The UK insurance industry has recorded a 70% increase in job listings requiring artificial intelligence expertise over the past year, according to data from iCAN Apply, the job board operated by the Insurance Cultural Awareness Network (iCAN).
The platform, which connects diverse talent with insurance employers, has documented a significant shift in hiring patterns across underwriting, claims, broking, and data strategy roles. Positions increasingly specify experience with AI tools, machine learning concepts, and generative AI platforms as either preferred or essential.
The trend reflects the sector’s growing focus on automation, risk modelling innovation, and customer experience enhancement. Applications range from fraud detection systems to personalised policy recommendations, with AI transitioning from experimental technology to standard business practice.
“The increase in AI-related roles shows just how fast our industry is evolving,” said Ajay Mistry, co-founder and co-chair of iCAN. “For candidates, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, this trend is both a challenge and an opportunity. We need to make sure diverse talent is supported and upskilled to thrive in this new era, otherwise we risk widening the digital divide.”
Catherine Hill, talent strategy and operations manager at iCAN, noted that the technology has moved beyond specialised innovation teams. “AI is no longer a niche capability sitting in a separate ‘innovation’ team – it is reshaping job design right across underwriting, claims, operations, and distribution,” Hill said.
The data shows employers increasingly request technical competencies such as data analysis using Python, familiarity with large language models, AI ethics knowledge, and prompt engineering experience. Job titles including “head of AI enablement” and “gen AI developer” have become more common across the industry.
“Firms that invest in upskilling their people, widening access to technical learning, and embedding inclusion into their AI strategies will be the ones that stay competitive,” Hill added. “If we get this right, AI won’t just change how we work, it will open up new, high-quality career paths for a much broader pool of talent.”
The findings come as the sector continues discussions around ethical AI use, algorithmic fairness in decision-making, and ensuring new technologies do not amplify bias or inequality, particularly in underwriting or claims decisions.
iCAN Apply anticipates continued growth in AI-related roles into 2026 as more companies implement AI-powered tools across operations and client services.
