Client focus, data-driven strategies and regulatory reform took centre stage at Insurance DataLab’s latest webinar, where an expert panel explored the challenges and opportunities currently facing the UK broking sector.
Senior leaders from Aon, PIB Group, Deloitte and BIBA shared their views on what it takes to be a high-performing broker, with an emphasis on creating value for clients, investing in talent, and using data to drive better decisions. As Aon UK, Ireland & South Africa chief executive Jane Kielty put it: “being absolutely brilliant for clients” is what sets the best apart.
The panel also discussed how brokers can navigate growing regulatory demands, particularly around Consumer Duty.
BIBA chief executive Graeme Trudgill said we were witnessing a “turning of the tide” as the FCA looks to simplify rules and ease the burden. Yet, as PIB’s Zach Gray noted, the compliance workload remains significant – with smaller firms particularly feeling the regulatory burden.
Meanwhile, Deloitte partner Laura Scarpa highlighted the importance of data consistency and clarity, especially from an M&A perspective.
“It’s about having the data to have one version of the truth,” she said. “That really helps give management the confidence and the ability to articulate their business strategy, to manage their business, and also, more importantly, to identify any issues before they arise, which is much better outcomes for customers and regulators, as well being attractive to investors.”
Data emerged as a key theme throughout the session. From supporting compliance to identifying insurer partners and boosting productivity, the panel agreed that smart use of data and technology will be central to brokers’ success going forward.
As Matt Scott, Co-Founder of Insurance DataLab, said: “Data and technology can allow people to work a lot more efficiently, and it also empowers brokers to be more informed about the market.
“That can lead to better decisions, which helps to lower the regulatory risk, but it also can help to minimise compliance costs.
A Data-Driven Look at Broker Performance
The discussion was set against the backdrop of the Insurance DataLab Broker Performance Report 2025, published in association with BIBA and sponsored by SSP. The report benchmarks firms across growth, profitability and productivity, offering deeper insight into the financial health of the broking sector and spotlighting the businesses leading the way.
Download the full report here.
Discover how Insurance DataLab can support your firm
Insurance DataLab provides access to powerful benchmarking tools that help broking firms to increase confidence in insurer and MGA partners, benchmark their own performance against peers, and support compliance efforts. If you’d like a demo of the platform, please email tariq.kench@insurancedatalab.com.