Allianz UK, one of the largest general insurers in the UK and part of the global Allianz Group, has launched an artificial intelligence-powered tool named BRIAN to support its commercial underwriting operations.
The new system has been introduced to simplify the way underwriters access and use internal guidance materials, cutting down on the time previously spent searching through lengthy documentation, according to InsurTech Insights.
The BRIAN tool allows underwriters to ask direct questions and receive instant, precise answers, accompanied by links to the original guidance materials. This functionality significantly reduces the need to search through complex underwriting manuals.
Since its deployment, BRIAN has saved an estimated 65,000 minutes of work time — the equivalent of around 135 working days — by streamlining information retrieval. The system is already in use across Allianz UK’s property and liability underwriting teams and is expected to expand to the wider commercial underwriting workforce by the end of the year.
BRIAN is particularly valuable for junior underwriters, who often face steep learning curves. By reducing the time spent searching for information, the tool frees up staff to focus on risk analysis, pricing, customer engagement and keeping pace with evolving regulatory and market changes.
The tool was developed through collaboration between Allianz UK’s business, transformation and central AI teams within its Ops IT Data function. Its introduction is part of Allianz UK’s broader strategy to make its operations more intelligent, resilient and competitive in the evolving insurance landscape.
The name BRIAN pays tribute to Benjamin Blackie, a long-serving Allianz professional who now leads transformation projects at the company. Blackie highlighted its “dual functionality,” saying that underwriters receive concise answers along with direct links to the original documents, allowing them to explore details when necessary.
“This is not about replacing decision-making, but equipping people with better tools to access information they need at the moment they need it,” Blackie explained. “With the extra time saved, underwriters can focus on deeper risk analysis, enhancing customer relationships, refining pricing strategies, and staying updated on emerging market trends and regulatory changes.”
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