Chief Underwriting Officer

Overview

We are seeking a high-caliber professional for the role of Chief Underwriting Officer (CUO) in the life insurance sector. This key position will report directly to the Chief Operating Officer and is responsible for overseeing underwriting operations while managing a team of approximately 70-80 professionals, both onshore and offshore.

Principal Responsibilities

• Underwriting Authority:

  • Hold a personal underwriting authority covering mass market and High Net Worth (HNW) insurance, ensuring compliance with maximum substandard life authority under reinsurer auto-binding authority.

• Operational Oversight:

  • Oversee daily operations and ensure quality assurance of the Underwriting Services Team.
  • Monitor underwriting rules, guidelines, and philosophy to maintain competitiveness and effectiveness in the market.

• Process Improvement:

  • Lead initiatives to implement changes in underwriting practices, including automation through the Underwriting Engine
  • Drive projects aimed at enhancing customer experience through technology-driven solutions.

• Team Leadership:

  • Develop and lead the Underwriting Services Team, fostering collaboration to achieve overall business objectives and improve customer experience.

• Training and Compliance:

  • Design training programs to uplift the capabilities of onshore and offshore teams, particularly in HNW underwriting, while ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.

• Stakeholder Engagement:

  • Collaborate with key stakeholders, including the Chief Actuary, Chief Risk Officer, Head of Regulatory Compliance, reinsurers, and distribution partners to align underwriting strategies.

Requirements

• Experience:
  • Proven experience in life insurance underwriting, with a focus on the High Net Worth market advantageous.
  • Experience with broker firms and familiarity with local and China markets is preferred.
• Qualifications:
  • Fellow of the Academy of Life Underwriting, Fellow Life Management Institute, or Chartered Life Underwriter is highly preferred.
  • Significant financial sum insured authority, ideally not less than USD 20 million.
• Skills:
  • Excellent communication, interpersonal, and analytical skills.
  • Strong leadership abilities with self-motivation and the ability to work under pressure.
• Language Proficiency:
  • Proficiency in both English and Chinese is required.
• Additional Qualifications:
  • Professional qualifications such as Enhanced Competency Framework (ECF) and/or Certified Banker (CB) from the Hong Kong Institute of Bankers (HKIB) would be an advantage.