IRMI Podcast

In this episode of The Edge of Risk Podcast by IRMI, Joel Appelbaum welcomes Ian Davis, president of the Vermont Captive Insurance Association (VCIA), for a detailed discussion on how captive insurance advocacy works in practice. Building on a prior conversation about Vermont's legislative framework, this episode focuses on VCIA's state and federal engagement efforts—including Vermont Legislative Day and Hill Day in Washington, DC—and what captive owners, managers, and service providers should be tracking in today's regulatory environment. Mr. Davis explains how VCIA sets advocacy priorities, collaborates with regulators, and proactively engages policymakers on issues such as Terrorism Risk Insurance Act reauthorization, National Association of Insurance Commissioners model law discussions, federal tax developments, and emerging regulatory concerns. The conversation highlights how education, relationship-building, and real-world captive owner participation shape effective advocacy—and why staying informed early is critical for the broader captive community.

In this episode of The Edge of Risk Podcast by IRMI, host Joel Appelbaum sits down with Michael Kolodner, Marsh's US energy and power leader, to unpack how geopolitical shifts, market volatility, and evolving incentives are reshaping energy investment priorities. Together, they explore why cross-industry collaboration is becoming essential for building operational resilience in a rapidly changing risk landscape. They also highlight the risks of hyperspecialization and share practical insights leaders need to navigate today's turbulent energy landscape, driven by generative artificial intelligence growth.

Host Joel Appelbaum and Scott Smidlein, managing director and senior client executive at Marsh, break down the 2026 energy insurance outlook in this episode of The Edge of Risk Podcast by IRMI recorded at the 2026 Marsh North American Energy Industry Conference. They examine artificial intelligence- and data center-driven power demand, policy signals from Washington, and the strain of aging assets running at full tilt. They also look ahead to windstorm season and ongoing hail risk for growing solar portfolios. The takeaway: Volatility is the norm, but staying agile—while actively engaging with peers—creates a real competitive advantage.

Are traditional insurance models keeping pace with innovation? In this episode of The Edge of Risk Podcast by IRMI, host Joel Appelbaum speaks with Bill Kost, senior vice president, energy, power, and renewables risk consulting leader at Marsh, about how the insurance industry is adapting to rapid energy innovation. From emerging technologies like battery storage to the growing role of captives, they explore where traditional approaches fall short—and how risk strategies are evolving to meet a changing energy mix.

Recorded live at the 2025 IRMI Construction Risk Conference (CRC) in Indianapolis, this 7.5-minute episode of The Edge of Risk Podcast by IRMI features a Snap Talk with Rachel Dobbs, client executive at Hylant. Ms. Dobbs describes how construction materials affect property insurance costs during and after construction and how they vary across different regions of the United States. Listen in for a technical breakdown utilizing data from a recent study comparing these costs.

In this 30‑minute episode of The Edge of Risk Podcast by IRMI, Scott Cornell, vice president of transportation risk and strategy and crime and theft specialist at LogistIQ Insurance Solutions, pulls back the curtain on the growing sophistication of agricultural cargo theft. Mr. Cornell explains how criminals are leveraging technology and organized networks and what these evolving tactics mean for risk managers, insurers, and the agricultural supply chain.

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act has had an immediate impact within the renewable energy space. Katie Burke, vice president, US Specialty Energy and Power growth leader at Marsh Specialty Energy and Power, shares key insights into the most important components of the Act, including the sunsetting of critical tax credits and the challenges of financing projects and accelerated timelines considering such repeals. With energy needs at an all-time high, renewable energy providers must use long-term, not short-term, strategies for the longevity of the industry.

Casualty claims are growing more complex—and risk professionals need practical strategies to stay ahead. In this episode of The Edge of Risk Podcast, we're joined by Rachael Chen, Senior Vice President in Marsh's U.S. Casualty Energy Practice, and Phil Educate, Senior Vice President in Marsh's Claims Practice. Together, they'll explore the factors that lead to complex claims, the shift in jury dynamics, and proactive tactics to manage troublesome claims and achieve better outcomes.

Steve McElhiney, partner at Captives and ART Solutions, divulges both the rising popularity, as well as some of the misconceptions, of the use of captive insurance in agriculture, in this 26-minute episode of The Edge of Risk Podcast by IRMI. Hear Mr. McElhiney's thoughts on how parametric insurance and captive insurance can go hand in hand.

Artificial intelligence (AI) has become an increasingly important topic across insurance, but its implications for captive insurance and actuarial work are still taking shape. In this episode of The Edge of Risk podcast by IRMI, Steven Abel and Jason Abril of Oliver Wyman share an actuarial and technology-driven perspective on how AI is influencing insurance analytics, data governance, and risk decision-making. The discussion explores how machine learning has long been part of actuarial toolkits, while newer AI technologies are accelerating workflow automation, data enrichment, and analytical insight generation. The conversation also examines how captives differ from commercial insurers in their AI use cases, particularly given differences in scale, mission, and access to actuarial resources. Mr. Abel and Mr. Abril address transparency concerns around AI models, emphasizing governance, documentation, and human oversight. Looking ahead, they outline why AI literacy—rather than deep technical specialization—may become a critical skill for actuaries and captive professionals as advanced analytics continue to reshape risk financing strategies.

Natural disasters and weather-related events continue to dominate headlines, with their frequency and severity increasing year over year. The Edge of Risk Podcast by IRMI welcomes Angela Skow, vice president and head of Large and Complex Construction at CNA, to discuss how the construction industry strengthens communities after natural disasters. In this 16-and-a-half-minute episode, Ms. Skow identifies short- and long-term challenges the construction industry faces with weather-related events, such as labor and environmental considerations, and highlights the importance of integrating climate-adaptive materials with efficient designs to reduce future risk exposures. Listen in and learn more as she stresses the importance of utilizing the latest technology measures, including drones and climate-resilient building materials, to further maintain insurability for construction risks.

Elise Farnham, president of Illumine Consulting, explains hedging in agriculture. In this 14-minute episode of The Edge of Risk Podcast by IRMI, the daughter of a Kansas wheat farmer provides real-life examples of how farmers hedge commodities as part of their overall risk management strategy. Consider this a teaser for what will be an enormously insightful session at the 2026 IRMI Emmett J Vaughan Agribusiness Conference. Click here to be notified when Conference registration opens and be eligible for the Early Bird discount.

The Edge of Risk Podcast by IRMI welcomes Theresa Guertin, partner at Saxe Doernberger & Vita, who was a speaker at the 2025 IRMI Construction Risk Conference in Indianapolis. Listen in for an informative discussion on coverage claims, contracts, and litigation strategy. In this 17-minute podcast episode, Ms. Guertin highlights excellent examples of policy language trends, sleeper risks, and red flags in construction insurance. She also shares her expert opinion on case law that may have a ripple effect on coverage litigation and provides highly applicable examples of best practices for construction risk transfer processes.

Letters of credit remain the most widely used form of collateral in captive insurance programs, valued for their reliability, simplicity, and universal acceptance by fronting insurers and regulators. In this episode of The Edge of Risk Podcast by IRMI, host Joel Appelbaum speaks with Marty Ellis of Comerica Bank about how letters of credit function behind the scenes, from application through draw procedures, and why features such as evergreen clauses and irrevocability are central to maintaining confidence on all sides of a captive program. The discussion also examines how letters of credit compare with trust accounts and cash collateral in terms of cost, liquidity, and investment flexibility. Special attention is given to how group captives use back-to-back letter of credit structures and how banking regulations may influence future pricing and collateral requirements. Together, these insights provide a practical look at why letters of credit continue to anchor collateral strategies in the captive insurance market.

In this episode of The Edge of Risk by IRMI, host Joel Appelbaum speaks with Austin Griffith, senior vice president at Risk Management Advisors, for an in-depth discussion on captive insurance domicile selection. Mr. Griffith outlines the core considerations that shape domicile strategy, including where risks are located, the types of policies being written, premium tax implications, regulatory environments, and the logistical realities of board meetings and travel. He also emphasizes the operational importance of domicile service levels, especially when captives need timely responses to dividend requests or coverage changes. Mr. Griffith further examines the growing trend toward home state domiciling, explaining when it can be advantageous and when limitations in state legislation or regulatory infrastructure may require organizations to look elsewhere. The episode also addresses federal and state tax considerations, procurement tax, misconceptions about "right or wrong" domiciles, and the role advisers play when working across numerous jurisdictions. Mr. Griffith closes by looking ahead at an increasingly competitive landscape as more states build out captive insurance legislation and regulatory capacity.

In this episode of The Edge of Risk podcast by IRMI, Joel Appelbaum speaks with Derek Freihaut, principal and consulting actuary at Pinnacle Actuarial Resources, for a detailed discussion on how captive insurance companies evaluate risk transfer and risk distribution. Drawing on Pinnacle's published research—including its case study on expected adverse deviation (EAD)—Mr. Freihaut explains how actuaries use objective tools to measure distribution, identify downside exposure, and document insurance characterization for regulatory and tax purposes. The conversation also explores the role of expected reinsurer deficit (ERD) in risk transfer testing, the impact of quota share versus excess-of-loss reinsurance structures, and how captives can align retentions, limits, and coverage mix with risk appetite. Mr. Freihaut shares practical examples of how EAD modeling informs program design, capital planning, and emerging-coverage decisions—giving captive owners a clearer view of how different structures influence long-term stability and performance.

Recorded live at the 2025 IRMI Emmett J Vaughan Agribusiness Conference (AgriCon) Central in Des Moines, this 9-minute episode of The Edge of Risk podcast by IRMI features a Snap Talk with Marnye Langer, president and CEO of The Langer Group. Ms. Langer gives us a sneak preview of what's in store for you at the 2026 AgriCon, August 31–September 2, in Nashville, Tennessee. Horse insurance is becoming increasingly complicated. Luckily, we have experts like Ms. Langer to keep us informed about changes.

In this episode of The Edge of Risk podcast by IRMI, host Joel Appelbaum speaks with Jim DeVoe-Talluto, assistant director of captive insurance at the Vermont Department of Financial Regulation, about what organizations need to know when applying to form a captive insurance company. Drawing on more than 2 decades of regulatory experience, Mr. DeVoe-Talluto outlines the steps applicants should expect, the most common barriers to approval, and the importance of a strong feasibility study and experienced advisers. Mr. DeVoe-Talluto also discusses Vermont's regulatory philosophy and why early planning, clarity of purpose, and strong executive buy-in significantly improve the chance of success. Whether you're exploring a first-time captive or seeking insight into regulator expectations in one of the world's largest captive domiciles, this conversation delivers timely, practical guidance directly from the source.

In this episode, Vermont Captive Insurance Association (VCIA) President Ian Davis joins The Edge of Risk podcast by IRMI to unpack how captive insurance legislation evolves in one of the world's most established domiciles. Mr. Davis explains the core pillars of "captive-friendly legislation," emphasizing clarity, flexibility, and responsiveness as foundational to Vermont's regulatory philosophy. He also reflects on the state's long-standing commitment to aligning oversight with real-world risk, ensuring both innovation and integrity remain central to the captive framework. The conversation explores how Vermont's legislative process is rooted in collaboration among regulators, lawmakers, and industry participants, supported by continuous dialogue, trust, and transparency. Mr. Davis also highlights recent developments, including growth in cell structures and adaptive regulation for emerging risks such as artificial intelligence; environmental, social, and governance; and evolving tax considerations. Finally, he shares how captive owners and service providers can engage with VCIA's advocacy committee to help shape future priorities.

In this episode of The Edge of Risk podcast by IRMI, host Joel Appelbaum, chief content officer at IRMI and Captive.com, is joined by Samantha Poulin, associate actuary, and Craig Brophy, principal and consulting actuary, both with Milliman, to discuss governance best practices for captive insurance companies from an actuarial perspective. Together, they explore how captive boards can strengthen governance through regular strategic reviews, clear communication with service providers, and ongoing education. The conversation covers key topics including aligning captive strategy with organizational goals, evaluating capital and coverage decisions, seeking independent actuarial opinions, and using actuarial data to guide operational and investment initiatives. Ms. Poulin and Mr. Brophy also share actionable steps boards can take over the next year to enhance oversight and ensure their captives remain resilient, data-driven, and strategically aligned.

Recorded live at the 2025 IRMI Emmett J Vaughan Agribusiness Conference (AgriCon) Central in Des Moines, this 9-minute episode of The Edge of Risk Podcast by IRMI features a Snap Talk with Casey Roberts of Laurus Insurance Consulting. In this episode, Mr. Roberts gives us a sneak preview of what's in store for you at the 2026 AgriCon, August 31–September 2, in Nashville, Tennessee. AAIS has changes coming our way, and Mr. Roberts will be joining forces with Casey Davis of AAIS to break it all down for us!

As the year-end approaches, captive insurance companies face a complex checklist—from renewals and actuarial reporting to audits, governance, and board preparation. In this episode of The Edge of Risk podcast by IRMI, host Joel Appelbaum, chief content officer of IRMI and Captive.com, brings together a distinguished panel to share practical guidance on how to streamline every stage of the process. Guests Kim Guerriero of Milliman, Alex Murray of Johnson Lambert, Claire Richardson of Hylant, and Dave Williams of Father Flanagan's Boys Home discuss key insights on policy renewals, strategy meetings, and regulatory compliance. They highlight how clear communication, proactive planning, and strong coordination among actuaries, auditors, captive managers, and boards can ensure a smooth and compliant close to the year. Whether you're a new captive owner or an experienced executive, this episode offers actionable takeaways for achieving efficiency and excellence in your captive's annual cycle.

The Edge of Risk Podcast by IRMI features Terence Kadlec, senior vice president and technical services expert at MC Consultants, Inc. In this 19-minute podcast episode, Mr. Kadlec highlights the connection between front-end project failures and back-end claim investigations that can and have led to improved processes. Hear about his experience as he stresses the importance of communication to adapt to the evolving risk industry. Learn how construction risk and insurance professionals of all levels can utilize experiences and environments, such as the IRMI Construction Risk Conference, to collaborate more effectively to mitigate future risk.

In this episode of The Edge of Risk podcast by IRMI, host Joel Appelbaum welcomes Courtney Boles, director of operations at Management Services International (MSI), one of the largest captive managers in North Carolina. Courtney brings her unique perspective on how small businesses can harness organizational alignment to maximize the success of their captive insurance programs. Drawing on her experience in both commercial insurance and captive management, Courtney discusses the importance of identifying internal champions, demystifying the captive formation process, and addressing common skepticism among business owners and their advisers. She highlights the value of communication, education, and cultural buy-in as cornerstones of long-term alignment. The conversation also explores real-world examples of successful captives, strategies for balancing emerging risks with conservative growth, and the role of innovation—from parametric solutions to artificial intelligence-driven tools—in shaping the future of small-business captives.

Reinsurance can be complex and confusing. However, in this 23-minute episode of The Edge of Risk Podcast by IRMI, Larry Schiffer, attorney at Schiffer Law & Consulting PLLC, helps you understand the basics. In plain talk, Mr. Schiffer breaks down important reinsurance concepts as they relate to agricultural risks. After this podcast, you'll understand the importance of Mr. Schiffer's philosophy of "say what you mean, and mean what you say."

A winning strategy for Liberty Mutual is to have professionals with farming backgrounds serve in its farm and ranch division. It helps to understand your client's needs when you understand your client's lifestyle and daily reality. This 16-minute episode of The Edge of Risk Podcast by IRMI features Jenn Powell, farm and ranch senior territory manager, Liberty Mutual Insurance. This episode unpacks the challenges farmers face and the important work Liberty Mutual is doing to help protect the farmers' families and livelihood.

In this episode, The Edge of Risk Podcast by IRMI welcomes Anuja Patil, risk control consulting director at CNA, for an insightful discussion with practical strategies in creating supportive and future-proof work environments in construction. In this nearly 25-minute episode, Ms. Patil provides an examination of the multigenerational and multicultural workforce and explains how understanding the nuances of a workforce can help develop effective safety solutions on construction sites. Ms. Patil provides practical advice and action items to address the challenges in communication, work styles, and physical demands that may vary with diverse jobsites.

In this episode of The Edge of Risk by IRMI, host Joel Appelbaum speaks with Dr. Marcus Schmalbach, CEO of RYSKEX, about a groundbreaking application of captive insurance and parametric risk transfer to support carbon sequestration. The discussion centers on the Arx Veritas project, which monetizes environmental restraint by leaving fossil fuels in the ground—turning unmined coal into a verifiable and tradable asset. Dr. Schmalbach explains how the captive structure, paired with blockchain-based verification, artificial intelligence, and satellite imagery, creates trust and financial credibility for this emerging asset class. The conversation explores how parametric triggers address complex, forward-looking risks, why third-party validation is essential, and how similar models could scale to oil, gas, and rare earth minerals. He also shares his perspective on the paradigm shift needed for risk professionals to work effectively in the evolving carbon economy.

Join Tom Britten of Travelers as he discusses the evolving risks, quality challenges, and technological advancements in battery energy storage systems on the Edge of Risk podcast. If you want even more education on energy risks, the 2025 IRMI Energy Risk & Insurance Conference is available on demand at IRMI.com.

In this episode of The Edge of Risk by IRMI, host Joel Appelbaum sits down with Joe Rosenberger, chief captive analyst at the North Carolina Department of Insurance, to discuss how one of the leading US captive domiciles is evolving to meet the needs of modern risk management. Mr. Rosenberger shares his journey into regulation, the key drivers behind North Carolina's growth, and how the state has positioned itself as a business-friendly but credible regulator. Listeners will gain insights into how the state balances responsiveness with oversight; how it's adapting to emerging risks like cyber and environmental, social, and governance; and why its consistent analyst engagement model sets it apart. Mr. Rosenberger also addresses trends in captive formations, provides a glimpse into potential innovations like crypto premium models, and outlines tech-forward priorities for improving efficiency and transparency.

This month's episode of The Edge of Risk Podcast by IRMI welcomes Ryan Powers, head of construction at QBE. Listen in as Mr. Powers discusses the top risks that construction insureds worry the most about but often feel the least prepared for. In this 13-minute episode, Mr. Powers provides manageable action items to address cyber risks, addresses the benefits and challenges insureds face with technology, and discusses how collaboration in risk mitigation has resulted in reduced frequency in losses in the construction industry.

We know the effects of the Baltimore Bridge collapse on transportation. But what was the agriculture effect? Explore how the Baltimore Bridge collapse disrupted global supply chains and agricultural shipping. This 19-minute episode of The Edge of Risk Podcast by IRMI features Chris Montez, underwriting director at US Marine Insurance Group.The episode unpacks the ripple effects of the disaster—including its complex implications for the insurance industry—and highlights just how interconnected risk really is.

Builders risk policy forms vary significantly, and one of the most misinterpreted elements of these forms is the "delay in opening" coverages. Join The Edge of Risk Podcast by IRMI with Jake Parsons, managing director of disputes, claims, and investigations at Stout, in an informative discussion on time element losses in builders risk policies. In this 24-minute episode, Mr. Parsons provides a high-level summary of the three main types of delay in opening coverages, highlights important coverage extensions, and gives examples of typical yet significant exclusions. He also offers helpful tips for insureds to navigate a delay claim.

Why is there such a rising phenomenon of nuclear verdicts? This 17-minute episode of The Edge of Risk Podcast by IRMI features Nick Lucas, executive director of research and data analytics at the US Chamber of Commerce Institute of Legal Reform. Listen to this important discussion on how massive jury awards have surged in popularity, and learn the underlying factors driving this trend. After this podcast, you will also understand that almost no industry escapes the effects of nuclear verdicts—even agriculture.

In this episode of The Edge of Risk by IRMI, we explore one of the most complex and consequential aspects of captive insurance: tax qualification and compliance. Host Joel Appelbaum is joined by Allan Autry, CPA, and partner at Johnson Lambert, who brings deep experience advising hundreds of captive insurance companies across the country. Mr. Autry breaks down the essential criteria for qualifying as insurance for federal tax purposes, clarifying how those differ from regulatory requirements. The discussion covers key tax considerations in captive formation, the impact of entity type, and scenarios where tax qualification may not even be necessary. Mr. Autry also flags common pitfalls—from failing the risk distribution test to overlooking self-procurement tax—and shares thoughts on evolving tax strategies as captive insurance companies take on climate, cyber, and supply chain exposures. Whether you're involved in captive formation, management, or as an adviser, this episode offers actionable guidance on compliance, structure, and strategic planning.

In this episode of The Edge of Risk by IRMI, host Joel Appelbaum speaks with David Beyer, director of risk management at Alaska Airlines and board chair of ASA Assurance, Inc., the airline's Hawaii-based captive insurance company. David shares the story behind the creation of ASA Assurance, including why Hawaii was chosen as a captive insurance domicile and how long-term education efforts helped gain board approval. Listeners will learn how Alaska Airlines uses its captive insurer to manage a wide range of complex exposures—from workers compensation and aircraft damage to cyber liability and auto risk. David offers insights into how Alaska balances innovation with its conservative risk posture, including the use of artificial intelligence to analyze safety trends and avoid losses before they occur. He also touches on governance strategy, the role of third-party administrators, and key considerations for companies exploring a captive of their own. Whether you're in aviation, transportation, or simply curious about how captive insurance can transform enterprise risk management, this episode provides a grounded, strategic perspective from a seasoned captive owner.

Why are affordability and tech advances important to farmers? This 24-minute episode of The Edge of Risk Podcast by IRMI features Craig Smith, vice president of Agribusiness and Food Services for Alliant Insurance Services and a keynote panelist for the 2025 IRMI Emmett J Vaughan Agribusiness Conference. Listen to this impactful discussion of these challenges and what's happening on the family farm. After this podcast, you will have even more appreciation for the importance of strong advocates for farmers and ranchers.

Private equity is investing in the construction industry—but what does that mean? In The Edge of Risk Podcast by IRMI, join Rob Langtry, global private equity director at Liberty Mutual, as he provides clarification as to why private equity is interested in the construction industry. In this 15-minute podcast, gain an understanding of the typical structure of a private equity program in construction and learn how insurance is generally addressed in such transactions.

Join Joel Appelbaum, chief content officer at IRMI, as he dives into the real economic impact of global trade and tariffs with special guest Bob Passmore, department vice president of personal lines at the American Property Casualty Insurance Association. In this short, 12-minute episode of The Edge of Risk Podcast by IRMI, you'll explore how tariffs influence claims costs, repair cycles, and underwriting strategies.

In this episode of The Edge of Risk Podcast, host Joel Appelbaum speaks with Steven Bauman, head of global programs and captive practice for AXA XL in North America. With over 35 years in the insurance industry, Steven brings a depth of expertise on how multinational organizations can structure captives to navigate regulatory complexity, diversify risk, and support global growth strategies. The conversation covers best practices for aligning captive programs with parent company objectives, the importance of selecting the right partners, and how emerging risks—from cyber threats to climate exposures—are influencing the future of captive insurance. Steven also shares reflections on his long career and offers final advice for companies looking to launch or expand their global captive footprint.

Water damage is a perpetual risk for all insureds but significantly so for contractors. This month, The Edge of Risk Podcast by IRMI welcomes Tony Grieser, technical director of construction loss control at Nationwide, for a thorough discussion of water damage mitigation programs. In this episode, learn about key tools a construction insured can utilize to reduce water damage losses and gain clear action items to establish and implement a water damage mitigation program for contractors of every size. 

What's the raison d'être of American Farm Bureau, and how does California Farm Bureau fit into that? This 24-minute episode of The Edge of Risk Podcast by IRMI features Dan Durheim, chief operating officer, California Farm Bureau, and 2025 IRMI Emmett J Vaughan Agribusiness Conference (AgriCon) keynote panelist. Listen as Mr. Durheim explains the value proposition of Farm Bureau and why it continues to remain strong since its start in 1919. After this podcast, you will have even more appreciation of the organization that serves as the "voice of the farmer."

In this episode of The Edge of Risk Podcast by IRMI, host Joel Appelbaum sits down with Jeremy Colombik, president of Management Services International (MSI), to explore how captive insurance can solve hard-to-place risk challenges. Drawing from over 2 decades of industry experience, Jeremy unpacks the advantages of integrating unrated and nonadmitted paper into captive structures, including cost efficiency, greater flexibility, and custom coverage solutions. The conversation dives deep into fronting arrangements, regulatory considerations, and the evolving use of captives across high-risk sectors. Whether it's environmental exposures, cyber liability, or excess layer risks, Jeremy explains how businesses can use captives to craft tailored strategies that go beyond what the traditional market offers. Tune in for insights on quarterbacking a successful captive, structuring reinsurance relationships, and ensuring compliance while building innovative programs that stand the test of time.

How different is a "regular" property claim from an agricultural property claim? The answer could be—significant. This 8-minute The Edge of Risk Podcast by IRMI episode features a Snap Talk by Julie Overdeer, executive director and partner at the Agricultural Claims Association, LLC (ACA). The mission of the ACA is to provide agricultural claims professionals with a resource that offers training, education, and support. After this Snap Talk, you will have even more of an appreciation of the importance of this specialized knowledge.

The Edge of Risk Podcast by IRMI welcomes Kerry Powers, national director of large accounts at Gallagher, and Ted Way, senior vice president at Gallagher, for an insightful discussion on insurance considerations for adaptive reuse projects in construction. In this 16-minute episode, gain valuable insights into the increasing prevalence of these projects and the tax incentives some municipalities may provide for adaptive reuse developments. Learn the importance of the insurance market in keeping pace with this trend and the role of technology in providing insurers with the confidence to cover adaptive reuse projects.

In this episode of The Edge of Risk podcast, host Joel Appelbaum welcomes Andy Stoelting, senior director of insurance and risk management at Webcor, to discuss the evolution of Webcor's Hawaii-domiciled captive insurance company, Paramount Insurance, Inc. Andy shares his journey from insurance defense attorney to risk management leader and provides an inside look at how Paramount transitioned from a pure captive to a sponsored captive with protected cells. The discussion explores how Paramount supports Webcor and its affiliates in managing construction risks, including innovative uses of the captive to address unique challenges, such as a 10-year performance obligation for the University of California, Merced project. Andy also highlights the benefits of domiciling in Hawaii, the influence of Japanese governance from Webcor's parent company, Obayashi Corporation, and the strategic considerations for balancing captive utilization with opportunities in the commercial market. Whether you're in the construction industry or exploring captives as a risk management tool, this episode offers valuable insights into the power of captive insurance in a complex and evolving landscape.

Hired and nonowned auto exposures historically represented an incidental exposure for many insureds; however, there appears to be a noticeable shift in how construction insureds are approaching this coverage. This 18-minute episode of the IRMI Podcast welcomes Jim Vachon, manager of casualty risk control, and David Lind, loss control service manager, from Starr Insurance. Listen in as Mr. Vachon and Mr. Lind discuss hired and nonowned automobile exposures in the construction industry and share controls that employers can utilize to manage the associated risks.

A common misconception is that experienced drivers don't require ongoing training. In this 11-minute podcast episode, Brian Hammer, senior risk management consultant at Nationwide, shares that ongoing driver safety training is essential. Nationwide's new Drive the 5 program is yet another important initiative to keep its insureds, and society as a whole, safe. After this podcast episode, you will understand the five principles that address specific risks and help drivers stay safe on the road, and you will know where you can access free resources to make our roads safer for everyone.

The regulatory landscape for captive insurance in the European Union is evolving, with Solvency II amendments bringing significant changes to capital requirements, proportionality, and reporting obligations. In this episode, Joel Appelbaum, chief content officer at IRMI and Captive.com, sits down with Alex Gedge, senior captive consultant at Hylant, to discuss what these updates mean for captives and how organizations can adapt. Solvency II, introduced over a decade ago, was designed to enhance the financial stability of insurers operating within the European Union. However, its one-size-fits-all approach has long been a challenge for captives, which operate with distinct risk profiles compared to traditional insurers. The latest amendments introduce a more proportional regulatory framework, reducing capital burden and simplifying governance requirements for small and noncomplex undertakings. Alex provides insights into how captives can leverage these changes, including the benefits of the reduced cost-of-capital rate in risk margin calculations, strategies for adapting to evolving environmental, social, and governance regulations, and how captives can position themselves for long-term success in a shifting regulatory environment.

In this episode, host Joel Appelbaum sits down with Dave Johnson from Innovative Captive Strategies to discuss how captives empower Delivery Service Partners (DSPs) to take control of their insurance and risk management strategies. As the backbone of e-commerce and logistics, DSPs face unique risks that traditional insurance may not address effectively. The podcast explores how captives offer tailored coverage, cost stability, and proactive risk management, making them a perfect fit for DSPs operating in an ever-evolving delivery landscape. The conversation also delves into real-world examples of how captives have mitigated risks, reduced costs, and transformed insurance expenses into profit centers for DSPs. Mr. Johnson also shares insights into the future of captives as technology and autonomous delivery systems reshape the logistics industry. Whether you're a DSP owner, a logistics professional, or someone intrigued by the role of captives in addressing emerging risks, this episode offers invaluable takeaways.

The construction industry has unique factors that can impact a worker's mental well-being.  In this 19-minute episode of the IRMI Podcast, Dr. Marcos A. Iglesias of Travelers shares how the "perfect storm" of psychosocial issues affects construction workers' mental health and outlines some tools workers and employers can utilize to tackle this prevalent problem within the construction industry.