Axa fraud head and IFB stalwart Richard Davies passes away

A key player in the establishment of the Insurance Fraud Bureau in 2005, the head of fraud at Axa UK served as deputy chairman of the IFB and chaired its technical board.

Richard was also project sponsor of - and instrumental in - the birth of the Insurance Fraud Register and served as chairman of the financial crime committee at the Association of British Insurers.

More recently he was involved in discussions with Cabinet Office to get the Counter Fraud Data Alliance off the ground.

Richard was recognised for his great efforts on all fronts at the 2011 Insurance Fraud Awards when he deservedly won the Achievement prize.

The LV head of GI fraud strategy and former head of the IFB Sue Jones commented: “Richard was very much a part of the original garrison who put the Industry’s capability to defend itself from fraud on a different level in the late 90’s. His passion, knowledge and dedication to his work in the field of financial crime management was second to none and he will be sorely missed as both an integral part of the fraud community and as a kind, supportive friend to so many of us. He leaves a huge legacy of positive change, including a flourishing IFB and fraud community that he was instrumental in establishing.”

The present IFB director Ben Fletcher said: “Talented and kind in so many ways, Richard always found time to balance helping with industry work on top of having a demanding day job. Richard played a key role in helping shape so much of the industry fraud model. He will be so sadly missed, by so many industry colleagues and friends.”

The ABI’s fraud and financial crime manager Mark Allen added: “Richard was passionate about fighting fraud and protecting the industry’s genuine customers. He was always happy to give his time and lend his expertise to collaborative ventures and was a central figure in the establishment and oversight of the industry’s key initiatives. He will be fondly remembered and sadly missed.”

Richard joined Axa in 2001 as fraud risk manager; and held a number of positions at the insurer including global fraud controller and head of fraud at Axa UK, where he had oversight of all anti-fraud activities undertaken by entities with the business.

Writing on LinkedIn the former CEO of Axa UK Paul Evans said: “He was passionate in the pursuit of his extraordinary expertise and brought enormous value to Axa’s business, but also the wider insurance market, where he had a great many dear friends and has left a valuable legacy which will outlive us all.”

Bertrand Poupart-Lafarge, interim CEO and CFO of Axa UK, told Post: “We were extremely saddened to learn of the death of our colleague and friend Richard, who passed away this morning after a long and courageous battle with cancer. He was hugely well respected and liked throughout the industry and will be missed. The thoughts of everyone at Axa are with his family.”