Defaqto’s Insight Team is a group of experienced research consultants, each of whom has an area of speciality. They act as the product champions within Defaqto, being responsible for deciding which product areas should be researched and which product features and benefits are to be considered.

The team undertake bespoke consultancy projects for clients, ranging from analysis of individual products to highlight ways in which providers can improve that product, through to complete range reviews used by clients to align their entire set of products with their target market position.

Insight also write and publish a series of ‘Insight Reports’, covering a wide range of product areas within the financial services market, which give insight and analysis into the historic and present state of market segments and Defaqto’s views on how those segments are likely to develop.

Defaqto’s Star Ratings are created and set by the Insight Team.

The Team

Brian Brown, Head of Insight - download profile (PDF)

Brian joined Defaqto in November 1998 from Royal & SunAlliance where for 5 years he was their Market Intelligence Manager. He designed and launched Defaqto’s General Insurance tables, which cover Home, Motor, Travel, Creditor and Commercial Insurances.

He was one of the initial members of the Insight Team when it was created in 2004, and assumed responsibility for the team in 2006 following the takeover of Defaqto by Find Portal.

Matt Ward, Principal Consultant - Pensions & Wealth Management - download profile (PDF)

Matt joined Defaqto in September 1998 after 5 years building his expertise in the EPP/SSAS market with AXA Equity & Law where he worked in various disciplines.

On joining Defaqto as a Pensions Researcher he broadened his knowledge of the market before being promoted to Pensions Research Manager, then Head of Pensions. He was one of the founder members of the Insight Team and is principally responsible for the areas of Wealth Management.

David Abbis, Principal Consultant - Wealth Management

Following a career in retail banking, David joined Defaqto in 1997. His main responsibilities involve carrying out bespoke consultancy work on investment orientated products and markets, including the creation of fund panels for national IFAs, plus investment and pensions analysis at Defaqto.

David qualified as an Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Bankers in 1972. He represents Defaqto on the ABI Investment Classification Committee and the ILAG Property Investment Group.

Fraser Donaldson, Principal Consultant - Investments - download profile (PDF)

Fraser joined Defaqto in November 1994, from national IFA Towry Law where he was involved in building best advice panels for investment products and was instrumental in setting up the Towry Law Discretionary Management Service in partnership with Mercury Asset Management (now BlackRock Merrill Lynch).

Fraser heads up Investment Research specialising in Unit-Linked Single Premium products, collective investment schemes and their product wrappers.

Ben Heffer, Principal Consultant - Service - download profile (PDF)

Ben graduated from Leeds University in 1984 and, after a spell in the Civil Service, worked for Bradford & Bingley Building Society and Countrywide Independent Advisers before joining Defaqto Limited at its inception in April 1994.

Ben has worked primarily in pensions and investment research. In 2004, he became a member of the Defaqto Insight Team, with special responsibility for the measurement of service standards in protection, pensions and investments

David Black, Principal Consultant - Banking - download profile (PDF)

David joined Defaqto in May 2004 when Defaqto acquired the financial research company of Blay’s Guides Ltd, where he had 16 years of banking research experience for the majority of which he was a director.

He is the lead consultant for the Banking research area, specialising in credit cards, current accounts, equity release, mortgages, savings and unsecured loans.

He is ACII qualified and has an Honours degree from Exeter University.

Mike Powell, Consultant - General Insurance

Mike joined Defaqto in November 2003 from MCE insurance brokers where he held the role of Project Manager. Prior to that he has held various management roles with high street brokers such as Colonnade and Endsleigh. He has been in the industry for over 23 years working within the personal and commercial lines broker market.

Mike was been lead researcher at Defaqto in the commercial and motor insurance product areas until October 2007 when he was promoted to his current role as a Consultant within Insight.

Michael Baxter, Editor - Investment & Business News

Michael joined Defaqto in 2006 when Defaqto acquired the company Investment & Business News, which Michael founded.

I&BN is an email magazine which provides the reader with informed insight into the latest developments in the worlds of business and the economy. Readers can sign up for access to the free newsletter at http://defaqtoblog.com/emv/iabn/emv-sign-up.html

 Luci Mylward, PR Manager - download profile (PDF)

Luci joined Defaqto in 2006 as a marketing executive, before moving to concentrate on PR and was promoted to PR Manager in May 2008.  Before joining Defaqto she worked as news reporter for Mortgage Strategy magazine where she was able to build relationships with providers, packagers and brokers. Before that Luci worked for Barclays Bank at both branch and call centre level.

Luci has a BA (hons) in Journalism Studies from the University of Sunderland, and MA in Journalism and her NCTJ qualifications. She has also studied for her CIM Professional Certificate in Marketing.

Contact Luci for media requests, both for one-off and regular contribution requirements.

Chloe Cottam, PR Executive

Chloe is our latest member to the PR team, joining Defaqto in March 2008. Prior to this Chloe worked for DSG International in Currys brand marketing.

A graduate from the University of Aberdeen in 2006, Chloe studied joint honours in MA History and International Relations. While at university she completed a number of PR internships, her first being in fashion and beauty for Neville McCarthy Associates. Chloe then went on to experience PR in a number of fields, including an internship with the United States Navy Museum in Washington D.C.

Contact Chloe for media requests, both for one-off and regular contribution requirements.