FWD Group Holdings Ltd has extended its partnership with global business school INSEAD for an additional four years, continuing a leadership development program for its senior agency leaders across the Philippines and other Asian markets.
The extended program, known as the FWD Elite Signature, has already supported the growth of agency leaders from FWD’s network across the region.
Lee Yen Ho, group chief distribution and proposition officer at FWD Group, said investing in a strong distribution network is central to the company’s vision of reshaping people’s perceptions of insurance.
“We want to build the most customer-led, trusted, professional, productive, and digitally enabled advisory team in Asia,” she said.
This extended collaboration is part of FWD’s broader “Grow Your Business Big & Fast” strategy, aimed at expanding the capabilities of agency leaders.
Arnolfo “Nol” de Leon, head of agency at FWD Philippines, noted that this strategy aligns with FWD’s efforts to empower agents to serve clients’ financial needs while growing their own practices.
“[The partnership] helps our agents and agency leaders better shape the financial futures of more Filipinos while building their own business and legacies,” he said.
FWD Philippines president and CEO Manuel “Jumbing” De Rosas highlighted that the INSEAD program is a valuable resource for agents pursuing the prestigious Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT) designation, a global benchmark of excellence in the insurance and financial services industries.
“We are proud to continue this partnership and provide our network with the best opportunities. By equipping our team to set new benchmarks in the industry, they are also able to deliver innovative solutions and outstanding results that shape the future of insurance in the country,” he said.
FWD Group reported having 2,089 MDRT members as of July 1, 2024, placing it sixth in the 2024 MDRT Top 10 Multinational Companies rankings, a position it has maintained for three years. In Thailand, the Philippines, and Vietnam, FWD ranked second for MDRT membership, while in Hong Kong SAR, it ranked fifth.
A primary feature of the FWD Elite Signature Program is a five-day training session held at INSEAD’s Fontainebleau campus in France.
During this intensive residential course, participants attend workshops on leadership strategies, sales management processes, entrepreneurship, and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence.
After this initial session, each participant receives six months of follow-up coaching and gains access to a network of program alumni for ongoing masterclasses and industry events.
INSEAD’s dean of executive education and Asia campus, Sameer Hasija, said the partnership extension will help agency leaders develop skills that enhance their careers and client relations.
“We are thrilled to extend our partnership with FWD for this unique leadership development program. The INSEAD experience will empower the agency leaders with knowledge, tools, and skills to excel, benefiting both themselves and their clients,” he said.
