Willis launches Zest Insurance, a digital revolution for Australian SMEs

Rhea-AI Summary

Willis (NASDAQ: WTW) has launched Zest Insurance, a digital insurance platform designed for Australian SMEs. The platform offers end-to-end digital insurance services, from quoting to policy management, backed by expert broker support. Initially targeting the administration and support services industry with policies underwritten by Chubb, Zest Insurance aims to modernize insurance processes for small businesses. The platform addresses a significant market opportunity, with 97% of Australian businesses having 20 or fewer employees and the SME insurance market valued at AUD 9 billion in gross written premium. The service features industry-specific solutions, user-friendly design, and on-demand broker support, targeting businesses such as bookkeepers, payroll services, and management consultants.

Positive

• Targets large market opportunity with AUD 9 billion SME insurance market in Australia
• Addresses underserved market segment where 97% of businesses have 20 or fewer employees
• Partnership with Chubb, a world leader in insurance, for policy underwriting
• Digital platform reduces operational costs and improves efficiency through online processes

Negative

• Limited initial availability only to administration and support services industry
• Entering a market that has been slow to adopt digital insurance solutions
• Potential competition from traditional insurance providers and other digital platforms

News Market Reaction – WTW

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+0.50% News Effect

On the day this news was published, WTW gained 0.50%, reflecting a mild positive market reaction.

Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.

MELBOURNE, Australia, June 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Willis, a WTW business (NASDAQ: WTW), today launches Zest Insurance, a cutting-edge digital insurance platform tailored specifically for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Australia.

Zest Insurance represents a bold step forward in the digital transformation of SME insurance. It offers a seamless, fast and intuitive online experience backed by expert broker support. Designed to meet the evolving needs of modern business owners, Zest Insurance empowers SMEs to purchase, manage and renew their insurance policies entirely online.

James Baum, Head of Pacific, WTW says: “The launch of Zest Insurance comes at a pivotal time for the Australian SME market. With 97% of businesses having 20 or fewer employees, the platform is poised to serve a vast and growing segment of the market. Zest Insurance aims to bridge the gap between traditional insurance models and the digital expectations of modern SME owners.”

Brent Lehmann, Head of Commercial & Affinity, Pacific at Willis, adds: “SMEs are the backbone of the Australian economy, yet many still face outdated, complex processes when it comes to insurance. They increasingly demand convenience, speed and tailored insurance solutions. Zest Insurance is our answer to that challenge, bringing together digital convenience and trusted expertise in one powerful platform. It aims to make purchasing business insurance more straightforward for small business owners.”

The Australian SME market, valued at over AUD 9 billion in gross written premium, has been slower to adopt digital insurance solutions compared to global counterparts. Zest Insurance aims to close that gap by offering:

• A fully digital customer journey – from insurance quote to bind, renewal, and policy management, all conducted online.
• Industry-specific insurance solutions – with one dedicated insurer per industry to ensure tailored coverage to protect businesses.
• User-friendly design – intuitive forms and interfaces built to enhance and simplify the customer experience.
• Insurance broker support on demand – expert advice available when needed, ensuring confidence and clarity.

Zest Insurance will be available initially to businesses in the administration and support services industry, including bookkeepers, payroll services, management and marketing consultants, market research firms and more, with plans to expand industry offerings in future phases. Zest Insurance policies for this first industry will be exclusively underwritten by Chubb, a world leader in insurance.

James adds: “We’ve built Zest Insurance to be more than just a platform. It’s a new way of thinking about SME insurance. It’s about simplicity, transparency and putting the customer first. Together, we’re setting a new standard for SME insurance, starting in Australia.”

For more information, visit: www.zestinsurance.com.

About WTW

At WTW (NASDAQ: WTW), we provide data-driven, insight-led solutions in the areas of people, risk and capital. Leveraging the global view and local expertise of our colleagues serving 140 countries and markets, we help organizations sharpen their strategy, enhance organizational resilience, motivate their workforce and maximize performance.

Working shoulder to shoulder with our clients, we uncover opportunities for sustainable success—and provide perspective that moves you. Learn more at wtwco.com.

Media contact

Clara Goh: +65 6958 2542
clara.goh@wtwco.com

FAQ

What is Willis's new Zest Insurance platform for Australian SMEs?

Zest Insurance is a digital insurance platform that allows Australian SMEs to purchase, manage and renew insurance policies online, initially focusing on administration and support services businesses with policies underwritten by Chubb.

What industries does WTW's Zest Insurance currently serve?

Zest Insurance initially serves the administration and support services industry, including bookkeepers, payroll services, management consultants, marketing consultants, and market research firms.

How large is the Australian SME insurance market that WTW's Zest targets?

The Australian SME insurance market is valued at over AUD 9 billion in gross written premium, with 97% of businesses having 20 or fewer employees.

What features does WTW's Zest Insurance platform offer?

Zest Insurance offers a fully digital customer journey, industry-specific insurance solutions, user-friendly design, and on-demand insurance broker support.

Who is the insurance underwriter for WTW's Zest Insurance platform?

Chubb, a world leader in insurance, is the exclusive underwriter for Zest Insurance's initial industry offerings.