Scott Machin has recently stepped into a pivotal new role with us, joining the team as Proposition Manager. With over two decades of experience in financial services technology - particularly within the protection sector - Scott brings a wealth of insight and a collaborative spirit honed through roles at the likes of NatWest Bank and iPipeline. From software development to product and integrations management, his career has spanned the full spectrum of tech-driven transformation.
In this interview, we explore Scott’s experience, his vision for his role, and his passion for driving industry efficiency.
You’ve spent over 20 years in financial services technology, with a strong focus on protection. What initially drew you to this sector?
I have always been interested in computers and technology from a very young age and my qualifications in IT and programming enabled me to pursue a career in technology. My first job out of college was at NatWest bank and I really enjoyed the buzz and atmosphere of the industry. At the time - over 30 years ago - banking and finance were seen as prestigious industries to work in. While the sector has evolved significantly since then, that early experience gave me a strong foundation for my career.
Having worked at organisations like NatWest, Assureweb, Sesame, and iPipeline, what are the standout moments or milestones in your career so far?
Throughout my career, I’ve consistently contributed to high-performing teams and played a key role in delivering innovative solutions that drive business success. I’ve been recognised multiple times for my impact, including awards for outstanding performance and contributions to major product launches. My work has spanned developing new tools, enhancing existing platforms, and supporting initiatives that achieved record-breaking results, all while fostering strong collaboration and maintaining a focus on quality and customer value.
You’ve held roles ranging from software development to product management. How has this breadth of experience shaped your approach to proposition management?
Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside a wide range of product managers, each bringing unique strengths to the table. While deep product knowledge isn’t always essential, I’ve found that those who take the time to truly understand the products they manage often make more confident decisions and deliver greater impact. It’s an approach I personally value and strive to embody.
What technological advancements in the protection space have excited you most over the past few years?
- More upfront underwriting solutions being available is fantastic and giving much better consumer outcomes and making the process of buying protection products easier.
- Client education and engagement tools, like iPipeline’s PreQuo Lead Gen, are helping clients understand their needs better and ensure they buy the correct products and then keep them going.
You’ve supported integrators and back-office system providers to adopt supplier technology. What were some of the biggest challenges and successes in driving adoption?
One of the biggest challenges in driving adoption has been the diversity of technology stacks across systems - many of which are built on older programming languages that are difficult to maintain and integrate with newer technologies. Finding developers with the right expertise to bridge these gaps has also been a hurdle.
That said, it’s incredibly rewarding to work with businesses that embrace innovation and actively seek efficiencies through technology. Those that understand the value of automation are now also looking ahead to the transformative potential of AI, which promises even greater benefits.
What technological advancements in the protection space have excited you most over the past few years?
One of the most exciting advancements in the protection space has been the increased availability of upfront underwriting solutions. These have significantly improved consumer outcomes by streamlining the process of purchasing protection products and making it more accessible.
Additionally, client education and engagement tools, such as iPipeline’s PreQuo Lead Gen platform, are helping individuals better understand their protection needs. This not only supports informed decision-making but also encourages long-term retention of the right products.
How do you see technology continuing to evolve to support financial advisers in being more efficient and effective?
Technology is evolving rapidly to support financial advisers in becoming more efficient and effective, and the next few years will undoubtedly be shaped by AI. We’re already seeing tools that transcribe meeting notes and extract data to populate fact-find systems, but the real transformation will come as AI becomes seamlessly embedded within CRMs and back-office platforms. This will enable smarter automation, faster decision-making, and more personalised client support.
The integration of Open Banking data is another exciting development, offering advisers deeper insights into client behaviour and financial needs. Combined with AI-driven guidance, advisers will be better equipped to recommend tailored investment strategies and protection solutions. Importantly, we’re also seeing progress in automated claims processes, which can significantly improve client experience.
One area I find particularly promising is the use of AI health models and vocal biomarkers to identify vulnerable clients earlier - sometimes even before a medical professional would. This kind of technology can alert advisers or support teams to intervene appropriately, and I know of one firm - empath_AI are doing outstanding work in this space.
At the same time, initiatives like our LoA Standards are helping streamline and standardise how advisers interact with providers, reducing friction and improving turnaround times. When combined with the right tech, these standards are a powerful enabler of efficiency and better outcomes across the advice journey.
What role do you believe collaboration plays in driving innovation and improving consumer outcomes?
Of course, ten brains are better than one. In an industry where many of us face similar challenges, working together allows us to create consistent approaches that benefit everyone. For example, when providers align on a single method of integration or process, it reduces ongoing maintenance and operational costs. These efficiencies can ultimately lead to lower costs for consumers. Collaboration also accelerates innovation - bringing together diverse perspectives helps generate new ideas faster and ensures solutions are more robust and scalable.
Why do you believe standards play an important role in the industry and how do you envisage them evolving?
They provide a common framework that allows different organisations to work together more effectively. By defining standards within collaborative working groups, we can tackle industry-wide challenges with greater clarity and consistency. Our own work on LoA Standards is a great example - by streamlining how Letters of Authority are handled, we’re reducing friction for advisers and improving turnaround times for clients.
Looking ahead, I believe standards will continue to evolve alongside emerging technologies like AI. As AI becomes more embedded in financial services, there may be a need for new standards to define how data is input into AI engines and how responses are structured. This could help ensure consistency, accuracy, and transparency across the industry. Imagine a future where AI tools are not only powerful but also interoperable and predictable, thanks to shared standards. It’s an exciting possibility.
What motivates you most in your work?
I am always passionate about technology, being given a challenge or problem to solve, but when you can see the positive impact that either a decision you have made or a solution you have created has on the consumer that really drives me.
If you could change one thing about how the industry approaches protection today, what would it be?
It would be to significantly improve public education around its importance. Too often, protection is seen as an afterthought or something that’s only relevant in worst-case scenarios. In reality, it’s a vital part of financial planning that ensures individuals and families are safeguarded against unexpected events.
We need to do more to raise awareness and help consumers understand not just what protection products are available, but why they matter - and how they can be tailored to meet personal needs. Technology plays a key role here. Tools that simplify the advice journey, personalise recommendations, and make protection easier to understand and access are essential.
