Financial institutions

Expert-led insurance solutions for complex financial risk.

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Protecting the engine of the U.S. economy

Financial risk rarely stays in one place  

Financial institutions drive both the national and global economies, with the sector accounting for about 8% of GDP in the US and approximately 20% of corporate profits. Those metrics understate how broadly impactful financial institutions are to risk in the economy. As intangible assets represent a large and growing component of domestic product financial institutions become more central to systemic risk. Their role facilitating capital allocation, managing financial volatility, and regulating the flow of money make financial institutions relevant to every corner of the economy.  In this high-stakes, high-regulation, and high-litigation industry, threats are complex and constantly shifting. 

Emerging technology and financial risks, now accelerated by AI, are rewriting the playbook on operational liabilities for firms of all sizes and specialties. At the same time, a tightening global compliance landscape demands more resources to show that operations meet regulators’ expectations. With a renewed emphasis on client outcomes, institutions are taking on greater fiduciary responsibilities that further complicate their risk profiles.

These challenges affect traditional banks, emerging fintech companies, asset managers, and alternative investment funds in different ways. Across the sector, a single issue can move quickly across operations, professional liability, executive decision-making, and client relationships at lightning speed. 

Even early-stage financial startups face multifaceted challenges. In a diverse and fast-moving sector, no two clients have the same needs for their coverage. A good insurance broker therefore brings a mix of specialist talent — lawyers, bankers, and senior underwriters — to truly understand a firm’s exposures and build coverage around how the organization actually works.

Specialized support for complex financial risks

Tailored insurance for banks, fintechs, and asset management firms  

As risks in the financial sector grow more complex, insurers have developed new solutions to cover them. But finding value in a competitive marketplace requires expertise, experience, and a world-class partner.

 

Our clients range from traditional banking institutions to emerging fintech companies to asset management firms such as alternative investment managers. We’re proud to count some of the industry’s most established names and brightest rising stars among our customers.

 

Our specialist teams, include lawyers which form part of your team from day one. That means monitoring emerging risks, preparing the market, advising on tailored protection strategies, and guiding you through claims when the program is tested.

 

The global capabilities of the Howden Financial Institutions vertical match the needs of the diverse landscape of the clients. Our unique ability to secure the best available coverage terms within the U.S., UK, Bermuda, and around the globe ensures that our clients have access to all potential insurance capacity globally and can attach their risk with the most attractive and competitive capital partner.  

 

Claims resolution represents a vital component of any insurance brokerage operation. Our approach combines front-end attention to detail and risk identification with claims attorneys versed in recent settlements. Along with legislative and regulatory rules, and requirements. The practical impacts of coverage language and successful claims resolution are paramount to our value proposition.

 

We help financial institutions build the resilience they need to thrive

 

The financial institution insurance products we offer

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    Professional indemnity/errors and omissions (E&O) insurance

    Addresses the financial impact of claims alleging that professional services, advice, or operational errors caused harm to clients or other third parties.

  • Three business professionals sit around a high wooden table in a bright modern office, smiling and collaborating as they look at a laptop screen near large frosted-glass windows and a hanging plant.

    D&O and management liability insurance

    Protection for directors and officers for all risks faced in their capacity leading businesses including operational, regulatory, and criminal allegations of wrongdoing.

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    Cyber insurance

    Helps financial institutions respond to cyberthreats that can disrupt operations and quickly become regulatory, financial, and reputational issues.

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    Investment management insurance (IMI)

    Specialist insurance for investment firms protecting funds and managers against a range of liabilities.

  • A professional sitting at a desk in a modern office, working on a laptop connected to dual monitors displaying business analytics dashboards, with large windows revealing a blurred city skyline and bridge in the background.

    Fidelity and crime insurance

    Covers financial losses when employee or third-party criminal acts affect institutional funds, client assets, or business operations. Highly pertinent coverage in an age of increasingly active financial and cyber theft including social engineering and extortion matters.

  • Low-angle view of a modern glass skyscraper with reflective windows mirroring nearby office buildings against a pale blue sky.

    Property and casualty insurance

    As financial institutions increasingly rely on expensive technology and server solutions, property programs are vital to protect assets that drive revenues. For digital assets mining operations, property coverage and business interruption are material components of operational risk protection.

  • An overhead view of a wide, light-gray paved city street with multiple people in business suits walking in different directions, a cyclist on the side, a parked yellow delivery van, and tree shadows cast across the scene.

    Credit and political risk insurance

    Supports financial institutions when non-payment, credit exposure, or political risk threatens lending, investment, trade finance, and cross-border transactions.

  • Six business professionals in winter coats walk together through a modern office complex courtyard, holding coffee cups and briefcases, chatting and smiling against the backdrop of tall, dark-glass buildings and patches of lingering snow.

    Employment practices liability insurance

    Coverage for when employment decisions, workplace conduct, or employee disputes lead to claims. Given the highly litigious nature of many US jurisdictions and the high compensation rates found at many financial institutions, single plaintiff employment settlements can be material amounts of money.

  • Interior view of a honeycomb-like multi-level staircase structure with zigzagging walkways, where small groups of people walk and stand, framed by modern glass buildings and a partly cloudy sky in the background.

    Fiduciary liability (ERISA coverage)

    Protection for both individuals and the firm in their roles providing and managing employee benefits (retirement and health).

Other industry products we can offer include:

  • PSD bond safeguarding insurance
  • Payment Services Directive Two (PSD2) insurance
  • Crowdfunding insurance
  • Slashing and staking insurance
  • Insurtech insurance
  • Digital/crypto solutions
  • Trade risk insurance
  • Warranty and indemnity (W&I) insurance 
  • Commercial and office package cover
  • Commodities insurance
  • Employee benefits and wellbeing
  • Tax liability
  • Title risk
  • Special situations and structured solutions
  • Insolvency and restructuring
  • Portfolio company solutions

Why choose us? The Howden Difference

Our employee-owned model means specialist insurance teams in banking, fintech, and asset management are personally invested in your success, from strategy through claims.  

Our in-house analysts have access to large, high-quality, specialist datasets to help you assess risk, anticipate insurer concerns, and achieve better terms.  

Finance is global, and so are we. We work in 55 countries and 115 territories to secure where and how your business operates. 

We’re not just insurance brokers. We can help your organization understand climate risk, map operational risk, and plan for your net zero transition.  

Other Howden capabilities that are important in your industry

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    Surety bonds

    Three-party agreements designed to ensure that commercial obligations are met if one fails to perform.

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    Risk analysis

    Brings data, specialist insight, and market perspective together to help financial institutions make clearer insurance decisions.

  • Two coworkers in a bright open-plan office sit side by side at a desk, with one pointing at a document on a large computer monitor while the other leans in to discuss, surrounded by other colleagues and workstations in the background.

    Claims advocacy

    Guides financial institutions through complex claims, helping coordinate insurers, adjusters, and internal teams when stakeholder pressure is high.

Ready to talk?

Connect with a Howden advisor to review your financial institution insurance program and project risks.

  • Photo of Uri Dallal

    Uri Dallal

    Executive Vice President, Head of Financial Institutions, Howden US
    Photo of Uri Dallal

    Uri Dallal

    Linked In
    Executive Vice President, Head of Financial Institutions, Howden US

    Uri is the leader of the Howden US Financial Institutions Practice, as well as a member of the Howden US Executive Leadership team. The Financial Institutions Group provides risk advisory, brokerage, and claims advocacy services across all insurance products for Financial Institutions. Uri’s engages directly with clients setting strategic initiatives for risk transfer and represents Howden with industry practice groups and with centers of influence as relates to Financial Institutions and there role within and as serviced by insurance capital.

    Uri joined Howden after spending the last 18 years in various leadership roles at Aon, including Resident Managing Director for the New York office and Head of Regions for Aon’s Financial Services Group. Uri has extensive experience working with large, complex clients, claims resolution, identifying risk exposures, global placements, and designing creative program structures. Uri is an effective and proven leader of people and teams at large brokerage organizations, having managed colleagues nationally and worked collaboratively with teams globally.

    Uri earned a bachelor's degree from Bucknell University where he double majored in economics and philosophy. Subsequently, Uri earned a master's degree from Fordham University in Political Economy and Development.

Speak to our financial institutions team today.

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