The Fidelis Partnership (TFP) has launched a partnership with Howden to roll out Broker Connect, a new capability within Fidelis' underwriting platform aimed at automating and streamlining the pre-bind submission process for complex risks.
Broker Connect is designed to improve the speed and quality of information exchange between brokers and underwriters, supporting faster and more accurate underwriting decisions. It replaces fragmented manual submissions with structured data and a digital workflow that removes rekeying and lifts data accuracy.
Howden is the first broking partner to go live on the platform via ACORD ADEPT, one of the systems integrated into Fidelis' technology stack. The integration is expected to enable a higher volume of business to flow between the two firms through AI-driven efficiencies.
Broker Connect also incorporates AI-assisted search, allowing underwriting, operations, and claims teams to locate and assess historic submission data more quickly.
Fidelis plans to extend the capability to pricing and actuarial functions in a later phase. That stage will use AI to convert unstructured data into the formats needed for modeling and pricing systems, preparing submissions for underwriter review without manual handling.
John-Paul O'Hare, group director of underwriting at TFP, said the move reflects the firm's focus on letting underwriters concentrate on complex risk decisions.
"For TFP, leadership is about empowering our underwriters to focus on where we add the most value – working directly with brokers and the market to find solutions to complex risks," O'Hare said.
He added that Broker Connect will increase the scale and speed of business with Howden, while reflecting a broader commitment to deploying AI across the business.
Sarah Walton, group head of business services at Howden, said the tie-up addresses long-standing friction in the placement process.
"This partnership is a mutual ambition to make the placement process work better for clients," Walton said, adding that the ability to move quickly and accurately on complex risks is what clients now expect from their brokers and underwriters.
The Broker Connect rollout comes as Fidelis scales rapidly, with the firm reporting written premium of $5.4 billion for the year ended December 31, 2025, compared with $4.7 billion in 2024. Revenue rose 10% and EBITDA exceeded $400 million at a margin of about 60%, underscoring the volumes flowing through its underwriting platform.
Broker Connect will initially cover Fidelis and Pine Walk, the group's specialist MGA platform, creating a single governed store for broker messages and documents across both businesses.
Automated ingestion of broker submissions is intended to lift accuracy and data quality across underwriting, operations, and claims, while smoothing post-bind data flows and reducing reconciliation issues.
