30th October 2025

Mark Elliott, ACII, is CEO of Polo Insurance Managers (PIM), leading the Guernsey-based insurance management arm of PoloWorks. With over 20 years’ experience spanning underwriting, risk management, and alternative risk transfer, Mark helps clients design and manage tailored insurance structures, from captives and cells to rated carriers and ILS vehicles.

Under his leadership, PIM has grown into a trusted partner for businesses seeking independent, technology-driven, and client-focused insurance management. This Q&A provides a snapshot of the expertise and tailored approaches that make PIM a trusted partner in the insurance industry.

Q: Let’s start with your background, can you tell us a bit about your career journey and what led you to Polo Insurance Managers?

A: I started out as an aviation underwriter in 1999 and have been involved in the insurance sector ever since, working in a variety of roles, predominantly supporting clients setting up and managing insurance vehicles in Guernsey. I was acting CEO of a large Guernsey-based reinsurer when we were acquired by Marco Capital. The natural next step was to work with PoloWorks to establish a new independent insurance manager in Guernsey, and that’s how PIM was formed.

Q: How would you describe PIM’s role within the wider PoloWorks and Marco Capital group?

A: PIM’s role is wide-ranging. We effectively act as a full-service outsourced operation for our clients, including acting as a licensed insurance manager. That brings a number of regulatory responsibilities alongside day-to-day service delivery.

As part of PoloWorks, we help clients explore new options to grow and protect their business. We also benefit from the wider group’s economies of scale, especially access to technology, expertise, and shared resources.

Q: PIM’s independence is often highlighted as a differentiator, how does being broker-neutral shape the way you work with clients?

A: We work solely for our clients and have no interest in placing risks. That means we can work proactively with any broker to support strategy without conflict. From a client’s perspective, it also allows us to take a more independent view and collaborate constructively with brokers. In my experience, two minds are always better than one.

Q: What types of clients and structures do you typically manage?

A: We have extensive experience managing a wide variety of vehicles, including captives, PCCs, rated reinsurers, collateralised ILS structures, and life entities.

Q: Guernsey is recognised as a leading insurance hub. Why does the island remain such an attractive jurisdiction for new structures?

A: Guernsey has a long history of captive innovation and excellence. The combination of a strong yet proportionate regulator, its geographic and cultural proximity to the London insurance market, and a wide pool of experienced professional service providers makes Guernsey the leading choice in Europe.

Q: You’ve mentioned that collaboration is key to PIM’s success. Can you share an example of how your team works together or with other PoloWorks teams to deliver value for a client?

A: PIM can utilise PoloWorks’ infrastructure to support clients. One large Guernsey client, for example, uses staff based in Cheltenham to handle bordereaux processing and credit control. This gives them access to a resilient and expert team while improving operational efficiency.

Q: Looking ahead, what opportunities or challenges do you see shaping the insurance management market?

A: I think the insurance management landscape is ripe for a new entrant like PIM to deliver bespoke solutions for sophisticated clients. Combining technology with best-in-class people, and a genuine client-first philosophy, should stand us in good stead.

Q: Finally, what motivates you personally in your role?

A: Supporting clients on their journey of setting up their own insurance vehicle is always rewarding. Often what starts out as a small problem to solve becomes an important and profitable part of their business. Working with market-leading colleagues to design and deliver these solutions is what makes me spring out of bed every morning. Captives are evolving too. We’re seeing more clients use them as long-term strategic platforms rather than short-term fixes, which is exciting to see. It reflects a shift in mindset, one that values stability, flexibility, and control through every part of the market cycle.

As Mark highlights, PIM brings together deep technical know-how, independence, and a client-first philosophy to create lasting value. With the strength of PoloWorks behind them and a clear focus on innovation, PIM is well placed to support businesses as they adapt to new opportunities and challenges, driving forward the future of insurance management.