It’s a risk-related thing for Chief Underwriting Officer, Ben Baker
Image: Ben Baker, Chief Underwriting Officer at Westcor International
There is a strong sense of cautiousness and modesty about Ben Baker but his covert rise to leading Westcor International’s UK underwriting team is a testament to gaining his clients’ trust and having the ability to create bespoke title insurance solutions for their developments.
An accomplished professional with international legal experience and over a decade’s experience in title insurance, Ben joined Westcor International in January 2020 as a Senior Underwriter and has since risen to the position of Chief Underwriting Officer.
Soon after completing his Law degree at Warwick University which included a year spent immersed in German Law at the renowned Justus Liebig Universität in Giessen – conducted entirely in German, he joined the financial services industry, starting out with NatWest Bank. This experience and his previous tenure with First Title, have resulted in his innate ability to help clients navigate complex property transactions, especially in the light of current market dynamics – rising interest rates, varying development funding models and a challenging planning permission environment.
“Since 2012, there have been some ups and downs in development volumes, but nothing like the property market and its volatility today. There is a lot of uncertainty for developer and investor and it is in circumstances like these that I feel I can bring real value – doing everything I can to get the client’s scheme over the line.” states Ben Baker.
Deemed a problem solver, solutions creator, Ben is well respected and connected with insurance brokers, lawyers, funds and developers across the property and insurance markets. His comprehensive understanding of a diverse range of sectors – residential, student accommodation and commercial positions him as a trusted ally for clients.
As a leader in Westcor International’s UK business, he is tasked with developing existing policies, assessing policy enquiries and progressing new products to broaden and continuously improve the company’s title insurance offering – something that comes naturally- spearheading Westcor International’s efforts to revolutionise their range of products and services.
