20th anniversary Q&A: Mark Graves

clock • 5 min read

Mark Graves, Managing Director, Sesame & PMS, discusses how professional standards have changed over the past 2 decades.

What for you has been the biggest protection/mortgage innovation over the past 20 years and why? A key factor for me has been the evolution of critical illness cover combined with improved underwriting criteria, which has enabled our industry to cover more people on standard rates. Twenty years ago the focus was on life insurance and what happens if people die, whereas now we have broadened our view significantly to support people through the financial consequences of serious ill health and recovery. That's the movement of change for me. Specifically distribution - where was it 20...

To continue reading this article...

Join COVER for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, key trend analysis and industry insights.
  • Stay on top of the latest developments around health and wellbeing, diversity and inclusion and the cost of living crisis.
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletter.
  • Members only access to monthly programme 'The COVER Review'
  • Be the first to hear about our CPD accredited events and awards programmes.

Join now

 

Already a Cover member?

Login

More on Individual Protection

Mental Health Awareness Week is not just for clients

Mental Health Awareness Week is not just for clients

Mental health resources and opinion

Cameron Roberts
clock 15 May 2026 • 4 min read
Third of LV= customers accessing mental health support aged 26-35

Third of LV= customers accessing mental health support aged 26-35

Anxiety primary reason for access

Jaskeet Briah
clock 14 May 2026 • 1 min read
£1m paid out to Waddle Insurance customers

£1m paid out to Waddle Insurance customers

Average claim took 90 days to complete

Jaskeet Briah
clock 07 May 2026 • 2 min read