IUA business plan for 2020 highlights climate change

Climate change and cyber warfare risks are two key London market issues highlighted by the International Underwriting Association in its business plan for 2020.

The association is establishing a new market group to examine the growing impact of climate change policies on a range of insurance activities, including investment, underwriting and risk management.

Meanwhile, cyber is continuing to dominate member discussions across a wide range of different lines of business. The IUA’s dedicated cyber committees are focussing, in particular, on the consequences of cyber warfare with a major new research paper due to be published this year. Model cyber clauses and an underwriting questionnaire are also part of the 2020 business plan.

Dave Matcham, chief executive of the IUA said: “The business challenges facing companies are evolving and the work of the IUA is changing to reflect this. In 2019 the Prudential Regulation Authority called on insurers to develop a strategic approach to managing the financial risks from climate change and our members are responding. More than 20 companies have already nominated representatives to our new committee on this subject.

“Questions around the challenge of covering cyber risks are being asked across the London company market and will feature prominently in the IUA’s work throughout this year. Indeed, we will producing an overview document for members that allows them to monitor the many different cyber projects that are being pursued across our 20 plus underwriting groups.”

Other research and best practice projects planned by the IUA in 2020 will cover delegated authorities, developing technologies, illegal ship-to-ship transfers and the discount rate.

The association’s public policy work will include updating members on regulatory developments as Brexit is confirmed. Attention will be increasingly turned towards the shape of a new trading relationship between the UK and the EU and opportunities for company market interests to be featured in new trade negotiations across the globe.

In a post-Brexit environment there will also be a greater possibility for a more independent UK approach to international trade restrictions and the IUA’s sanctions database will therefore be expanded.

On business process reform, 2020 will see the IUA participating fully in projects such as claims processing that are being developed as part of the Future at Lloyd’s blueprint, but have important consequences for the whole London Market. PPL meanwhile, remains the principal vehicle to deliver e-trading and the coming 12 months are likely to see significant enhancements to the platform to make sure it can deliver an effective ‘end-to-end’ digital solution.

“Over the past five years membership of the IUA has increased by around a third and is now at a record level,” added Matcham. “The year ahead is already shaping up to be a fascinating one for the company market in London and we are looking forward to delivering a wide range of services for the firms we are proud to represent.”