Wiens has been working in the insurance industry for around 30 years, holding posts at various companies. It is her profound belief that insurers have a key role to play in the economy and society, both today and looking ahead. “Major projects, such as the transformation of the energy sector, would not function without them“, she explains. Insurance remains important for consumers too, she adds, citing the need to insure against the growing risks arising from climate change as an example.

An aspect of Wiens’ new work that she finds particularly interesting is the overall perspective given to her by supervision. “I find it exciting to be actively shaping the insurance industry as a whole. What’s really important for me is that customers should be able to trust insurers – both now and in future”. BaFin’s new Chief Executive Director is also keen to drive the modernisation of financial supervision. “There’s a great deal happening in companies in the area of cultural change and agile transformation – I’d like to share the experience I’ve gained in these areas with BaFin.” Most importantly, Wiens is looking forward to working with her new colleagues. “I think it’s really great to become closely acquainted with an authority that I used to experience only from a company perspective“, says Wiens.

With the appointment of Julia Wiens to the Executive Board, BaFin’s Executive Directors comprise an equal number of men and women for the first time.

More information about BaFin’s insurance supervision can be found here.