In the escalating battle against digital threats, where a single breach can cost millions, specialist insurer CFC is doubling down on its American foothold. Today, the London-based pioneer in cyber insurance unveiled a dedicated US cyber development team, appointing two industry veterans to drive growth amid surging demand for robust coverage.
CFC expands US operations with new cyber leadership appointments, signaling a strategic push into the world’s largest insurance market. The moves come as cyber attacks hit record highs—over 2,300 incidents reported in the US alone last quarter, per FBI data—fueling a 25% year-over-year spike in premiums for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). John Keebler steps in as Cyber Development Leader for the USA, while Morgan Justice joins as Cyber Development Manager for the Western Region, both hailing from Coalition, a direct rival in the cyber space. These cyber leadership appointments aim to bolster broker partnerships and tailor solutions for North American clients, from tech startups to healthcare providers navigating ransomware woes.
Keebler, with over 15 years in cyber insurance, will spearhead strategic initiatives, collaborating with CFC’s US and London teams to unlock revenue from untapped cyber buyers. Based in the US, he’ll nurture key broker ties and fast-track complex deals, drawing on his track record of scaling underwriting pipelines. Justice, reporting directly to Keebler from the eastern San Francisco Bay Area, brings her expertise in West Coast business development to expand CFC’s footprint in California’s innovation hub. Her role focuses on regional growth, helping brokers craft bespoke policies that blend traditional coverage with CFC’s proactive cyber tools like Solis, their in-house incident response platform.
CFC’s expansion builds on a storied legacy since 1999, when it first disrupted the market as one of the earliest cyber insurers. Today, the firm underwrites over 50 products across 20 classes, zeroing in on tech-driven risks for SMEs—think supply chain hacks or AI-fueled phishing. In the US, where CFC launched its admitted cyber line in 2023, these hires mark the latest in a series of builds: from Michael Phillips as Cyber Practice Leader in New York to global unifications under James Burns earlier this year. The new team promises quicker turnarounds, with Maher emphasizing dedicated resources to “support complex deals and deliver on specific projects for our partners.”
Industry watchers applaud the hires as a savvy play. “CFC’s poaching from Coalition shows they’re not just playing defense—they’re aggressively courting the SME segment where cyber fluency is low but stakes are high,” says cybersecurity analyst Elena Vasquez of RiskWatch Partners. Brokers on LinkedIn are buzzing, with #CyberInsuranceExpansion trending among US networks; one Chicago-based advisor posted, “Finally, a carrier with skin in the game for West Coast risks—Justice’s Coalition chops could shave weeks off placements.” Public reactions lean positive, though some rivals whisper of talent wars heating up, potentially driving up executive salaries by 15-20% in the sector.
For US businesses and brokers, these CFC cyber leadership appointments ripple far beyond boardrooms. SMEs, which foot 43% of global breach costs averaging $25,000 per incident (IBM report), gain faster access to innovative covers that include pre-breach consulting—vital as regulations like SEC disclosure rules tighten in 2025. Economically, it injects competition into a $12 billion US cyber market, potentially lowering premiums by 5-10% through efficiency gains while creating jobs in underwriting and claims hubs like New York and San Francisco. Politically, it aligns with Biden-era pushes for resilient supply chains, indirectly bolstering national security against state-sponsored threats from China and Russia. Tech firms in Silicon Valley stand to benefit most, with Justice’s regional focus easing coverage for AI and cloud ventures amid a 30% uptick in venture funding.
User intent here skews practical: Brokers seek intel on partnering with CFC’s new team for streamlined quoting, while risk managers hunt proactive tools to fortify defenses. To capitalize, reach out via CFC’s broker portal for demos—early adopters report 20% faster claims resolutions. Firms should audit exposures now, prioritizing third-party risks as hybrid work blurs lines.
As CFC’s US cyber engine revs up, expect more hires and product tweaks by Q2 2026, positioning the insurer as a transatlantic powerhouse. With threats evolving faster than ever, these appointments aren’t just expansions—they’re a lifeline for businesses racing to stay secure in a hyper-connected world.
By Sam Michael
Follow us for the latest insurance insights and subscribe to our newsletter for push notifications on cyber risk updates—stay protected in an unpredictable digital age!