FORTY under 40: Marcin Antosik

Marcin Antosik, Captive operations leader, Middle East Region, Marsh

Marcin Antosik is a seasoned professional with a diverse background across various industries. He is captive operations leader for the Middle East region at Marsh in Dubai. In this role, he is responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of Marsh’s captive insurance offices in the Middle East and coordinating management services for captive clients in the region. He also contributes to the implementation of new regulations across the European and Middle Eastern regions, including the IFRS 17 initiative.

Antosik’s journey with Marsh began in 2017, and prior to his current role, he had the opportunity to build and lead the Warsaw office for Marsh Captive Solutions. During his tenure of five years, he successfully established the office and contributed to its growth.

Before joining Marsh, Antosik gained valuable experience working at firms such as Deloitte, KPMG, Accenture, and PKF. In addition to his corporate experience, he has had a successful entrepreneurial journey, building and managing his own businesses. He holds a Master’s degree in finance and accounting from the Warsaw School of Economics and a Bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Łódź. He is a fully qualified member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants.

How did you become involved in captive insurance?

During my time as an auditor, I had the opportunity to work with Marsh, one of my clients. This experience allowed me to become familiar with the company and its operations. After a couple of years, I stumbled upon a captivating job offer from Marsh. They were seeking someone to establish an office that would handle offshoring and outsourcing for the company. Little did I know at the time, this position was for Marsh’s Captive Solutions practice.

It was only during the final stage of the recruitment process that I discovered the true nature of the role. It was an unexpected turn of events, but I successfully navigated the process and embarked on this exciting journey.

What are the biggest challenges of working in this industry, and what do you find most rewarding?

One of the most significant challenges is effectively managing the diverse expectations of multiple stakeholders. Working in this field entails dealing with a wide range of individuals, each with their own unique agendas and expectations. From captive owners to regulators, auditors, brokers, employees, and advisors, there is a multitude of parties involved in the captive insurance process.

As a captive manager, it is crucial to navigate these various perspectives and assist clients in finding solutions that meet the needs of each party and also optimise the overall outcome for everyone involved. This requires striking a delicate balance and ensuring that the expectations of all stakeholders are addressed and satisfied.

Despite the complexities and challenges, the most rewarding aspect of my work is witnessing the successful achievement of this equilibrium. Helping clients make the most of their captive and facilitating a mutually beneficial outcome for all parties involved is truly gratifying. It is through this process that I find fulfilment in my role as a captive insurance professional.

Would you recommend the captive insurance industry to young people as a future career path?

Are you a young professional seeking a career that offers a perfect blend of solid hard and soft skills, along with the freedom to explore various options? Look no further than the captivating world of captive insurance! Not only does this industry provide you with international exposure and the opportunity to work across the globe, it also allows you to redefine the traditional work-life balance concept.

What sets captive insurance apart is the versatility it offers. Unlike other careers, it doesn’t confine you to a single industry forever. Working in captives exposes you to a multitude of industries, giving you a firsthand glimpse into how different businesses operate and what it’s like to work for them. This level of exposure is a rarity in the job market.

It empowers young professionals to discover if there’s another industry that ignites their passion or if captive insurance is truly “the one” for them. So, if you’re ready to embark on a dynamic and enriching career journey, consider the captivating world of captive insurance. The possibilities are endless, and the rewards are boundless.

What developments do you see ahead for captives?

The future of captives holds exciting developments, particularly in the realm of combining knowledge, technology, and artificial intelligence (AI). The advancements in AI have the potential to revolutionise risk financing solutions, making them accessible to a broader range of companies.

A prime example of this is Marsh’s recent introduction of Ready Cell, an AI-powered risk financing solution. By leveraging the expertise of Marsh Captive Solutions and integrating AI capabilities, Ready Cell breaks down barriers to entry and significantly reduces costs. This innovative tool is just the beginning, as I believe we will witness a wave of similar projects emerging in the captives industry.

I foresee a proliferation of captive insurance domiciles in the coming years. The global COVID-19 pandemic has sparked a substantial surge in interest in captive solutions across the industry. As a result, more countries are recognising the value of captive insurance and exploring the implementation of captive regulations. This growing trend opens up new opportunities for professionals in the captive insurance field, as well as expanding the reach and impact of captives on a global scale.

In summary, the future of captives is poised for remarkable advancements driven by the fusion of knowledge, technology, and AI. The captive insurance industry is set to thrive and create exciting prospects for professionals seeking to make their mark in this dynamic field.

“The future of captives is poised for remarkable advancements driven by the fusion of knowledge, technology, and AI.”

Do you think your long-term future remains in the captives market?

Currently, I see my long-term future in the sector. It is very dynamic, continuously evolving, and presents a multitude of challenges and opportunities for personal and professional growth. However, I also acknowledge that career paths can change over time. While I am committed to the captives market at present, I remain open to the possibility of exploring different avenues in the future.

Regardless of any potential career shifts, one thing is certain: I will always be a staunch advocate for captives. The value they bring to risk management and the opportunities they offer to businesses are undeniable, and I will continue to champion their importance and benefits.

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