The UNIBA Partners’ network is constantly evolving; new Partners join, IDMs and Senior Contacts change. Although we have the chance to see each other face-to-face, most of the time we are meeting behind our laptops. And in this online environment you might have missed a new Partner joining or a contact changing, right? Through this article-series we will make sure that that doesn’t happen anymore! In ‘Breaking the ice’ we will introduce new Partners, their specialisations, and, perhaps even more importantly, the people behind it.
In this month’s edition, we’re introducing our latest Italian Partner, WIDE Group’s Matteo Barbini, Managing Director and Filippo Farneti, Head of Marketplace.
For those who didn’t have the chance to meet you just yet, can you please introduce yourself and your company?
Matteo: I'm Matteo Barbini. I'm a co-founder of WIDE Group and the Managing Director.
Filippo: I'm Filippo Farneti. I'm one of the founders of WIDE Group, and I'm the Head of Marketplace.
Matteo: WIDE Group is one of the five largest brokers in Italy, established in 2016. We distinguish ourselves from our competitors through our significant investment in technology to support brokers, not just for online services. Our portfolio is split 70% corporate and 30% professionals and retail, positioning us as traditional consultants.
Let’s dive back into the business side of things. Why is “international” important to your company?
Matteo: The main reason we decided to be part of a network and specifically chose UNIBA is twofold. Firstly, our clients. WIDE Group grew from a small company to a large one with 70% corporate clients. Most of these clients have international exposure, particularly in the US and Asia and we needed a structured relationship to support them worldwide. Trust in the brokers within the network is vital for us to service our clients effectively.
Secondly, we value the creation of relationships with brokers. We asked if there were personal events, monthly meetings, and regular connections because we need to meet and understand the brokers we work with globally. This helps us know what products work, how the market changes, and what technological advancements are coming directly from those on the ground.
Filippo: The main focus concerning placing risk is finding someone we can trust. We need reliable brokers for our clients' international programs. Being part of UNIBA allows us to assure our clients that we have trusted local brokers to place local policies and advise on local standards across the globe.
