Hear from Fraser Walker, National Business Development Manager at Emergence, for the first newsletter of 2025
Tell us a bit about your company and its role in the insurance industry.
Emergence is an award-winning underwriting agency specialising in innovative cyber insurance solutions.
Operating in Australia and New Zealand, we are dedicated to protecting businesses and families from growing cyber and digital risk.
Combining comprehensive coverage with real-time risk management, 24/7 in-house incident response, and expert cyber advisory services, Emergence offers a smarter approach to cyber insurance.
Our policies are designed to be simple and accessible, empowering brokers to guide clients in managing cyber risks effectively.
This approach provides robust protection against financial, commercial, and reputational risks, helping clients navigate the complexities of an increasingly interconnected world.
Why do you choose to support YIPS, and what does it mean to your organisation?
Emergence is new to the New Zealand market, but cybercrime is not—it’s one of the fastest-growing risks for businesses in the country.
We see YIPs as a fantastic platform to connect with the next generation of insurance professionals who could thrive in the cyber underwriting and business development space. Our partnership is an opportunity to raise awareness of cyber threats while fostering fresh talent in this evolving field.
What advice would you give to young professionals looking to grow in the industry?
Be open-minded. Say yes to new opportunities.
Joe, one of our team members, transitioned from broking to underwriting with no prior experience in the field. He took the leap, was willing to try something new, and we fully supported him in that journey. The insurance industry offers a vast array of career paths, and sometimes the best way to grow is to put your hand up and dive in.
Are there any upcoming initiatives, events, or projects from your company that you’d like to share with our audience?
In 2025, Emergence will continue driving cyber risk awareness through seminars, thought leadership sessions, and hands-on broker training.
Cyber threats are constantly evolving, which means there’s always something new to discuss. We’re committed to keeping the industry informed and ready to tackle emerging risks.
How does your company support professional development and career growth?
At Emergence, learning is hands-on and engaging.
We run monthly cyber-risk awareness sessions that are gamified to make them interactive and relevant. We also provide access to industry-leading courses and cyber qualifications for those eager to deepen their expertise.
Additionally, our in-house incident response team hosts monthly discussions on real-world claims, covering the latest trends in cybercrime and equipping our team with the freshest insights.
What’s one trend or change in the insurance industry that you’re excited about in 2025?
Changes to New Zealand’s regulatory framework will shift how businesses approach cyber risk.
At Emergence, we believe cyber insurance is just one piece of the puzzle. Stronger regulations will push businesses to improve their cyber resilience—ensuring not only that they have insurance in place but also that they are continuously strengthening their security measures. In the long run, this means better protection for everyone’s data.
How can YIPS members engage with your company (career opportunities, networking, resources, etc.)?
You’ll see Emergence as a YIPs sponsor at many industry events, broker conferences, and fundraisers. Whether in person or online, never hesitate to reach out to our team for valuable cyber resources and insights.
We’re always open to conversations about careers in cyber insurance. If you’re curious about the cyber space, let’s connect!