Five Minutes

What is your previous industry experience before being appointed as the MUA Assistant Manager: Technical Underwriting for the Cape Town branch?

 

I started in the Insurance Industry in 1979, with U.N.S.B.I.C (Union National South British Insurance Co.) in Durban. I have Personal, Commercial, Marine, Travel & Claims experience. I have held the positions of Head of Department, Commercial & Personal Underwriting, as well as Underwriting Manager for 4 years, prior to my move to the Cape just over 3 years ago.

 

What are your roles and responsibilities as the Assistant Manager: Technical Underwriting?

 

I have various roles within my position, but the key objectives are to conduct audits on staff working under my supervision; keep track of loss ratios / growth on all scheme brokers; handle entire renewal process; liaise with the Compliance Manager in regard to FAIS requirements and up-dates; quality control; releasing claims payments; submitting quarterly reports to the Regional Manager; but especially to focus on profitability within the Company being maintained in order to achieve the required loss ratio set by Compass. This is being carried out on a continuous basis by filtering out multi-claimants and performing reactive underwriting where necessary.

 

How did your previous industry experience assist you in this role?

 

It has helped me to become confident and remain calm in problematic situations, as there is always a solution.

 

What do you think are some of the biggest challenges in your position?

 

To ensure that all staff members comply with the latest legislation in regard to FAIS requirements. In addition to make staff members aware of the importance of the relevant exams and the consequences of not complying.

 

What is your advice to people wanting work in the Technical Underwriting field of insurance?

 

Have a passion for your work, as it is an extremely interesting occupation to get involved in. Be prepared to write exams, but with the knowledge that this will help you succeed within your profession.

 

What is your favorite way to relax after work?

 

I don’t really relax, but I suppose it would be doing crosswords.

 

What is your personal motto?

 

My personal motto is to “Always Give Of Your Best”. For me there is no better feeling than to know that you have done your best.