Crystal Specialist Finance appoints Mark Hutchings as ancillaries director

Specialist distributor Crystal, the broker’s broker, has strengthened its executive team with the promotion of Mark Hutchings to ancillaries director.

Mark has worked in financial services for more than 35 years, with a particular focus on all aspects of general insurance. He moves from his previous role as head of strategy to concentrate on building the additional services side of Crystal’s business, as the firm enters a dynamic phase of growth.
Crystal’s ancillary services business offers valuable add-ons to all brokers, including complex property insurance, personal guarantee insurance and advice on tax issues.

Mark, who joined Crystal in 2022, brings a world of experience to his new position from earlier roles, including head of sales and distribution at Uinsure and managing director at Berkley Alexander Insurance. He was the winner of the British Mortgage Awards – Business Leader (General Insurance & Protection) title in 2020, having made finalist four times previously.

Mark said: “I’m really excited to be leading the ancillary services charge for Crystal. There is a genuine need to support brokers and their clients, in both educating and giving them access to specialist products and services aligned to the complex finance being undertaken. I’m looking forward to collaborating with our supporting brokers and developing further strategic partnerships, to increase the ancillary support package and product range.”

Commenting on Mark’s appointment, managing director Jo Breedon said: “At Crystal we are committed to extending the services we can offer brokers in order to cater for the various needs of their complex clients. As a veteran in the world of financial services in general and insurance in particular, Mark is charged with developing and evolving this part of the business. The experience and enthusiasm he brings to this new role will play an important part in helping us achieve our ambitious growth targets.”