The London reinsurance market faces a looming crisis due to a lack of new talent. A recent survey by MS Amlin revealed that 68% of Britons would not consider an insurance career, while London Market Group figures show as many staff over 50 as under 30 (24% in each group).
This perception problem, combined with an ageing workforce – with as many professionals over 50 as under 30 – has industry leaders concerned.
The specialist market, which contributes £49 billion a year to the UK economy, risks losing its position as the world’s leading hub for specialist insurance without a new generation of skilled professionals.
Martin Burke, Chief Underwriting Officer at MS Amlin, stated: “The insurance talent gap isn’t just a recruitment issue – it’s an economic one. The Lloyd’s market contributes billions to UK prosperity. But without a new generation of skilled professionals, it risks losing its status as the world’s pre-eminent centre for specialist insurance. That loss would extend beyond the sector – weakening the City’s global standing and denting the wider UK economy.
In a move to bridge this talent gap, Lloyd’s re/insurer MS Amlin launched a new recruitment campaign. This pairs its underwriters with Hollywood stunt doubles for stars like Margot Robbie and Scarlett Johansson, who perform stunts before being swapped on-screen for MS Amlin underwriters.
The marketing campaign aims to highlight the parallel between insurance and the stunt world – both professions are experts at managing extreme risks.
It aims to challenge outdated perceptions of an insurance career, spotlight the industry’s risk expertise and spark interest among younger generations.
Burke added: “To tackle the talent crunch, we must challenge outdated perceptions about insurance. London is where the world comes to cover its most complex risks – from satellites and cybercrime to climate shocks and geopolitical instability. A career in this sector is about solving real problems that shape global progress.
“We need to highlight the dynamic skills and diverse career paths available in insurance. Like Hollywood stunt performers, insurance professionals deal with extreme risks every day. By linking the two professions, we can bring that expertise to life and connect with people who might never have considered a career in insurance.”
Caroline Wagstaff, CEO of the London Market Group, said: “With a wave of experienced professionals nearing retirement and a limited pool of new talent, it’s critical that we reposition (re)insurance as a destination career for young people. That means connecting with the next generation in new ways to show them how stimulating and impactful this industry truly is.
“By drawing parallels with the Hollywood stunt industry, MS Amlin’s campaign highlights the deep expertise required to manage extraordinary risks. This is another step towards making the sector more visible and helping young people see the multitude of possibilities a career in our sector can offer.”
MS Amlin’s campaign comes against a backdrop of rising global risks. The insurer reported a 300% increase in natural catastrophe claims and a 1,500% increase in payouts linked to conflict and civil unrest between 2019 and 2024.
A separate poll found that 66% of Britons feel there are more global risks out there now than ever before, with respondents claiming that in the last 12 months they’ve been directly impacted by risks such as price shocks (42%), cyber-attacks on companies (33%), political unrest (29%), war (29%), extreme weather events (26%) and wildfires (18%).
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