Profile
“Westfield Specialty and I have been trying to make sure we are opportunistic in the marketplace and that has allowed us to grow profitably and create a broader and more diversified portfolio”
Jack Kuhn
Westfield Specialty
Changing careers is never easy, but when done for the right reasons, it can be a fulfilling and rewarding decision. For Allen Guo, the decision to become a finance broker was driven by his desire to help others achieve their financial goals and improve their quality of life.
One of the main reasons Guo made this switch is because a finance broker’s job is to help clients progress in their lives by finding the best financing options for their specific needs. As a finance broker, he navigates the complex financial decisions that a client feels uncomfortable with making, and by providing guidance on investment opportunities, helping clients manage their portfolios and offering insights on how to mitigate risks, he can personally contribute to his clients’ financial success. It is incredibly satisfying to see clients make progress in their lives, and the relationships he builds with them often have a positive impact beyond their finances.
What has made Guo’s new career truly fulfilling is his ability to build lasting relationships with clients. He has been privileged to work with individuals and businesses across a range of industries, and by taking a personalised approach to each client, he has been able to maintain a 5-star rating on Google reviews. This is a testament to the quality of service he provides and the trust that his clients place in him.
Looking forward, Guo is excited about the opportunities on the horizon. He remains committed to staying up to date with the latest industry trends and developments to provide the best possible service to his clients. He is always seeking new ways to improve the value that he provides, whether it’s through expanding his expertise in new financial products or developing new relationships with industry professionals.
310 Stephensons Road, Mount Waverley, Vic 3149
0410 036 533
allen.guo@jkksolutions.com.au
linkedin.com/in/zidong-guo-196625215
jkksolutions.com.au
Allen Guo
Mortgage Broker
JKK Solutions
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“The biggest challenge is getting everyone comfortable with the pace that I’m looking for to drive our buildout and growth. How I deal with it is by being open and transparent, and responsive to questions or concerns”
Jack Kuhn
Westfield Specialty
2018
2021
2023
2024
2021–present
Best tour guide in Tasmania
2018
Loan Writer at JKK Solutions
2021
Finalist for Newcomer of the Year
2023
Recognised as one of MPA’s Rising Stars
2024
Head of Commercial Risk, Asia Pacific at Aon (Singapore)
2021–
present
Assistant Vice President and Senior Broker at MJ Hall & Company since 2018
Present
Milestones
Aug 2022
Milestones
Sept 2021
Feb 2022
Apr 2022
Jul 2022
Aug
2022
Suncorp Bank introduces Solar Home Bonus offer for customers who are choosing renewable energy for their homes
Sept 2021
Month-on-month market share growth commences
Feb 2022
Suncorp Bank wins the Canstar award for most outstanding value in investment loans
Apr 2022
Suncorp Bank wins Money Magazine’s Bank of the Year and Business Bank of the Year awards for the fifth year in a row
Jul 2022
Suncorp Bank’s turnaround times are the lowest they have ever been. The lender becomes Australia’s first certified carbon neutral bank for both its operation and transaction services
Aug 2022
Milestones
Kuhn says, “I would say my career has been one of more of chance and opportunities than a set plan. And it’s interesting how one decision has a ripple effect on putting you on a different path than maybe where you thought you would be.”
He highlights his spell at Endurance as his biggest professional achievement to date.
“It took some time, but we took them from really being viewed as a reinsurance company to being viewed as a global insurance company.”
It’s this type of innovative attitude that is powering Westfield Specialty forward so successfully.
Kuhn explains, “Westfield Specialty and I have been trying to make sure we are opportunistic in the marketplace and that has allowed us to grow profitably and create a broader and more diversified portfolio.”
Part of this has seen the firm acquire the existing Lloyd’s of London Syndicate 1200 in February 2023. It is also Kuhn’s ingenuity that has allowed Westfield Specialty to outperform expectations in challenging market conditions.
“I would say it’s been the understanding that there is a limited window of time. We're in this unique market, we need to be fast and decisive to take advantage of market opportunities before the market begins to move away,” he comments. “Additionally, I'd like to say we move with a lot of speed, but we do it in a thoughtful and methodical approach, not just to be the first.”
However, it has been an intricate process to ensure his team are onboard with his vision. Kuhn places importance of explaining his targets and the blueprint to achieve them.
He adds, “The biggest challenge is getting everyone comfortable with the pace that I’m looking for to drive our buildout and growth. How I deal with it is by being open and transparent, and responsive to questions or concerns. This way, everything gets thoroughly discussed and resolved.”
With almost four decades in the industry, Kuhn has developed methods that have consistently delivered. It is why he has been tasked with so many leadership roles and he intends to maintain his focus on creating more success at Westfield Specialty.
“I think I am and have always tried to be methodical. I look at the big picture yet stay focused on executing the different opportunities or plans that I have in front of me. I don’t get emotional or make emotional decisions.”
Chief underwriting officer of executive risk at Chubb
President of financial insurance solutions at Kemper
Chief underwriting officer at Axis Capital
CEO of global Insurance at Endurance
CEO of global Insurance at Sompo International
Kuhn joined Westfield Specialty in the firm’s first year (2021) and has established the company’s presence in the specialty market. By the end of 2023, the firm is expected to surpass $1.3 billion in GWP after writing $300 million in 2021.
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