Life of an Underwriter: Jason Coates

Jason Coates joined Aqueous last September as Lead Trading Underwriter and has recently stepped into the role of Underwriting & Trading Manager, bringing with him over 16 years of experience in the industry. His career began at a small MGA where he first developed a passion for underwriting. Since then, Jason has worked across various MGAs, steadily progressing in his career and refining his expertise. Now, nearly six months into his role at Aqueous, he’s relishing the fast-paced, collaborative environment and the company’s commitment to digital innovation.

The evolution of my career

I’ve been in the industry for over 16 years now, but it all started at my family’s MGA. It was an easy way into the sector, but I quickly realised that I genuinely enjoyed underwriting. Over the years, I moved through various MGAs, taking on different underwriting roles, which ultimately led me to Aqueous in September last year. It’s been an incredibly rewarding six months so far, and I’m enjoying every aspect of it.

Digital transformation and industry challenges

One of the biggest challenges in the market right now is digitisation. The demand for faster, more efficient processes is growing, and brokers expect quick turnarounds for their clients. At Aqueous, we’ve built an e-trade platform that streamlines the entire process. Our question sets are carefully crafted to ensure brokers can get the right coverage for their clients without unnecessary back-and-forth. We now provide a slick, user-friendly platform that allows us to deliver quotes in just a few minutes, something that truly sets us apart in the market.

The future of underwriting

Looking ahead, digitisation is only going to become more embedded in the industry. The days of manual submissions and multi-day turnaround times are behind us, brokers now expect same-day quotes, often within hours. At Aqueous, we’re leading the charge, consistently delivering quotes in under 15 minutes on average. As technology continues to evolve, we’re committed to staying ahead of the curve, ensuring that we offer the best service and most efficient solutions in the market.

A human touch in a digital world

Despite the rise of digital platforms, the personal touch remains crucial. One broker recently described Aqueous as “solution-oriented,” which is exactly how we see ourselves. Our platform isn’t just a case of “computer says no”, we actively engage with brokers, trading directly with them to find the best solutions. We don’t want our relationships to feel transactional. Instead, we focus on building strong, long-term partnerships, understanding what brokers need, and delivering tailored solutions to meet those needs.

A team-driven approach

One of the best parts of working at Aqueous is the team. From day one, I’ve been surrounded by great people who genuinely care about delivering a high standard of service, underwriting, and trading. It’s an environment where everyone supports each other, whether it’s sharing challenges, discussing cases, or problem-solving together. The collaborative nature of our team ensures that we’re always learning, evolving, and improving our offering.

Life beyond underwriting

Outside of work, my biggest motivation is my family. I have a wonderful wife and two young children who keep me on my toes. When I’m not spending time with them, I’m usually following sports, football in particular. I used to play at a decent level, but these days, I’m more of a spectator. As a Chelsea fan, I’m always up for a football chat!

I’m also fascinated by elite performance and mindset. Whether it’s through podcasts, books, or documentaries, I enjoy learning about what drives high performers across different industries. That mentality of constant improvement translates into my work, where I’m always looking for ways to develop and push myself further.

Looking ahead

Aqueous is an exciting place to be, and I’m looking forward to what the future holds. We’re at the forefront of digital underwriting, offering a seamless service while maintaining a personal connection with brokers. It’s a great balance, and I’m proud to be part of a team that’s truly making a difference in the industry.

If you ever fancy a chat about underwriting, trading, or football (especially Chelsea), feel free to reach out!