HX launches in Asia to bring its data, digital and analytics capabilities closer to clients and carriers across the region

18 May 2021, Singapore - HX, the data, digital and analytics division of Howden Group Holdings, today announced that it has established HX Asia, which enables it to deploy its data, analytics and technology capabilities directly to clients and carriers in the Asian market. HX Asia will be based at the Group’s regional headquarters in Singapore.

HX comprises four areas of expertise: HX Data, HX Markets, HX Analytics and xTrade Digital Marketplace. HX’s multi-faceted offering, combined with the Group’s specialist broking and underwriting expertise, will be unique in the Asian market and set new standards for engagement, trading, technology and advisory.

Edward Howland Jackson has been recruited as Managing Director to lead HX Markets, Asia, and joins from Marsh; Hamish Barcroft and Rahul Patil also join the team. HX Markets, Asia will work with Howden Group’s businesses in the region to enhance carrier relationships through advice-led, data-driven solutions.

Goh Chye Huat, CEO, Howden Asia, said: “Our businesses across Asia have experienced tremendous growth over recent years. We have reached a scale where it is vital to have a market-leading engagement and distribution strategy. HX’s data and analytics capabilities are unrivalled in the market and we are delighted to have that offering available for our clients and colleagues in Asia.”

Paul O’Neill, CEO Howden Specialty, Asia Pacific, commented: “The arrival of Ed and his team is very timely as Howden cements its position as the challenger broker in the Asia Pacific region, offering clients specialist local service with international reach and access to deep global specialty expertise. The capabilities of HX, combined with the strategic intent of Howden Specialty, will provide our clients with optimal solutions to respond to the current challenging environment.”

HX was formed in 2019 with the aim of digitally transforming and accelerating the growth of Howden using data, analytics and technology to respond to client and market needs. In just two years, HX has expanded its headcount to over 150 employees in the Group’s London headquarters. The appointment of a team in Asia marks a significant step in bringing the HX offering closer to its clients and partners across the globe.

Barnaby Rugge-Price, Executive Chair, HX concluded: “We are delighted to be delivering HX’s market-leading capabilities to our multinational and Asian-headquartered clients, adding value beyond the transaction through modelling, risk exposure analytics, digital capabilities and insights. This best-in-class team-leading HX Markets, Asia is an excellent start as we roll out our strategy for growth in Asia.”

About HX

HX is Howden Group’s data, digital and analytics arm, formed in 2019 with the aim to digitally transform and accelerate the growth of Howden and DUAL through the effective use of data, analytics and technology. HX comprises over 150 employees working across four business areas: HX Data, HX Markets, HX Analytics and xTrade Digital Marketplace. HX manages Howden Group Holdings’ third-party insurtech investments, as well as incubating its own start-up ventures. It also houses the Group’s capital markets advisory business Howden Capital Markets.

About Howden Group Holdings

Howden Group Holdings is a leading international insurance group with employee ownership at its heart. Founded in 1994, it comprises Howden Broking, underwriting business DUAL, and data, analytics and digital delivery business HX.

Howden Group Holdings’ businesses operate in 45 countries across Europe, Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Latin America, the USA, Australia and New Zealand and employ over 8,500 people.