amanda blanc smiling

The Insurance Fraud Bureau has appointed AXA UK and Ireland general insurance chief executive Amanda Blanc (pictured) as its new chair.

She replaces outgoing LV= general insurance managing director John O’Roarke, who has stepped down as the bureau’s chairman after three years in the position.

O’Roarke leaves LV= next month.

Blanc said: “Fraud is a persistent problem, not just in insurance but in every facet of the UK economy and the IFB is a vital industry tool that we can all use to prevent fraudsters from profiting from their activity and ensuring that we can protect honest customers from the impact of fraud.

“The strategic review and consultation undertaken last year culminated in an industry agreement to extend the remit of the IFB. In progressing that remit, my focus this year will be upon supporting the executive team in meeting those strategic objectives, issuing products in property and liability, amending the legal rules and delivering the new funding model for 2017.”

ABI director of general insurance policy James Dalton added: “Amanda Blanc’s wealth of industry expertise will be invaluable as the IFB embarks on delivering on its extended remit following its strategic review last year as we look to improve the governance of the industry’s counter fraud activity overall.”