Headquarters:

Zurich Building, 5 Blue Street, North Sydney, NSW 2060

Year founded:

2002

Number of employees:

Around 25

Phone:

02 9259 8222

Email:

underwriters@afainsurance.com

Website:

afainsurance.com.au

LinkedIn:

linkedin.com/company/afa-insurance

“We prioritise embracing cutting-edge technologies, creative problem solving and continuous improvement to enhance our premium funding solutions and provide exceptional value to our clients”

Ken Keenan

Chief Executive Officer

Alisa Martins

Chief Operations Officer

Lenu Lukose

Chief Underwriting Officer

Leadership

With over 35 years of insurance industry experience across multiple countries, Ken Keenan has led Pen Underwriting as CEO since 2018. His career spans leadership roles in Canada, Ireland and the UK, including CEO at Gallagher’s Canada and president at Noraxis Capital Corporation. Keenan is passionate about people, believing that Pen’s success is built on its dedicated team, trusted broker partners and supportive insurance company relationships. He is committed to steering Pen’s direction and performance, always striving to deliver outstanding solutions for clients and fostering a culture of collaboration and excellence throughout the business.

Chief Executive Officer

Ken Keenan

Appointed COO at the end of 2021, Alisa Martins brings over 15 years of experience with Pen Underwriting. She leads multiple underwriting teams, focusing on talent development and ensuring the company delivers exceptional service to brokers and partners. Martins’s expertise spans analytics, binder governance and management, with a deep understanding of the coverholder model. Her experience in both agencies and insurers in Australia and the UK gives her a broad industry perspective. Martins is dedicated to the growth and wellbeing of Pen’s teams, believing that people are the key to the company’s ongoing success.

Chief Operations Officer

Alisa Martins

Lenu Lukose joined Pen in 2021 as a property portfolio manager and quickly rose to chief underwriting officer. With a background in establishing complex risk portfolios and underwriting roles at QBE and Calliden, he brings a wealth of expertise to the team. He is a strong advocate for solution-based underwriting, seeing it as the driving force behind agency growth. Lukose is passionate about sharing his team’s knowledge with the market and is known for his practical approach. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with family and is an avid fisherman.

Chief Underwriting Officer

Lenu Lukose

BRETT BASTOW, IQUMULATE PREMIUM FUNDINGs

Leadership

Nick Best

Head of Distribution

Nick Best became head of distribution at Pen in early 2025, after joining as property team manager in 2022. With a background as a broker and experience in underwriting, sales and distribution, he leverages his extensive network to benefit Pen’s growth. He is responsible for nurturing broker relationships and identifying new business opportunities. Best believes the insurance industry is all about people and is committed to strengthening connections across Australia. He values the expertise of Pen’s team and their willingness to connect with brokers in person, setting Pen apart in the market.

Head of Distribution

Nick Best

Adrian Lyons

Portfolio Manager Property

Adrian Lyons has built a successful insurance career over the past decade, working with both insurers and agencies. Since joining Pen in 2023, he has managed both property portfolios, driving profitable growth and building strong relationships with security partners and underwriters. Lyons is known for his practical, common-sense approach to underwriting complex property risks. He is passionate about delivering results and supporting his team. Outside of work, Lyons enjoys watching and participating in a variety of sports, making the most of his downtime.

Portfolio Manager Property

Adrian Lyons

Stevens & Associates Lawyers is a leading and trusted employment law firm based in Sydney known for delivering high-quality legal expertise in the area of employment law and industrial relations across Australia, alongside a proven track record of effectively and swiftly resolving a variety of workplace law issues. In the past year, the firm’s growth has been notable. It has: • experienced a 213% growth in the number of client matters, increasing from 149 client matters in the 2022 financial year to 390 client matters in the 2023 financial year • improved its online visibility, leading to over 50 online enquiries each month and a conversion rate of client leads of up to 40% • significantly expanded the breadth and type of matters that it advises on day to day, which has increased the firm’s skillsets, diversity and resilience • expanded its community outreach by collaborating with local Sydney venues for client seminars and continuing active participation in a Sydney small/family business group Stevens & Associates Lawyers has adapted to digital trends by implementing an effective strategy with SEO and web design, resulting in a structural shift that has seen increased representation of employees where the firm previously mainly advised employers. The firm’s recognition as a “Fast Firm” attests to its momentum in the employment law space.

“IQumulate is on a technology journey, and we’re just getting started”

Wayne Tower, IQumulate Premium Funding

Ed Rooke

Technical Underwriting Manager

Paul Behm

Liability Underwriting Manager

Mary-Anne Turner

Property Team Manager

Pam Chhabra

Manager – Residential Strata

Ed Rooke rejoined Pen in 2023 as technical underwriting manager, overseeing liability classes of business. With experience as a senior underwriter and roles at insurers, he is responsible for negotiating binders and expanding Pen’s broker network nationwide. He is known for his positive attitude and creative problem-solving, always looking for innovative solutions. Rooke values building strong relationships both internally and externally. Outside of insurance, he enjoys watching sports and listening to music, bringing the same enthusiasm to his hobbies as he does to his work.

Technical Underwriting Manager

Ed Rooke

Paul Behm has been with Pen since 2017, bringing 25 years of insurance industry experience. Specialising in underwriting, business development and portfolio management, he has focused on the hospitality sector for the past 15 years. He is passionate about delivering fast, knowledgeable service and has built significant relationships within the industry. Behm’s deep understanding of Pen’s products and the hospitality market enables him to provide tailored solutions for clients. He is dedicated to supporting brokers and driving the success of Pen’s liability offerings.

Liability Underwriting Manager

Paul Behm

Mary-Anne Turner has a long-standing association with Pen, returning as property team manager in 2022 after previously serving as a senior underwriter. With 29 years of insurance experience, she leads her team in managing high volumes of quote requests while maintaining exceptional customer service. Her background in corporate and global property insurance, managing large and complex risks, has built her strong network and negotiation skills. Turner encourages her team to follow her example of dedication and professionalism. Outside of work, she enjoys family life and keeping up with her three children.

Property Team Manager

Mary-Anne Turner

Stephen McMillan first entered the financial services Industry when he joined GE Capital as a finance analyst in 2008, from which he progressed through roles working both onshore and offshore. From there, he moved into Pacific Premium Funding as a financial planning and analysis leader in 2012 and was a key resource in the evolution of the business, first with the successful sale to Macquarie Pacific Funding and then the following progression into IQumulate Premium Funding, where he is now the commercial manager. As commercial manager, McMillan leads a team that is responsible for commercial analysis and business support, identifying and reporting improvement initiatives, and the securitization and treasury functions of the business.

Commercial Manager

Stephen McMillan

One culmination of these efforts has been the real-world, needs-based IQEdge solution. A one-stop online quoting tool designed for both the Australian and New Zealand markets, IQEdge delivers quotes in under 60 seconds. Plus, the solution offers quote comparison and quote versioning capabilities, enabling users to review vital historical and financial data in a single page view. IQEdge can streamline and automate application processing, underwriting document verification and payment collection, cutting the need for manual labour and minimising processing errors. A digital “self-service” platform, IQEdge, reduces the need for customer and administrative support. Meanwhile, borrowers can access their accounts, make payments and manage their policies independently and through sales and support teams, which are always available for further assistance. “We’ve created a quality platform that simplifies the quoting process yet amplifies the customer experience,” says Gordon. “It’s a real game changer.” IQumulate offers an online digital quoting tool to clients. The best-in-market solution enables IQumulate to tailor funding offerings to brokers that align with their prefered distribution channel.

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BDM support

What does IQumulate have in mind for the future? “IQumulate is on a technology journey, and we’re just getting started,” says Wayne Tower, CEO. “Through continuous engagement with our clients, partners, marketplace and industry, we will listen to the needs as they arise and position our business to be agile and respond to changes as they occur. “Faster decision-making innovations such as AI-powered decision support systems can expedite the underwriting and approval process, leading to quicker responses to clients. This can improve client satisfaction and potentially attract more business, creating a competitive advantage with the potential to allow IQumulate to command premium pricing or capture a larger market share. “As forward-thinkers with a digital and ‘do it better’ mindset, we collectively and proactively look to learn and improve on our customer experience for our clients, paving the way for successful business outcomes for our clients and our business in the coming years ahead. “We’re excited for the future and look forward to what’s on the horizon.”

Adam Basaldella

Manager – Claims

Product Manager

Claire Watson

Commercial Manager

Stephen McMillan

Claire Watson

Product Manager

Claire Watson

Product Manager

Claire Watson

xxxxxxxxx

Spokesperson, Salesian College Chadstone

xxxxxxxxx

Spokesperson, Salesian College Chadstone

Ivan Verescuk

Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director

Shaun O’Brien

Head of Underwriting

Emily Walker

Head of Strata and Development

Rex Oakman

Head of Operations and Risk

Sandy Newton

Head of Underwriting

Andrew Mitchell

Manager – NSW

Michael Prokopis

Manager – Southern Region

Pam Chhabra

Manager – Residential Strata

Jeffrey Valdivia

Manager – Commercial Strata

Adam Basaldella

Manager – Claims

AFA Insurance is a long-established underwriting business with more than 30 years of specialised experience in accident and health insurance. Known for its award-winning service, it has earned multiple industry honours, including gold awards for personal accident and sickness for four consecutive years, silver in 2022 and gold for three consecutive years for travel, and the Broker’s Pick for eight consecutive years. Its full suite of A&H products is underwritten by Zurich Australia Insurance, ensuring strong protection and reliability. AFA’s expert team lives and breathes accident and health insurance, providing personalised service and tailored solutions. The company specialises in personal accident and sickness cover for individuals; group A&S insurance for companies, associations, and unions; voluntary workers insurance for community organisations; journey insurance; corporate travel insurance; and cover for expatriate and inpatriate medical needs. In 2006, AFA launched eBIND, Australia’s first online quoting and binding tool. Still one of the most successful broker tools today, eBIND allows brokers to bind cover in real time with only a few quick questions – often during the client meeting itself. Led by the second generation of the Porter family, AFA continues to evolve, fostering new talent and developing experienced underwriters. With deep expertise, a committed team, and a passion for protecting people, it can accommodate almost any accident and health insurance need.

IQumulate invests in education and people, which are vital to attracting new business and talent to the company. “We have long tenures for several of our key staff, including some in leadership positions, and this sound working knowledge of our business, practices and industry provides great insights and a wealth of experience to offer our clients,” says Bastow. “Our new head of sales, Graeme Gordon, formerly manager for New Zealand, joins us in Australia to drive our sales strategy and lead our team to successful outcomes for our clients and our business. We look forward to great things ahead with Graeme as he continues to be active and present in the New Zealand market as well as building sound working relationships and new connections in Australia.” Clients can also expect a lot from working with IQumulate. “Through active engagement with our trusted broker network, IQumulate provides relevant information, education and training content,” says Graeme Gordon, head of sales. “Our clients can expect IQumulate to support their business in several ways, providing an understanding of what premium funding solutions are available and how IQumulate can spread the cost of insurance and help borrowers get the right level of insurance cover to free up their cash flow for other expenses or business growth opportunities. Premium funding is often considered a tool for those who simply cannot afford to pay their premiums in full. While this is certainly a significant driver for many, it is also successfully used by profitable companies who use premium funding to manage their cash flows more wisely or better manage their liquidity.”

Medals

Accident and health

Travel

Broker's Pick – Accident and health

Public liability

Diversity, equity and inclusion

Innovation

Reputation

Sustainable programs

Overall

Under the leadership of Principal Mark Ashmore and the College Board, Salesian College Chadstone fosters a positive, professional and growth-oriented environment. With a focus on continuous improvement, the college has achieved record academic results, rising ATAR scores, stronger attendance and national recognition in child safety, including the 2025 Victorian Protecting Children Award. The college celebrated the outstanding achievement of Year 12 student Thomas Maguire-Nguyen, who was named Overall VCE Leader of the Year by the Parliamentary Secretary for Education, Nina Taylor MP. The college has also proudly led the way in innovation through its partnership with Uniform Group and designer Peter Morrissey to launch Australia’s first bespoke, designer-curated school uniform collection, coinciding with the opening of the new Year 7 and 8 Precinct campus in 2026. Salesian College Chadstone’s extra-curricular program develops students’ talents and passions in team environments. Key activities include house sports, debating, peer mentoring, Associated Catholic Colleges (ACC) sports across 55 teams, instrumental music and public speaking. The college collaborates with its partner Girls Schools Sacred Heart Girls College and Avila College for musical productions, leadership experiences and community events, providing the opportunity for cross-school teamwork and connection, reinforcing the college’s commitment to holistic development, leadership and community engagement. Technology is another priority and underpins the college’s strategy of delivering a contemporary education. Over the last 12 months, the college has introduced a series of initiatives: ICT Future Directions committee – exploring the use of technology for communication, data analysis and learning Risk Wizard – risk management, incident tracking and compliance monitoring software Employee Connect – HR and onboarding software Alumnly – integrated cloud-based Alumni Networking and Management Platform for Alumni of Salesian College Chadstone Vivi – whole school wireless mirroring system for efficient classroom displays Intellischools – data platform for student results, attendance and security, aggregating student data for school improvement IVR (Interactive Voice Response) – system for telephone enquiry management Committed to diversity and inclusion, the college’s Learning Diversity team ensures the varied needs of students are met in an environment where every student can thrive. Salesian College Chadstone is a place where academic excellence, personal growth and community spirit converge, preparing young men for an interconnected world while staying true to its Salesian values.

https://emergenceinsurance.com/

Kevin Kinsella

Non-Executive Chairman

David Porter

Managing Director

Anthony Porter

Head of Business Development

David Fisk

Chief Financial Officer

Sam Porter

Senior Underwriter – Accident and Health

Paul McConnell

Southern Region Manager – Accident and Health

Jackson Keir

Underwriter – Accident and Health

Alana Mitchell

Assistant Underwriter – Accident and Health