A roving underwriting service has been introduced by AXA after advisers pushed for a stronger understanding of the complicated process of arranging protection cover .
This service will entail members of AXAs underwriting team to individually meet IFAs to answer queries and offer advice on a number of underwriting issues. Underwriters will also travel with the sales team when they visit advisers to provide an understanding of AXAs underwriting philosophies and processes.
The first underwriter to provide the service will be Dan Musty, a senior underwriter who was previously part of AXA's large case underwriting team. He will talk to advisers about FSA guideline changes, technical medical queries and business protection and financial underwriting .
Mike Taylor, chief underwriter for protection at AXA, says: "Just a few years ago underwriting was seen as a back office function, but it's now part of the sharp end of protection sales. Our key accounts have requested more access to our underwriting team, which is why we've decided to bring in roving underwriters to be deployed in the field."




