2026-09-17 · Source: Insurance Business UK
Summary in 3 Points • The Chartered Insurance Institute and Personal Finance Society's New Generation Programme expanded to include financial planning professionals in 2025 • The cohort developed five projects, including a farming risk report, a knowledge-preservation database, and a fraud detection tool called SIFT • Alex Spicer received the first-ever New Generation Impact Award for his contributions to the programme --- The Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) and Personal Finance Society (PFS) have concluded their New Generation Programme for 2025/26 by showcasing five innovative projects aimed at addressing key challenges in the financial services sector. This year's cohort, consisting of 60 members from both insurance and financial planning backgrounds, marked the first time financial planning professionals were included, following the programme's expansion under former CII president Ian Callaghan. The projects presented included a detailed farming risk report, a white paper and prototype database for preserving institutional knowledge, a fraud detection tool called SIFT, research into domestic abuse in the workplace, and initiatives to promote careers in financial planning. The event also saw Alex Spicer, a broking delegate, receive the programme's inaugural New Generation Impact Award. For the **London Insurance Market**, the inclusion of financial planning professionals in the CII and PFS New Generation Programme reflects a broader trend of cross-disciplinary collaboration, which can enhance **risk management** and innovation. The development of tools like SIFT, which combines technology with human judgement to detect fraud, is particularly relevant for **underwriters** and claims handlers in the London Market, where **fraud prevention** is a critical concern. Additionally, the knowledge-preservation database could serve as a model for **Lloyd's** syndicates and other London-based firms to retain valuable expertise as experienced professionals retire, ensuring continuity and resilience in operations. **Underwriters** and **brokers** in the London Market should consider how these projects can be integrated into their own practices to improve efficiency and effectiveness. The SIFT tool, for example, could be utilised to enhance fraud detection capabilities, while the farming risk report may offer insights into **agricultural insurance** underwriting. Furthermore, the focus on promoting careers in financial planning highlights the importance of attracting new talent to the industry, which is crucial for sustaining growth and innovation. Engaging with initiatives like the New Generation Programme can provide valuable opportunities for professional development and networking within the industry.