Influential Women in Captive Insurance: Annie Undikai
Annie Undikai, Founder, shareholder and group managing director, Brighton International Group
Annie Undikai is founder, shareholder and group managing director at Brighton International Group in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
She started at Brighton Management in August 2005, which then grew through several iterations into Brighton International Group.
Prior to that she was head of operations and marketing at Etiqa Offshore Insurance, which was formerly known as MNI Offshore Insurance. From February 1990 to June 1998 she was group financial controller at Kesawan Shipping in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia.
In June 2024 Undikai was appointed as chair of the Labuan International Insurance Association for the 2024–2026 period.
How did you get started in the captive insurance industry?
I started in captive management when I joined a captive management company licensed by Labuan FSA in 1998 and in 2005, I started Brighton Management, a company licensed by Labuan FSA specialising in the management of insurance and insurance-related companies, including captives.
I embarked on my journey in the captive insurance industry fuelled by a dedication to innovation and a vision of enhancing accessibility and flexibility in insurance solutions for businesses. With a keen eye on the evolving business terrain and the burgeoning opportunities for captives in Asia, I established Park Lane PCC in 2020. My endeavour was driven by recognising the potential growth for captives in the Asian market and by identifying a distinct gap in the industry that needed to be addressed.
Who inspired you or acted as a mentor in your career?
Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate to have several mentors who have provided invaluable guidance and inspiration. Their expertise and encouragement have helped shape my approach to business and decision-making. Additionally, I’ve drawn inspiration from pioneering women in the captive insurance industry who have broken barriers and paved the way for others.
What do you think deters people from entering the world of captives?
One of the main barriers to entering the captive insurance industry is the perceived complexity and lack of understanding surrounding captives. Many businesses may not be aware of the benefits of captive insurance or may view it as inaccessible due to misconceptions about cost or regulatory requirements.
Increasing education and awareness about captives, especially in emerging markets such as Asia, can help overcome these barriers and expand access to this valuable risk management tool.
How can mentorship and sponsorship programmes be designed to better support the career development of women?
Mentorship and sponsorship programmes tailored specifically to women in the captive insurance industry can provide invaluable support and guidance. These programmes should focus on providing networking opportunities, skill-building workshops, and access to senior leaders within the industry.
Mentorship relationships should be cultivated based on mutual respect and shared goals, creating a supportive environment for career development and advancement.
In what ways can companies in the sector create a more inclusive culture that actively promotes gender diversity at all levels?
Companies in the captive insurance sector can promote gender diversity by implementing inclusive hiring practices, offering leadership development programmes for women, and fostering a supportive work environment where diverse voices are valued and heard.
Additionally, companies can establish diversity and inclusion initiatives that focus on addressing unconscious bias and promoting equal opportunities for advancement.
What challenges are gender-specific to women in the captives industry?
Gender-specific challenges facing women in the captive insurance industry include entrenched gender bias, under-representation in leadership positions, and difficulties in maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Moreover, navigating within predominantly male networks and conforming to industry norms can pose significant obstacles to women seeking career advancement and professional networking opportunities.
What solutions would you like to see?
To address gender-specific challenges in the captive insurance industry, it’s crucial to implement policies and initiatives that promote gender equality and support women’s career development. This includes fostering inclusive work environments, offering flexible work arrangements, and providing mentorship and sponsorship opportunities tailored to women’s needs.
What are your ambitions?
My ambition is to propel the frontier of innovation and expansion within the captive insurance industry, with a focused emphasis on the dynamic Asian market. My goal is to broaden the footprint of Brighton Management and Park Lane PCC, offering businesses across Asia cutting-edge risk management solutions.
I aspire to champion gender diversity by empowering more women to excel in the captive insurance sector, fostering an inclusive environment of opportunity and growth.
Click here to read Captive International’s first Influential Women in Captive Insurance publication, celebrating the women transforming the captive sector through their sustained excellence and leadership.
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