RSA expands financial risks team with Aviva underwriter

RSA Insurance has expanded its professional and financial risks team after noticing growing demand for financial lines cover.

In a statement released today (28 September 2023), the insurer said that businesses needed “effective and quality” cover amid economic uncertainty and multiple emerging risks.

To grow its portfolio and hit strategic targets, RSA said it had appointed Aviva’s Matt Houghton as its new head of financial risks in its mid-market commercial lines business.

The role will see Houghton, who has over 15 years’ experience as a financial lines underwriter, be responsible for managing RSA’s financial risks portfolio.

He will be based in Manchester and report to Jo Darkins, who is the professional and financial risks team director at RSA.

“In a world of rapid technological advancements, economic uncertainty and multiple emerging risks, the demand for effective and quality financial lines cover is growing,” Darkins said.

“The number of threats facing businesses is not getting smaller and the impact of incidents can be significant.

“Having the correct cover, products and expertise in place is increasingly important for companies of all sizes.”

Experience

Houghton, who spent five years at Aviva, was most recently the insurer’s specialty lines underwriting manager.

He also spent seven years at Chubb as a financial lines underwriter.

Houghton will begin his new role at RSA in October.

“I’m delighted Matt is joining us,” Darkins said.

“His technical capability and underwriting experience will really complement the existing strength we have in the team.

“His existing relationships, reputation and knowledge of the market will help us profitably grow the portfolio and meet our strategic vision.”