Instead of combing through extensive underwriting manuals, underwriters can now pose direct questions and receive precise answers with links back to the original source documents.
Since its introduction, BRIAN has already saved an estimated 65,000 minutes of work time, equivalent to around 135 working days, by removing the need for prolonged information searches. The tool has been deployed across all property and liability underwriting teams and is set to reach the wider commercial underwriting workforce by the end of the year.
The name BRIAN honours Benjamin Blackie, a key figure in Allianz’s early development who now leads transformation projects at Allianz UK. Blackie highlights the system’s “dual functionality,” offering both a concise answer and a direct link to the relevant guidance text, which allows underwriters to explore details further when needed.
Previously, underwriters often spent about two hours each week navigating internal files. With BRIAN, that process takes only seconds. The tool is particularly valuable for junior underwriters, who face steep learning curves when dealing with dense documentation.
“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.”
Developed through collaboration between Allianz UK’s business, transformation and central AI teams within the Ops IT Data function, BRIAN continues to evolve to meet the changing needs of underwriters. By reducing inefficiencies and improving decision-making, it enables faster, better-informed assessments and strengthens accuracy and confidence across the underwriting process.
The initiative supports Allianz UK’s broader vision of making its operations more intelligent, robust and streamlined, ultimately improving collaboration and elevating the company’s capabilities in a competitive insurance market.
