Underlining expertise: new NIBA chief Philip Kewin
Stepping forward Incoming NIBA chief Philip Kewin is taking up the reins as brokers enter a period that will define their futures By Wendy Pugh
G
ears are changing at the National Insurance Brokers Association (NIBA) as two priorities critical for the future of general insurance advice dominate the agenda for the next year, with a new chief executive stepping in. Philip Kewin, who previously led the Association of Financial Advisers (AFA), is taking over from Dallas Booth as NIBA gets set to deliver a long-awaited update to the brokers’ code of practice and to deal with the Federal Government’s review of broker commissions. Mr Kewin has more than 35 years’ experience in financial services, mainly in life insurance and financial advice. He has worked at Mercantile Mutual, owned a financial advisory business, and held roles at Zurich including general manager retail life and investments. He says brokers are well placed to set standards in a practical and pragmatic way and to demonstrate the value they deliver over the next year. That’s close to the position financial advisers found themselves in a few years ago when laws were imposed after self-regulation in the sector was deemed to have failed. “I think that is one of the most significant differences,” he tells Insurance News. “We do have an opportunity, as an industry, as a profession, to set those standards ourselves and to, where possible, take control of our own destiny.” Mr Kewin emphasises the values of integrity and honesty, and says he will take an open-minded and collaborative approach on coming aboard at NIBA. “I believe we work best when supporting each other and approaching things objectively,” he said. “That said, if there is something that is worth fighting for on behalf of brokers, I won’t take a backward step.” Mr Kewin takes up the reins on November 1
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October/November 2021
