SPOTLIGHT / Meet the state finalists of the 2026 Young Broker of the Year Awards
rely on us for expert advice, guidance and recommendations. Rather than replacing brokers, technology should enhance the client experience by automating the mundane tasks and freeing us to spend more time understanding clients' needs and delivering tailored solutions. To give a practical example: AI can quickly read and summarise a large volume of information like a PDS; the human then verifies accuracy and ensures the recommendation is appropriate. The future of insurance broking lies in combining the efficiency of technology with the empathy and expertise that only humans can provide. Young brokers are inheriting the profession at a pivotal moment. What kind of broker do you want to be in ten years, and what are you doing now to get there? In ten years, I want to be a broker who bridges the gap between the experienced generation and the next cohort entering the industry — and a mentor for that next generation. I want to hold onto the core foundations of broking: trust, strong relationships, technical expertise, empathy and client advocacy — while embracing technology for the best possible client outcomes. I believe the future lies in successfully combining those traditional strengths with innovation, ensuring brokers remain relevant and vital in an evolving world. To achieve this, I continually invest in my professional development: learning from experienced mentors, seeking varied industry perspectives, and embracing new approaches to challenges in an ever- changing environment. What does becoming a finalist of the 2026 Young Broker of the Year mean to you? Being named a finalist represents significant personal and professional growth. Over the past few years, I have consistently challenged myself by stepping outside my comfort zone, taking on new responsibilities and embracing opportunities I would never have imagined five years ago. Being a finalist has given me the chance to reflect on how far I've come and take pride in what I've achieved. It's also reminded me of the support, guidance and encouragement I receive from my mentors, my team and my family. Being a finalist is not only a reflection of my own growth but of the strong support network that has contributed to my journey — I would not be here without them.
VIC/TAS State Finalist
VIC/TAS State Finalist
Jessica Cudia, Simplex Insurance Solutions
How did you get started in the insurance broking profession? I grew up watching my dad find genuine fulfilment in insurance. His career with Zurich and Vero took him into incredible roles, lifelong friendships and a vibrant professional life that deeply inspired me. Years later, as I was finishing my law degree and deciding on next steps, those memories stayed with me. I initially stepped into the industry at JLT, drawn by the dynamic, relationship-driven environment — but I quickly discovered a much deeper sense of purpose. Beyond the travel and networking, the true reward has been the immense satisfaction of advocating for clients. Over the past decade, designing fit-for-purpose solutions that protect businesses against their key exposures has been incredibly fulfilling. The insurance community wrapped its arms around me from day one, and ten years on, I am profoundly grateful for the continuous learning, growth and lifelong friendships it has given me. Tech and AI is reshaping how brokers work. Where do you see it adding value and what do you think will always need the human touch? Tech and AI are fantastic for clearing the administrative paperwork bottleneck. They add enormous value in handling the heavy lifting — processing data, mapping risk trends, helping us work smarter and faster. But technology will never replace the true anchor of our industry: human relationships. AI can analyse a risk profile, but it cannot form a genuine bond with a client, deploy emotional intelligence or build absolute trust with an underwriter. AI also cannot get on the phone and negotiate complex premiums or bespoke coverage requirements. When a risk is nuanced, you need a human broker who knows how to advocate passionately for their client and navigate those grey areas Alyssa Sanfilippo, Lockton Companies Australia
How did you get started in the insurance broking profession?
After eight years in hospitality and retail, I wanted a new challenge and a Monday- to-Friday office environment. I started my insurance career as a receptionist — a foot in the door. I don't like sitting still, so when the opportunity arose to complete my Tier 2 qualification, I accepted immediately and soon moved into an Assistant Broker role. I then completed my Tier 1 and Diploma of Financial Services and advanced to Account Manager, where I thoroughly enjoyed managing and growing my own portfolio and have now moved into the Director and CEO role at my brokerage. Through that journey, I discovered how rewarding it is to work with a wide range of clients and learn about so many different industries. It showed me that insurance broking is a career I will be passionate about for many years to come. Tech and AI is reshaping how brokers work. Where do you see it adding value and what do you think will always need the human touch? Technology and AI is constantly changing the insurance industry and will continue to reshape how brokers operate. When used effectively, AI should handle back-end efficiencies while client interactions remain human. Building relationships with clients is the most important part of broking — clients
“The future of insurance broking lies in combining the efficiency of technology with empathy and expertise that only humans can provide.”
18 / INSURANCE ADVISER JUNE/JULY 2026
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