After two years immersed in the world of cyber at CFC, Natalie Belthoff is taking the helm as Management Liability Product Manager – marking our first onshore presence for ML in the US.
In this Meet the Expert, Natalie shares how her new role will help brokers and businesses, what’s on the agenda for the year ahead, and how CFC is making strides in the ML space in the US.
Tell us about your new role?
Over the past two years at CFC, I’ve been deeply involved in the cyber space. Now, I’ve transitioned back to ML – my first professional passion. Most of my career prior to joining CFC was focused on ML, so this move feels like a return to my roots!
I’m proud to be helping CFC break new ground. My appointment marks our first onshore presence for ML in CFC’s US team, which is really exciting. It’s the first time we’ve had boots on the ground to be able to work locally with our brokers and also make it easier to go out and meet them face to face. As Product Manager, I’ll be working hand in hand with our colleagues in London to refine our underwriting approach and product wording. Our main priorities will be on launching digital trading and a new policy form. There’s lots of exciting projects in the pipeline.
I’m proud to be helping CFC break new ground. My appointment marks our first onshore presence for ML in CFC’s US team, which is really exciting. Natalie Belthoff, Management Liability Product Manager
How is CFC enhancing its ML product to meet our brokers’ and clients’ evolving needs?
Currently we’re working on an interim review of our coverage to make sure it’s competitive. In the coming months, we’ll also be doing a full product refresh and broadening CFC’s current ML product to include additional, unique coverage features that align with new market developments.
CFC has long set itself apart in the digital space – and we remain committed to innovation, all to make trading simpler and faster. Our latest step forward is the launch of our tech product on the Connect platform, enhancing digital trading for US brokers. With just one piece of information – the client’s web address – brokers can now quote and renew high-volume small business quickly and easily. And we’re not stopping there. We’re working to make ML just as accessible by integrating it into Connect, streamlining the trading experience even further. By listening to our brokers and clients, we continue to shape the product toward its best-fit scenario: broader coverage and seamless access.
What are the biggest risks facing boards of directors in the US today?
Economic volatility in the US – driven by inflation and trade policies – is creating significant uncertainty, particularly for smaller businesses. These pressures are forcing CEOs, shareholders and boards to make tough decisions, be it raising more capital, through additional debt or equity, or increasing product prices to meet growing financial demands. As a result, bankruptcy filings continue to rise to levels not seen in over a decade.
As insurers, it’s crucial we understand the decisions boards are facing to continue supporting businesses in today’s evolving landscape. From a long-term perspective, AI continues to dominate the conversation. For boards of directors, the challenge lies in how they choose to adopt this technology and stay ahead of the curve. There are just so many different trade-offs to consider, particularly around using AI efficiently, effectively and responsibly. However, with the right ML policy in place, they can be confident their decisions are backed by robust protection. Ultimately, it’s all about providing peace of mind so boards can focus on business.
What sets CFC’s apart in the ML market?
Innovation has always been core to CFC. We constantly monitor market trends and global developments which, paired with regular communication with our customer base, helps us ensure we’re meeting the needs of today’s businesses. Few insurers can offer such a seamless trading experience, as we strive to make trading easier and faster. Because why should the ML space be any different? At the top of our agenda is a focus on digital and how we can incorporate digital practices into our underwriting to set ourselves apart in future.
At CFC, we’re ambassadors for real, positive change. We don’t continue to do things the same way, just because they’ve always been done that way. Meeting business needs is about understanding the market, forecasting trends, and evolving our products to provide the support that’s required, always.
Innovation has always been core to CFC. We constantly monitor market trends and global developments which, paired with regular communication with our customer base, helps us ensure we’re meeting the needs of today’s businesses. Natalie Belthoff, Management Liability Product Manager
What key piece of advice would you give to brokers selling ML?
I have to say we work with some fantastic brokers, and one thing we’ve noticed is the ability to truly understand your client. With this understanding, it gets easier to articulate the coverage features that meet their specific needs. It’s crucial to explain the potential risks your client is facing in a way that resonates. Given the new and emerging risks we are seeing, it’s about making sure the insurance is fit for purpose and this will vary from client to client.
Diving into the detail of key exposures for each case helps you evaluate different policy options and ultimately select the best fit for your client. At CFC, we have our standard ML product, but we also offer niche package policies that address emerging risks for specific businesses. For example, a digital health company has not only boardroom risk but cyber and technology exposures not typically covered by more traditional insurance policies. There are plenty of options and it all boils down to what the client’s needs are.
How do you spend your free time? Tell us something people wouldn’t guess about you!
I have a 10-month old son, so I spend most of my time outside of work with him. I’m still navigating being a new mother, which is exciting. We also have a very large dog who requires a lot of attention. Between the baby and the dog, I’m always busy! I also love to read and travel when I have the time.
I’ve recently started baking sourdough bread (I know, late to the game) and have been dedicating myself to perfecting my recipe, which is a work in progress.
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