidance, or delivering new services, we want our members to feel the difference."
In a market defined by flux, the IUA's new leader is betting on clarity, collaboration, and the quiet power of technical excellence.
