About us

What matters to you, matters to us

Salus is a boutique life insurance broker providing a market-leading service to high net worth and ultra high net worth clients. We are experts in placing high value and complex risks both domestically and internationally. 

Care and diligence is at the core of what we do. By understanding our clients’ unique needs, we tailor solutions to meet your needs, cutting through the vast complexity of high value life insurance. We work seamlessly with our clients’ existing UK and international advisers, to provide a truly global service. 

Our clients include business owners and private individuals. We enable them to more effectively manage risk and optimise their portfolio.

Contact Salus today and speak to one of our specialist team about your life insurance requirements.

Meet our team

Specialists in wealth management, insurance underwriting and broking

Our dedicated team of expert professional advisers combines specialists in wealth management, insurance underwriting and broking. We have the experience and expertise required for planning and arranging insurance policies that are precisely tailored to your needs.

Steve Lawless (Founding Partner)

Steve founded Salus after 18 years at Old Mutual He began his career managing Private Banks and IFA clients before becoming Global Head of Banking Distribution in 2012. He oversaw the relationships and interactions for Old Mutual globally including locations in London, Switzerland, Singapore, Dubai, Hong Kong and Miami. Latterly Steve became Global Head of High Net Worth Sales, which included the overseeing of distribution partnerships with the private banks, solicitors, family offices, accountants, trust companies and external asset managers. After a record 2017, Steve decided it was time to build something of his own and together with Stuart, Graeme, & Jerry, SALUS is the result.

Steve has a degree in economics, is FCA qualified to diploma level & recently passed the CII Trusts exam. He also holds the CFA’s Investment Management Certificate. 

Steve’s home interests are golf, rugby, cricket, cooking, wine; and together with his wife of 13 years, running around after their three young children (and dog).

Stuart Poonawala (Founding Partner)

Stuart entered the Insurance industry in 1988 when he joined Midland Bank (now HSBC). The last 11 years at HSBC were as an Independent Financial Adviser, providing advice in all areas including protection, investments and pensions, eventually specialising in providing advice to International Clients, which is an area he continues to provide expert advice in. Stuart left HSBC in April 2009 to set up and run his own advisory business, which helped lead to the creation of Salus Life International Limited.

Stuart loves doing things that both excites and keeps him moving forward with purpose. As a naturally creative person, he enjoys new challenges and putting his creative problem solving to good use.

Stuart spent most of his formative years playing cricket, football and rugby and occasionally listening to his teachers. He also has a passion for art and design. At college he studied Investment and Finance, and this shaped his resultant career choices. Sport always has and will be a big part in Stuart's life. He regularly watches Middlesex and England play cricket; he is a life-long Liverpool supporter, and he plays golf every week – some say it’s an addiction!

In 2011, Stuart ticked off a life-long ambition to have a dog, and Billy joined the family. He comes to the office with Stuart on most days and has firmly cemented the role of Office Guard Dog.

Graeme Cowie (Founding Partner)

Graeme has been involved in Financial Services for his entire career. Starting his working life in the Life Insurance Industry with Scottish Provident in 1994, followed by stints at Christows Private Clients and UBS Wealth Management before joining Kubera Wealth in 2013. A founding partner of Salus, Graeme is passionate about delivering Insurance Services and ensuring our clients receive the best possible advice and solutions available within the marketplace.

Graeme holds a Business Studies degree from Edinburgh University and is a Chartered Fellow of the Securities Institute.

During his spare time, Graeme enjoys most sports but particularly golf and cricket. A passionate foodie, Graeme loves spending time in the kitchen and enjoying the fruits of his labours there!

Jerry Brown (Head of Underwriting and Claims)

Jerry has worked in underwriting for most of his 40+year career and headed Swiss Re’s UK underwriting and claims functions from 2001-2007. He then set up his own consultancy business and has worked with many companies in the life insurance sector including Aegon, Aviva, Legal and General, Scottish Widows and Underwrite Me.

From 2010 to 2017 Jerry was Underwriting and Claims Director at Risk Assured and was a key player in establishing their model in the market place, gaining direct access to reinsurance decision making and capacity.

Jerry’s interests are fishing and golf along with a keen interest in ancient history.