Protection Journalist of the Year 2026
Winner
Ima Jackson-Obot, FT Adviser
This was a very tight category with several excellent entries vying for the judges’ attention. Ima emerged as the winner because of her all-round quality: “The submission reflects a journalist delivering consistently high impact coverage on the most complex and fast-moving issues shaping the UK protection market. The work demonstrates a strong grasp of both systemic challenges and human centred narratives, supported by impressive audience engagement for a specialist publication.”
Across Ima’s articles and reports there was an outstanding ability to blend technical insight with compelling storytelling.
A key element in Ima’s submission was an in-depth guide to the use of artificial intelligence in underwriting, which was praised as “a substantial contribution to industry understanding: it offers clear, accessible analysis of emerging technologies while addressing the ethical, operational and advisory implications of algorithmic decision making.”
Highly Commended
Jaskeet Briah, COVER Magazine
Judges were keen to recognise Jaskeet’s “authoritative, relevant and genuinely useful journalism that drives industry conversation”. The panel complimented her “compelling and impactful body of work, using strong, detailed case studies, showing not just how protection works, but where it breaks down”. “These are balanced with insurer responses, giving the work credibility while still holding the industry to account,” added one judge. Jaskeet was also praised for her determination to spotlight the human consequences of poor practice in the industry.
Shortlist:
Jaskeet Briah, COVER Magazine
Tom Dunstan, FT Adviser
Ima Jackson-Obot, FT Adviser
Tabitha Lambie, Money Marketing
Cameron Roberts, COVER Magazine
Momodou Touray, Money Marketing
