Annual Conference 2026

Breakout A

Quantum computing - Are you ready for the shift?

This session delves into Quantum Computing from the perspective of Financial Services, focusing on risks, opportunities, and readiness.

Quantum computing is rapidly emerging as a topic of strategic importance for financial regulators and firms. This session will offer a clear and accessible introduction to quantum computing: what it is, why it matters, and how it could reshape the financial landscape. We’ll explore the cybersecurity implications, including the so-called ‘quantum threat’ to current encryption standards, and why building quantum-safe networks is becoming a regulatory priority.

The discussion will also highlight how quantum computing, especially when combined with artificial intelligence, could unlock new value in areas such as risk modelling, fraud detection, and product innovation. Finally, we’ll consider the practical steps firms should take to become ‘quantum-ready’, from assessing legacy systems to developing the right skills and talent.

This session is designed for a non-technical audience and will provide strategic insights into one of the most transformative technologies facing financial services today.

Speakers:

• Chair: Amit Thawani, Chief Technology Officer, Lloyds Banking Group
• Santosh Pandit, Senior Manager, PRA
• Chris Redmond, Director, Operational Resilience and Digital Transformation, IBM

Breakout B - FULLY BOOKED

Mind the gap – How do we ensure more people are protected against life’s challenges?

Millions of households remain without adequate financial protection, even as the risks they face become more complex and acute. From long-term sickness and caring responsibilities to widening health inequalities and rising living costs, the protection gap is shaped by far more than awareness alone. So how can industry, regulators and policymakers work together to bring protection to the people who need it most?

This session will explore the realities of under-insurance in the UK today - what drives it, where the most acute gaps are emerging, and the practical steps that can shift the dial. We’ll examine evolving consumer journeys, the potential of embedded and partnership-led models, the role of clear and inclusive communication, and how regulatory expectations on value, access and competition are reshaping the landscape. Crucially, we will ask: what would it take for protection to feel truly accessible, flexible and valuable for a changing customer base?

Join us for a forward-looking discussion on the opportunities to widen access, support vulnerable customers, and build confidence in products designed to provide security at life’s hardest moments.

Speakers:

• Chair: Sasha Castel-Branco, Policy Adviser, Health and Protection Policy, The ABI
• Peter Hamilton, Head of Market Engagement, Zurich
• Jo Miller, Managing Director, Income Protection Task Force
• Graeme Reynolds, Competition Director and Interim Insurance Director, FCA

Breakout C - FULLY BOOKED

Rewiring Retirement: Personal Pensions in a Changing Landscape

With the Pension Schemes Bill due to receive Royal Assent in early 2026, pension providers will need to navigate significant policy change in a short timeframe. But how should non-workplace, personal pension providers think about these changes? What might be coming round the corner in the vein of default pension benefit solutions, a consumer-facing Value for Money framework, contractual override legislation and small pots consolidation? Not to mention targeted support and Pensions Dashboard. Crucially what makes sense for consumers and would genuinely lead to better outcomes?

Speakers:

• Chair: Justin Wray, Assistant Director, Head of Long-Term Savings Policy, The ABI
• Heather Hopkins, Managing Director, Next Wealth
• James Carter, Head of Platform Policy and Oversight, Fidelity
• James Larsen, Head of Strategy and Offer, Vanguard
• Robert Holford, Insights Director, Altus Consulting, part of Accenture
• Adrian Smith, CEO, Reclaim Fund

Breakout D - FULLY BOOKED

How can we build resilience in UK politics?

Elections in Scotland and Wales look like they could be fundamental for the current Westminster Government. Join our panel as we analyse the prospects for Holyrood and the Senedd in May, the rise of Reform UK, how both Labour and Conservative parties can respond to the challenge, and how our industry and government can share best practice to improve the resilience of the UK.

Speakers:

• Chair: Alice Perry, Director of Political Advocacy, Aviva
• Geoff Aberdein, Managing Partner, True North Advisors
• Jo Kiernan, Cavendish Consulting
• Alex Newton, Deputy Director, More in Common UK

Breakout E 

Small Business, Big Risk: Tackling SME Underinsurance

To explore the findings of the recently published ABI report on Uninsurance and Underinsurance among SMEs. What are the reasons, and what are the solutions?

Speakers:

• Chair Agata Gorecka, Policy Adviser – General Insurance, The ABI
• Martin McTague OBE, National Chair, Federation of Small Businesses
• Lee Mooney, UK MD, Markel
• Andrew Harrop, Director, Public First
• Emma Fuller, Partner, DAC Beachcroft

Breakout F 

Cyber War Games: Simulated Crisis - Deepfake and AI-Driven Cyberattack & Response

Prepare yourself for an engaging and high-impact session led by Vijay Rathour, Cybersecurity Lead at Grant Thornton in the UK. This interactive session will immerse participants in a realistic simulation of modern cyber threats and how to minimise their risk and to be prepared.

With a distinguished career that includes digital forensics, cybercrime investigations, and AI threat response, Vijay brings unparalleled expertise to the table. Participants will have the opportunity to delve into the complexities of responding to deepfake technology, AI-driven cyberattacks and social media messaging, enhancing their strategic thinking and crisis management skills.

Speaker: Vijay Rathour, Partner – Head of Cyber and Digital Investigations, Grant Thornton

Breakout G - FULLY BOOKED

Culture Is Everyone’s Business: How to maintain an industry that attracts the next generation of talent

According to a recent survey by Insurance Europe, 60% of young people say the insurance industry does not reflect their values, and many describe it as boring or complicated. At the same time, they are seeking purpose and inclusion, not just a paycheck. If we want to attract and retain this next generation of talent, we must evolve our culture without compromising on diversity or integrity. This panel explores how everyone, regardless of role, plays a part in shaping a workplace that speaks to future talent. We will also unpack the FCA’s new rules on preventing non-financial misconduct and what they mean for creating truly inclusive workplaces.

Speakers:

• Chair: Maxine Goddard, Board Advisor and Director, Insurance DataLab and Quantexa
• Sandra Kerr, Race Equality Director, Business in the Community
• Raymond Silverstein, Partner, Browne Jacobson
• Mark McLane, Head of Diversity, Inclusion and Wellbeing, M&G

Breakout H - FULLY BOOKED

Sustainability reporting and disclosure: is it delivering, or just delivering reports? 

The demands on climate and sustainability disclosure keep multiplying - PRA’s PS25/25, FCA rules, and now the UK Sustainability Reporting Standards. But is all this reporting actually moving the needle, or just creating a data treadmill?

Speakers:

• Chair: Ben Howarth, Assistant Director, Head of Sustainability and Climate, The ABI
• Dr Marina Baldissera Pacchetti, Senior Research Fellow, University College London
• Michelle Leavesley, Chief Sustainability Officer, Admiral
• Faith Taylor, Senior Vice President – Sustainability, Kyndryl
• Ed Steeds, Senior Policy Officer, Sustainable Finance, WWF UK